The effect of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) extract supplemented into broiler diets, on performance and blood parameters

This experiment was carried out to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) ethanol extract, on performance and blood parameters of broilers. One hundred twenty 1-day-old male Ross-308 broiler chicks were used in this experiment.  The chickens were divided into 3 groups, including one control and 2 treatment containing 40 birds each. Each group was divided into four replicates and the study lasted 42 days. Group 1 (Control group) was fed with only basal diets. Group 2 (ROE 100mg/kg) was fed basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg R. officinalis L. Group 3 (ROE 200mg/kg), was fed basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg R. officinalis L.  At the end of experiment blood samples collected. Body weight gain (P<0.01) and feed consumption (P<0.001) were decreased when compared with control group, while feed conversion ratio is not affected. Besides, it is detected that rosemary ethanol extract increases the enzymes antioxidant (SOD, GPx, CAT), GSH; reduces lipid peroxidation (MDA) and reduces the ALT, AST, blood glucose level (P>0.05) and LDL-cholesterol (P<0.01). The results of this study showed that lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress parameters significantly decreased after ROE application. Rosemary (R. officinalis L.)ethanol extract at 200 mg/kg administered group was found to create a more positive effect on some biochemical parameters and can be a viable alternative growth promoter in the feeding of broilers.