Summary
Supplementation of broiler feed with olive leaves was carried out at the rate of 5 and 10 g of leaves/kg feed and the performance of the animals monitored during their growth. After slaughter, the thighs and drumsticks were stored at 4 °C (± 1 °C) for 12 days. The results showed better feed conversion by the chickens fed the feed supplemented with 5 g/kg. The thighs and drumsticks of chickens that received the feed supplemented with olive leaves showed better microbiological stability than the control treatment, 5 g/kg inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, psychrotrophic and mesophilic aerobes and 10 g/kg inhibiting the growth of Enterococcus spp, lactic acid bacteria, coliforms, Pseudomonas, Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli (p < 0.05). The results indicated the possibility of using olive leaves as a food supplement aimed at improving the microbiological quality of chicken meat.
Key words:
Olive leaves; Chicken; Bacteria
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