Growth Performance and Biochemical Parameters of Broiler Chickens on Diets Consist of Chicory (Cichorium intybus) and Nettle (Urtica dioica) with or without Multi-Enzyme

A total of 288 broiler chickens (1 d old) were used in a 42-d growth trial to study the effects of chicory (Cichorium intybus) and nettle (Urtica dioica) with or without multi-enzyme on growth performance, car-cass traits, and biochemical parameters. The corn-soybean based control diet and 8 experimental diets were fed to each of 3 pens of chickens (12 chickens/pen). Treatments were as follows: 1. Basal diet (B), no addi-tives, 2. B + 0.05% enzyme (E), 3. B + 1% chicory (C), 4. B + 1% nettle (N); 5. B + 1% N + E (NE), 6. B + 1% C + E (CE), 7. B + 0.5% N + 0.5% C (NC), 8. B + 0.5% N + 0.5% C + E (NCE). A higher body weight gain were found at 42 d of age in chickens fed the E, CE, NE, and NCE in diet (P < 0.05), whereas BW did not differ between the control and C, N, and NC diets. A lower food conversion ratio was observed at 42 d of age in birds receiving the NE, and CE. No diet effects on carcass yield, and relative weights of gizzard, and ceca were detected. In contrast, a higher breast yield was found for all treatments except to N group (P < 0.05). The intestinal weight decreased with E, NE, CE, NC, and NCE (P < 0.05). Serum cholesterol de-creased in birds fed C, and NC (P < 0.05) as compared to N. Serum total protein and triglyceride content were similar among all treatments. Serum cholesterol concentration indicated the C and NC treatment had a lower concentration than N (P < 0.05). Broiler performance and carcass traits for birds given dietary NE and CE supplement were similar to other treatment containing herb or enzyme or blend of them, and these sup-plements appear suitable for dietary inclusion. Careful choices are necessary when selecting dietary herb supplements for broilers, but beneficial effects can be observed.