Background:

The utilization of essential oil from oregano is a viable alternative to promote growth, which can be used in the diet of birds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding essential oils from oregano (EOO) in the diet, and sex, on the productive performance of broilers.

Methods:

A total of 400 one-day old Cobb 500®, were used. The animals were distributed in five treatments (T1- control without additives; T2- 300 mg/kg of bacitracine zinc; T3- 100 mg/kg of EOO; T4- 200 mg/kg of EOO; and T5- 300 mg/kg of EOO), with four repetitions regarding live weight, accumulated weight gain, food consumption, food conversion, and carcass yield, in the two sexes.

Results:

Live weight, weight gain, and food conversion were influenced (P<0.05) by the treatments; T5 showed the best results. The males had the best averages. An interaction (P<0.05) was observed between the treatments and sexm, in relation to live weight, weight gain, and accumulated food consumption. Sex had a significant influence (P<0.05) on breast and quarter yields.

Conclusions:

The inclusion of essential oil from oregano in the diet of chickens, along with sex, had a positive effect on variables live weight, weight gain, and accumulated food consumption.