Microencapsulated basil oil (Ocimum basilicum Linn.) enhances growth performance, intestinal morphology, and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens in the tropics

Phytobiotics in poultry: revolutionizing broiler chicken nutrition with plant-derived gut health enhancers

As the global population continues to expand, the demand for broiler chicken production to supply safe and high-quality meat is increasing. To meet this ever-growing demand, broiler chickens with enhanced growth performance are being developed, but they often face challenges related to oxidative stress, which can adversely affect gut health. Phytobiotics, which are plant-derived feed additives known for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, immune-modulating, and growth-promoting properties, have emerged as promising natural alternatives to synthetic antibiotics. This review consolidates recent advancements in the use of phytobiotics-derived products from leaves, roots, seeds, flowers, and their extracts in broiler diets reared under standard experimental conditions, without the introduction of stressors. The focus is on elucidating the key mechanisms through which phytobiotics improve gut health, including their effects on gut morphology, integrity, microflora composition, antioxidant capacity, and immune function. The review highlights the potential of phytobiotics to revolutionize broiler nutrition by acting as natural enhancers of gut health. Research findings reveal that phytobiotics significantly improve intestinal health, and boost growth performance, offering a sustainable approach to managing to gut dysfunction. These findings indicate a potential shift in how gut-health related challenges in broilers can be addressed, moving towards natural phytobiotic therapy. However, several challenges persist. Optimizing the dosage of phytobiotics, ensuring consistent performance, and overcoming the limitations related to their extraction and application are key areas requiring further investigation. The review emphasizes the importance of continued research to refine phytobiotic formulations, explore synergistic effects, and incorporate advanced technologies such as AI-driven methods and precision nutrition to tailor feeding strategies more effectively. Additionally, the development of innovative delivery systems, such as nanoencapsulation, is suggested as a way to enhance the effectiveness and reliability of phytobiotics. By highlighting the potential of phytobiotics to revolutionize broiler nutrition, this review supports the poultry industry's shift towards antibiotic-free and sustainable dietary solutions, offering new perspectives on the future of broiler chicken production.

Modulation of growth performance, gut morphometry, and cecal microbiota in broilers by clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) supplementation

In an epoch of the growing risk of antibiotic resistance, there is a dire need to establish an effective novel feeding practice for broiler nutrition as an alternative to antibiotics. Hence, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of clove powder and tulsi extract on the growth performance, gut morphologic and morphometric indices, and cecal microbial status of broiler, as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). Sixty day-old chicks of Cobb-500 strain were randomly divided into 4 groups, each having 15 birds. Chicks of the control group (T0) were fed commercial broiler feed with no additional supplementation. The treatment groups were offered commercial broiler feed and received clove powder and tulsi extract with drinking water at the rate of 0.5% + 2% (T1), 1% + 3% (T2), and 1.5% + 4% (T3), respectively. Results showed a nonlinear relationship with the dosage of clove and tulsi. All the growth parameters substantially (P < 0.05) improved in T2 while T1 and T3 showed no significant improvement compared to T0. The final body weight was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in T2. Giblet and offal weights showed no noticeable differences except in the intestine and heart where intestine weight markedly (P < 0.05) decreased in T3 and heart weight significantly (P < 0.05) increased in T1 and T2. Clove and tulsi supplementation substantially improved the villus height and villus surface area of the small intestine in T2 while the large intestine remained mostly unaffected by the treatment. Cecal microbial status significantly improved in all the treatment groups having increased (P < 0.05) Lactobacillus spp. count and decreased (P < 0.05) E. coli count compared to T0. Based on the aforementioned findings, it can be concluded that the combination of clove and tulsi can improve the growth performance and gut health of broilers which is largely dose-dependent and might be supplied as a potential alternative to AGPs.