Evaluation of the Aqueous Extract of Artemisia absinthium L. on Growth Performance and White Blood Count in Broiler

Abstract

Abstract In this research, the effects of an Artemisia absinthium L. aqueous extract on broiler growth were measured. A total of 384 old-day broilers were used in a completely randomized study with three replicate each (n=32 each replicate). The basal diet was supplied with groups N0 (control), N1, N2, and N3 representing (5, 10, and 15% Artemisia absinthium L.), and the birds were kept under observation for 35 days. The results showed that there was no significant for body weight (g) and weight gain (g) between the aqueous extract groups (5, 10, and 15%) and the control group at 21 days of age. On the other hand, the broiler traded with Artemisia absinthium had a higher feed intake and FRC compared to the others groups during age 21 days. During age 35 days the Artemisia absinthium has significant effects (p<0.05) on the broiler’s performance compared to the control. The number of white blood cells in broilers fed with 5% Artemisia absinthium aqueous extract significantly differed significantly from the other groups. There was a significant difference in Lymphocytes (%) between the aqueous extract of Artemisia absinthium and the control groups. There was no significant difference in Heterophils (%) or H/L (%). In conclusion, the aqueous extract of Artemisia absinthium can improve broiler performance and enhance the white blood cells.