Effect of carvacrol on intake, rumen fermentation, growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing lambs

Abstract

Effect of carvacrol on feed intake, ruminal fermentation, growth performance and carcass characteristics was determined using 40 male Kivircik lambs fed on diets supplemented with carvacrol at the rate of 0.0, 0.15, 0.30 and 0.45 g / kg of dry matter (DM). Total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations of acetate decreased and propionate and butyrate were increased by carvacrol levels. Inclusion of carvacrol in diets did not alter dry matter intake or average daily gain of lambs.