Research on the Use of Basil Plant Extract (Ocimum Basilicum Odoratum) in the Incubation of Chukar Partridge (Alectoris Chukar) Eggs

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of basil plant extract (O. basilicum odoratum) on incubation outcomes and the behavior of chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) during the prenatal and postnatal periods. A total of 160 eggs were collected from chukar partridges aged 14 weeks. The eggs were divided into groups based on the application of basil extract via spraying: control (K), distilled water (F0), 1% extract (F1), and 5% extract (F5). The incubation yields for the groups (K, F0, F1, and F5) were determined to be 70.66±1.51%, 75.00±0.01%, 78.33±2.88%, and 81.00±1.00%, respectively. The hatching success was highest in the F5 group at 98.41±1.12%, while the lowest was observed in the K group at 93.00±1.00%. No significant effects were noted on hatchling weight. The F5 group achieved the highest scores for Tona (98.92±0.23) and Pasgar (9.57±0.08). In conclusion, the application of 5% basil plant extract to partridge eggs enhances incubation yield and hatching success, reduces the rate of malformations, and has a positive effect on chick quality. Furthermore, results from open field and runway behavior tests indicated a potential reduction in fear and stress in newly hatched chicks.