Supplementation of Oregano Essential Oil at Different Phases of Broiler Chicken Production

Supplementation with oregano essential oil is not necessary in all broiler chicken production phases. The aim of study was to evaluate the effect of Mexican oregano essential oil (MOEO) supplementation at each broiler production phase on overall productivity. A total of 300 1-d-old Ross-308 chickens (49.40 ± 1.30 g) were randomly assigned to five experimental groups considering the production phases. The treatments included a control group without MOEO (MOEO0), and four groups receiving 100 mg/kg MOEO during weeks 1-2 (MOEO12), 3-4 (MOEO34), 5-6 (MOEO56) and 1-6 (MOEO16). Feed intake (FI) showed a difference (P < 0.05) at 14 and 28 d; MOEO0 and MOEO12 had the highest FI. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed a trend (P < 0.10). The FI per phase was different (P < 0.05) in the starter phase, while the grower phase showed a trend (P < 0.10); MOEO12 exhibited the best FI-based on WI. The MOEO0, MOEO34, MOEO56, and MOEO16 exhibited lower FI. In overall productivity, FCRFI was affected (P < 0.05); MOEO12 improved the FCR. In conclusion, MOEO broiler diet supplementation during the starter or grower phase can be recommended to improve broiler productivity.