Impact of thyme powder (Thymus vulgaris L.) supplementation on gene expression profiles of cytokines and economic efficiency of broiler diets

Abstract

This study was conducted in an attempt to evaluate the impact of thyme powder supplementation on broiler diets with respect to cytokine and mucin2 gene expressions. It was also our aim to evaluate the growth performance, blood biochemical and hematological profiles, and economic efficiency of the diet. A total of 120 1-day old chicks (Cobb 500) were divided into four groups on the basis of the diet. One group received a basal diet (control) while the others received a basal diet supplemented with 2, 5, or 8 g/kg of thyme powder. At 42 days of age, the chickens were weighed and euthanized, and then blood and tissue samples were collected for the purpose of analysis. Results obtained clearly indicated that thyme supplementation of the diet, especially at 5 g/kg, resulted in a significant increase in body weight and caused the increased body weight gain and feed intake (P ˂ 0.05) as well as augmented WBC and lymphocyte count and IgG and NO levels (P ˂ 0.001). The economic evaluation showed that birds fed on 8 g/kg thyme yielded the lowest net revenue and highest feed cost to produce 1 kg of live weight compared to the other treatments, while birds fed on 2 and 5 g/kg thyme did not differ significantly from values obtained for the controls. The lipid profile of the broilers was affected by thyme supplementation at 2 and 5 g/kg as represented by a significant decrease in serum cholesterol levels as well as low density lipoprotein levels, which is known to be associated with a corresponding increase in high-density lipoprotein (P ˂ 0.001). Furthermore, supplementation of thyme downregulated the pro-inflammatory mediators and increased the expression of mucin2 mRNA in the jejunum of chickens. It can be concluded that thyme supplementation in the diet of broilers at 5 g/kg has the potential to favorably influence productive performance via an improvement in the immune status of the broiler.

Effects of a blend of thyme, peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils on growth performance, serum lipid and hepatic enzyme indices, immune response and ileal morphology and microflora in broilers

“…The inclusion of EOB in drinking water, of broilers, did not alter (p > 0.05) breast muscle, liver, heart and spleen yields at 42 days of age which is in agreement with the results of Rahimi et al (2011) and Ibrahim et al (2018). In the current study, our findings demonstrated that relative weight of lymphoid organs (bursa of Fabricius and thymus) was increased in response to EOB which was consistent with the findings of Hassan and Awad (2017). Our results regarding the serum lipid profile showed that supplementation of EOB in drinking water decreased the total serum CHOL but did not affect the TG, HDL and LDL concentrations, which was in agreement with other studies (Abdulkarimi et al, 2011;Ibrahim et al, 2018;Mashayekhi et al, 2018;Menati, Ali, & Abidelhuseen, 2018).…”

“…The inclusion of EOB in drinking water, of broilers, did not alter ( p > 0.05) breast muscle, liver, heart and spleen yields at 42 days of age which is in agreement with the results of Rahimi et al () and Ibrahim et al (). In the current study, our findings demonstrated that relative weight of lymphoid organs (bursa of Fabricius and thymus) was increased in response to EOB which was consistent with the findings of Hassan and Awad (). Immune cells develop and proliferate in immune organs, and their status determines the dosage of immune function.…”

Immunomodulatory effects of phytogenics in chickens and pigs — A review

“…In the jejuna of broilers, supplementation with thyme powder, which contains the essential oils thymol (50.48%), γ-terpinene (11.03%), P-cymene (9.77%), and carvacrol (4.30%), significantly decreased transcriptional factor NFκB. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α were also downregulated in broilers following treatment with thyme powder [ 119 ]. This is consistent with previously mentioned results, suggesting that the anti-inflammatory effects of thyme make it suitable for application in animal production.…”

Influence of multi‐enzyme preparation supplemented with sodium butyrate on growth performance blood profiles and economic benefit of growing rabbits

“…Economic efficiency = net return per kg gain/feed cost per kg gain (Hassan & Awad, 2017). Economic efficiency = net return per kg gain/feed cost per kg gain (Hassan & Awad, 2017).…”