Effect of Probiotic and Herbal Extracts on Performance, Blood Biochemistry and Immune System of Broiler Chicks

   The purpose of current study was to investigate the synergistic effects of indigenous probiotic strains isolated from the gastrointestinal tract with herbal extracts on gastrointestinal mucosa health (intestinal microflora) and immunity of broiler chicks. In current study, the effect of two types of probiotics (Iranian and foreign products respectively), phytobiotic (thyme extract), profit (a mixture of thyme extract and probiotic) and antibiotics on broiler chicken’s performance were evaluated. Experimental diets provided from day one to end of the period. Statistical analysis results show that adding profits and both probiotics to the diet of chicks leads to a significant decrease in feed intake compared to the control and antibiotic treatment (p≤0.05). All supplements increased the relative weight of lymphatic tissues of the spleen and bursa. Probiotics and prophylaxis treatments had a significant higher weight gain than phytobiotic (Thyme) treatment (p≤0.05). Experimental treatments compared to control treatment significantly improved FCR (p≤ 0.05). Dietary additives can improve the immune system and adding them to broiler chicks diet lead to improving performance and in the future can be introduced as an alternative to antibiotics in poultry feeding.