Effects of Phytogenic Feed Additives on Poultry Growth and Health

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of graded doses of phytogenic feed additives on growth attributes, immune response, and gut health of broiler chickens. Four dietary treatments were prepared: a control diet not supplemented with additives and three other phytogenic diets, which were added to 300, 600, or 900 mg/kg of a standardized mixture of phytogenic. Growth performance variables such as final body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed to conversion ratio, and mortality were measured over a 42-d period, and physiological parameters included the H/L ratio of heterophils to lymphocytes (H/L ratio), serum IgG concentration, and intestinal lesion scoring. Results indicated that phytogenic supplementation led to significant enhancement in performance and health compared with the control group. PHY-600 treatment offered the best results with greater final body weight, better FCR, and lower mortality rate. Birds consuming phytogenic also showed lower H/L ratios and higher IgG concentrations, implying less physiological stress and better immune status. Intestinal scores were significantly lower in groups fed phytogenic, especially in the PHY-600 group, and indicated better intestinal integrity. These observations indicate that moderate levels of inclusion of phytogenic can improve broiler performance and health by increasing nutrient digestibility, enhancing immunity, and protecting the gut. In general, phytogenic feed additives offer a natural potential replacement for antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production.