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Basil


Ocimum basilicum

Basil

Other Names:

Thai Basil, Sweet Basil,garden Basil, St. Joseph’s Wort, Basilicon, Joy Of The Mountain

Benefits

  • Antioxidant
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antitumor
  • Antibacterial
  • Antifungal
  • Antidepressant
  • Antiviral
  • Antibacterial
  • Antiseptic
  • Insect-repellent
  • Immunity
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a well-known, commonly grown, bushy annual kitchen herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Many different varieties of basil exist. Basil has many other beneficial uses, other than adding flavor to food. In Asia and Africa, basil has been traditionally used in the treatment of many ailments, including headaches, coughs, diarrhea, constipation, warts, worms, and kidney malfunctions. Basil contains many beneficial polyphenolic flavonoids, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals. Specific applications studied in poultry include:
  • Egg quality: 15 to 30 g/kg of basil added to laying hens' diet has shown to be of benefit for egg production and egg quality. It is also proven to increase the yolk n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels. Holy basil leaf meal is a good feed supplement for increasing the yolk l-linolenic acid level by reducing the yolk saturated fatty acid levels proportionately.
  • Antibacterial: Oil of basil herb has been found to be beneficial in inhibiting many pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus, Enterococci, Shigella and Pseudomonas.
  • Insect repellent: Basil is said to be useful for repelling mosquitoes.

Poultry Specific Studies

TypePlant PartDosageSpecific useResultsRef
Hensleaves15-30 g/kgegg productionresulted in increased egg production and eggs of high and differentiable quality.M Hammershoj et al., 2012
Broilersoil500 ppm of feedantioxidantcould be potentially used as a feed additive for improvement of intestinal integrity and nutrient utilization, leading to better performanceS Thuekeaw et al., 2022
Chickensup to 2% of feedantimicrobialmay be safely added to chicken feed.R Beier et al., 2014

References

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