The expanding worldwide population has greatly boosted demand for poultry products, necessitating the expansion of poultry production systems. This increased intensity comes with it obstacles such as illness threats and stress, both of which can weaken birds’ immune systems. As a result, improving poultry immunity in a sustainable and effective manner has become a high priority. With the ban on antibiotics for growth promotion and prophylaxis in chicken feed, the search for natural alternatives to boost avian immune function has gained steam. These natural feed additives are essential not only for promoting health, but also for improving production performance and nutritional value of chicken feed.
Natural feed additives have emerged as promising candidates to replace antibiotics in poultry diets. A wide range of bioactive compounds found in natural feed additives can enhance the immune response, improve growth, and help poultry better cope with stressors. Flavonoids, for instance, are powerful compounds extracted from various plants such as chamomile, rosemary, and green tea. These bioactive compounds have antimicrobial properties that improve poultry immunity by boosting immunoglobulin levels and increasing vitamin C. Moreover, flavonoids can help reduce harmful bacteria in the gut, such as coliforms, while protecting birds from the adverse effects of heat stress. These compounds also help regulate immune cells and reduce free radicals, thus enhancing the bird’s natural defense mechanisms against infections. Isoflavones, another type of flavonoid found in plants like soybeans, also offer antibacterial and antiviral benefits, further boosting immunity in poultry.
Antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining the immune system’s balance and preventing oxidative damage in poultry cells. While poultry diets rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids can create reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidants are essential in neutralizing these harmful compounds. Natural antioxidants such as vitamin E, selenium, carotenoids, and resveratrol, are particularly valuable in poultry diets. Vitamin E, in the form of tocopherols and tocotrienols, helps regulate metabolism and reduce inflammation, strengthening immune function. Carotenoids, which are also present in fruits and vegetables, protect fats from oxidative damage and possess antibacterial properties. Similarly, resveratrol, found in grapes and peanuts, helps combat oxidative stress, modulate energy metabolism, and improve gut microbiota, ultimately boosting immunity, especially under heat stress conditions.
Herbal feed additives are another effective alternative to antibiotics. Various herbs such as dill, oregano, sage, and fennel contain potent compounds that help enhance gut health and immune function in poultry. For example, dill has compounds like glycosides and saponins that improve gut microbiota by reducing harmful coliforms and promoting beneficial lactobacilli. Oregano, with its active ingredients carvacrol and thymol, has shown efficacy in controlling pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella. Other herbs such as skullcap, peppermint, and ginkgo biloba have demonstrated antioxidant properties that help mitigate the effects of heat stress and improve overall growth performance and immune response against viral diseases like Newcastle disease.
Spice additives also show great promise as antibiotic alternatives in poultry diets. Ginger, with its active compounds like gingerol and shogaols, has proven antimicrobial and antioxidant effects in poultry, supporting gut health and boosting the immune response. Similarly, coriander, sumac, black cumin, and cloves offer antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, with studies showing improvements in immune system function and reductions in pathogen populations in the gut. These spices have been found to enhance antibody titers against common poultry diseases, thereby improving disease resistance and overall health.
Incorporating these natural feed additives into chicken diets provides a long-term solution for improving immunity and overall health while tackling antibiotic resistance and the environmental concerns connected with synthetic additives. However, it is critical to examine the availability, cost, and feasibility of obtaining these additions from various places. Furthermore, the efficiency of these chemicals may alter depending on the unique requirements of poultry in various production methods. Nonetheless, a rising amount of research suggests that natural feed additives are a realistic and effective way to promote poultry health and sustainability in the industry.
