Effects of Matricaria chamomille and Cichorium intybus powder on Performance, Rumen Microbial Population and Some Blood Parameters of Dallagh Sheep

BACKGROUND: Manipulation of rumen microbial population for improving animal performance is done by several methods including medicinal plants. Matricaria chamomille (chamomile) and Cichorium intybus (chicory) are two medicinal plants with antibacterial effect, however, little information exists about the effects of them on rumen microflora. OBJECTIVES: The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of chamomile and chicory powder on performance, ruminal microbial population and some blood parameters of sheep. METHODS: 9 Dallagh sheep were used in a change over design experiment at three 21-d periods (14 days as adaptation and 7 days for sample collection). Treatments were: 1) control (without additive), 2) chamomile (contained 10% chamomile powder) and 3) chicory (contained %10 chicory powder). Rumen fluid was collected before, 4 h and 8 h after morning feeding and a blood sample was obtained 3 h after morning feeding at the last day of each period. RESULTS: Weight gain, dry matter intake, feed conversion ratio, total count of bacteria, acid lactic bacteria, rumen pH, blood glucose and total protein were not affected by treatments. Diet containing 100g chicory significantly decreased plasma triglyceride versus chamomile but the difference was not significant compared with control. Coliforms in rumen fluid at 4 h after morning feeding were lower in chamomile treatment than control (p 0.05). Lambs that received chamomile and chicory powder had significantly higher rumen protozoa number before morning feeding. CONCLUSIONS: Although Matricaria chamomille and Cichorium intybus dry powder had some significant effects on rumen microbial population it had no effect on performance, growth and blood metabolites.