IMPACT OF PEPPERMINT EXTRACT (Mentha piperita ) ON GROWTH EFFICIENCY, CARCASS ASPECTS, AND ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY IN MEAT-TYPE CHICKENS’ DRINKING WATER

Document Type : Full research articles

Authors

Animal and Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damanhour University

Abstract

A study evaluated the effects of water pepper extract on performance, organ percentage, and economic efficiency when administered as a supplement in the drinking water of meat-type chickens. A total of 72 day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three groups: control (A) (untreated), 6 mL/L (0.6%) (B), and 8 mL/L (0.8%) (C), with peppermint extract supplemented in drinking water daily from the day of hatching. The results indicated a reduced feed intake (FI) and water intake, along with improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) in group B (P < 0.05). The findings indicated a higher survival rate and European production efficiency index in the second group. The pancreas, intestinal weight, gizzard, and heart percentage were significantly influenced by peppermint extract, exhibiting a notable increase relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Administering 8 mL/L of peppermint extract resulted in increased liver and proventriculus size. The economic efficiency was greater in the group receiving 6 mL/L of peppermint extract. The findings of this study indicate that the addition of 6 ml/l of peppermint water extract to drinking water positively affects the productive performance of meat-type chickens, as evidenced by improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) and enhanced relative economic.

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