Effect of Thyme Aqueous Extract on Reproductive Performance, Blood Constituents, Antioxidant Status, and Immunity of Gimmizah Chicken

The present study aimed to assess the effect of thyme leaf aqueous extract (TLAE) on productive and reproductive performance of Gimmizah chickens. Total of 48 males and 48 females aged 38 wk were divided into three groups (16 of each sex in each) fed on diet (16% CP and ME of 2750 Kcal/kg). Birds in G1 were controls, while those in G2 and G3 were drank water with 2 and 4 ml of 20% TLAE /10 L for 60 days. Results showed that TLAE (4ml) improved (P<0.05) Hb, Ht, glucose, creatinine, and cholesterol in both sexes, basophils in males, albumin and calcium in females. Also, 4 ml-TLAE decreased (P<0.05) plasma AST, ALT, MDA, while increased (P<0.05) T 3 , IgG, IgM, and TAC in both sexes. 4 ml-TLAE increased (P<0.05) weight, tail, width, Haugh unit, and shape of eggs; weight, height, and index of albumen; and height and index of yolk. Sperm motility parameters, morphological features, velocity, and kinetics were increased by 4 ml-TLAE. Also, egg yield, hatched chick weight, and chick-ovo index were increased (P<0.05) by ml-TLAE, while fertility and hatchability of eggs were not affected.In conclusion, thyme administration of thyme in drinking water (4 ml/10 L) can be used to achieve beneficial impacts on reproductive and productive performance of males and females of Gimmizah local strain.