Efficiency of Echinacea purpurea on performance of broilers and layers

The aim of the present investigation was to examine the inclusion of the dried aerial parts of the herb Echinacea purpurea (L.) MOENCH as feed additive in diets of broilers and layers on feed intake, feed conversion efficiency and growth/egg performance. The control groups were supplemented with alfalfa meal. In total, 360 broilers received as a dosage-screening test 0, 0.6, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4, 3.0, 3.6, 4.2, or 4.8% Echinacea cobs for a period of 5 weeks. The recorded parameters feed intake, feed conversion efficiency and growth performance showed no influence of the various dosages. Another experiment with broilers comprised 180 birds during 5 weeks. The treatment groups were 0, 2.4% Echinacea cobs or 10 mg/kg feed Flavomycin. The Echinacea group had a significant lower feed intake (2713 g vs. 2995 g) and body weight (1719 g vs. 1895 g) compared with the Flavomycin and the control group. 120 layer chicks were allotted to 2 experimental groups with 0 or 1.8% Echinacea cobs and raised in floor management from week 1-20. In the egg production period starting in week 21, they were supplemented with 0 or 4.8% Echinacea cobs. Body weight in week 4, 8, and 20 was similar, while feed intake of the Echinacea group was depressed by 4%. Feed efficiency of the Echinacea group in week 1-4 was 4% better, but depressed in week 5-8 by 11%. In the egg production period no differences between the treatment groups was observed. It can be concluded, that Echinacea purpurea as a feed additive for broilers and layers is not beneficial for growth or layer performance and that it is not suitable to replace an antibiotic feed additive.