Objective: This study sheds light on the antibacterial effects of thymol on reducing bacterial load in poultry drinking water and in improving zootechnical performances of animals. Methodology: In vitro, the antibacterial activity of thymol, in different water samples used as drinking water in poultry farms, was carried out using the plate count method. Water samples were treated by increasing concentrations of thymol. In vivo, chicken were randomly assigned to three groups; (untreated and treated water with thymol (1 and 2 g l-1 of NP). The efficiency of water treatment was evaluated on the bacterial intestinal load and zootechnical performances of animals (Body weight, body weight gain, food intake and the consumption index). Results: The in vitro test showed an important antibacterial activity, depending on the different treatment concentrations (p<0,05; p<0,01; p<0,001), on different species (total mesophilic aerobic flora, coliforms, staphylococcus, salmonella, C. perfringens). The in vivo test showed that the total mesophilic aerobic bacteria and C. perfringens intestinal loads were significantly lower (p<0,05; p<0,01) in the groups treated with thymol. In addition, results show a significant increase (p<0.05; p<0,01; p<0,001) in the body weight of treated groups during the whole rearing period compared to the control. The body weight gain of animals in the treated groups was significantly (p<0.05; p<0,01; p<0,001) higher than the control. Treated groups represent a lower consumption index compared to the control. Conclusion: In addition to demonstrating a high antibacterial activity, this work offers an alternative solution to chemical biocides which are commonly used in poultry farming.

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