The main objectives of this work were to investigate the effects of using
chamomile flowers (Matricaria chamomile) at difierent levels ( 0 - 1 and 2 g I head I
day) on carcass characteristics and histology of digestive tract and kidneys.Twenty
one growing male Rahmani lambs with an average age of 3-4 months and weighing
on average 19.87 kg were used . The animals were divided randomly into 3 equal
groups according to their life body weight. The experimental work lasted for 180 days.
The nutrient requirements were determined every two weeks according to NRC
(1985) recommendations. Three experimental rations (roughage/concentrate(R/C)
ratio was40:60 in all treatments) were formulated from concentrate feed
mixture(CFM). yellow corn(YC) and berseem hay (BH) and offered to the sheep in
groups(G1,G2andG3)as follows.G1 :CFM+YC+BH(control), G2:CFM+YC+BH+1 g
chamomilelhead/day(treatment1), G3:CFM+ YC+BH+ 2g
chamomilelhead/day(treatment 2). At the end of the growing trials, four representative
lambs from each group were slaughtered to study the carcass characteristics and
histology of the digestive system and kidneys. The results of the present study
indicated that the differences among chamomile levels in fasting and carcass weights
were statistically significant. Adding of chamomile to lambs rations had a positive
effect on dressing percentage. The effect of treatments was positive (or significant)
on shoulder. legs and flank as well as prime cuts (kg) . Whereas, carcass cuts as %
from hot carcass weight differed slightly as a result to the presence of chamomile in
growing lambs rations. Weight of 9-11 ribs cut was increased with increasing
chamomile level in growing lambs rations. The animals fed on the control ration had
the lowest value of eye muscle area, while the highest value was recorded with the
ration containing the high level of chamomile and the differences were significant.
Regarding the histological structure of liver, kidney, rumen and small intestine, the
results indicated that the addition of chamomile to the growing lambs diet had
beneficial effects on these organs, in particular on rumen and small intestine, without
any harmful effects on liver and kidneys function.