Abstract :
The study aimed to examine and compare the influence of adding synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), with two herbal medical plants (Oregano germander) on broiler gut microflora, and its immunity. One hundred and forty broilers were raised for three weeks and were distributed into five treatment groups. The prepared dietary treatments were included (w/w): 1). Control (without supplement) 2). Germander (GER; inclusion level 1.5%) 3). Oregano (ORE; inclusion level 2.5%) 4). Combination of GER and ORE (CM; inclusion levels 1.5 and 2.5%, respectively) 5). BHA (0.02%). The highest total number of ileal lactobacilli counts was found in broilers fed CM dietary treatment. On the other hand, their disgust samples (ie in CM) showed the lowest total count of Escherichia coli compared to other treatments. Among different dietary treatments, CM treatment showed the best positive effect on broiler immune system response, where it showed the highest Bursa Fabricius relative weight, and IgG values. Overall, the results showed that such dietary treatment (ie Combination of GER and ORE) positively enhanced gut microflora, and bird's immunity response.
