الفهرس 
INTRODUCTIONOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Utilizing alternative protein rich feed ingredients in poultry nutrition is an ongoing demand for poultry nutritionists. Although soybean meal is the standard protein source in poultry diets, alternative sources such as sunflower meal, become currently available in the Egyptian market at reasonable price. Sunflower meal is a mixture of protein containing kernel and hulls. Its content of protein varies from 28 to 36%, and fiber from 18 to 30%. The main nutritional limitations of sunflower meal are its lower energy and lysine, and higher crude fiber content in comparison to soybean meal. These limitations lower the inclusion level of sunflower meal in broiler chicken diets. Growth promoting feed additives of either antibiotic or natural origin can be utilized in broiler chickens as a tool to increase the efficiency of utilization of less digestible diets (e.g. diets containing sunflower meal) due to their antimicrobial and digestion stimulant properties. Although the growth promoting activities of feed antibiotics have been well documented, their utilization in animal and poultry feed was prohibited in the European Union since 2006, due to development of bacterial resistance, presence of residues in meat, and increased consumer health consciousness. Phytogenic feed additives (such as thyme, peppermint, green tea, licorice, oregano, fenugreek, chamomile, and fennel extracts)can be utilized as a natural and safe alternative to feed antibiotics.