Dietary supplementation of amla (Emblica officinalis) and shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) for improved growth performance in commercial broiler chickens

Introduction

Poultry refers to domesticated bird species raised for meat, eggs, and other valuable byproducts. Among livestock enterprises, poultry farming is recognized for its quick returns and cost-effectiveness. Remarkably, broiler chickens can achieve a market-ready weight of 1.8 kg within just seven weeks of rearing. Broilers are particularly important in poultry production due to their efficient feed conversion and high-protein dietary requirements. As health awareness increases globally, poultry products (meat and eggs) have gained prominence in human diets, positively influencing India's poultry market. Lifestyle changes promoting healthier diets and active living, despite health challenges like diabetes and obesity, further support this trend. The Indian government encourages poultry farming through financial support and initiatives like the Entrepreneurship Development and Employment Generation (EDEG) scheme to promote qualitative and quantitative production. The broiler meat act as a pivotal animal protein source, helping meet nutritional demands. Recent years have seen broiler production emerge as the fastest method to increase highquality protein availability. However, feed expenses account for 70-75% of total production costs, making feed efficiency improvement essential for economic sustainability. Globally, poultry farming has evolved into a highly organized agribusiness sector. India ranks as the world's 3 rd leading egg producer and 5 th in broiler meat production. Despite this, there exists a significant difference between recommended and genuine meat consumption in India. The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) suggests per capita meat consumption of 11 kg, while actual availability stands at only 3.8 kg. This contrasts sharply with global averages (17 kg) and developed nations like the United States (43 kg), (FAO, 2016) [3] . India's traditional Ayurvedic system offers valuable medicinal plants with therapeutic applications for both humans and animals. Among these, Indian gooseberry (Amla, Emblica officinalis) holds particular significance. This deciduous tree, known regionally as 'Usiri' or 'Nellikai', has been documented in ancient Ayurvedic texts for its medicinal properties.

Modern research confirms Amla's benefits as:

 A powerful natural antioxidant with high vitamin C content.  An effective immune modulator.  An antimicrobial agent with antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

In poultry production, Amla serves as:

Similarly, Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is valued for its galactagogue and anabolic properties. Its active components, particularly Shatavarins (saponins), function as nutritive tonics and anti-stress agents.

Various herbal preparations, including Amla, Shatavari, Tulsi, and ginseng, have demonstrated effectiveness as anti-stress solutions in animal health management. These natural alternatives offer promising solutions for enhancing poultry productivity while addressing modern challenges in the industry.

Materials and Methods

Experimental Results

Weekly Feed Intake

The data on lasting a week average feed uptake and total feed using up are presented in Table 2. In the initial weeks, the T 7 group showed the highest feed uptake, whereas the T 0 group had the minimal. During the 2 nd week, feed uptake rest relatively consistent across all treatment groups. By the 3 rd and 4 th weeks, the T 0 group uptake the most feed, while the T 6 group recorded the less uptake. This trend continued into the 5 th and 6 th weeks, with T 0 again exhibiting the highest feed uptake and T 6 the lesser.

Over the entire 6-week period (weeks I to VI), mean feed uptake varied among treatment groups as follows: T 0: 4292 g, T 1: 4039 g, T 2: 4060 g, T 3: 4051 g, T 4: 4065 g, T 5: 4063 g, T 6: 3988 g, and T 7: 4088 g. Notably, by the end of the sixth week, all treatment groups had significantly lower feed intake compared to the control group (T 0 ). The highest intake (4292 g) was observed in T 0 , while the lowest (3988 g) was recorded in the T 6 group, which received a diet containing 0.50% SRP + 0.50% AP. These findings are consistent with previous research. Kumari et al.. (2012) [6] reported reduced feed intake in chicks supplemented with SRP, showing a linear decrease with increasing supplementation levels. Similarly, Wadhwa et al.. (2007) [18] observed comparable differences in feed consumption when amla powder was added to broiler rations, with natural vitamin C (from amla) enhancing intake more effectively than synthetic vitamin C. Positive results were also noted by Singh et al.. (2009) [15] using Superliv DS containing Emblica officinalis documented a significant increase in feed consumption with Emblica officinalis supplementation.

Weekly live body weight gain

The data on average weekly live body weight gain are presented in Table 3. Over the 6-week period, mean body weight gains across treatment groups were as follows: T 0: 2234 g, T 1: 2283 g, T 2: 2300 g, T 3: 2296 g, T 4: 2304 g, T 5: 2324 g, T 6: 2409 g, and T 7: 2362 g. All treatment groups demonstrated significantly higher body weight gains compared to the control group (T 0 ). The maximum gain (2409.28 g, representing a 7.84% increase) was observed in T 6 , which received the full supplement combination (SRP + AP) in the basal diet. This was followed by T 7 (2362 g), T 5 (2324 g), T 4 (2304 g), T 2 (2300 g), T 3 (2296 g), T 1 (2283 g), and T 0 (2234 g). The lowest gain was recorded in the control group (T 0 ). Throughout the experiment, a clear trend emerged, with herbal-supplemented groups outperforming the control group in weight gain. The T 6 group achieved the highest gain, while T 0 showed the lowest, and this difference was statistically significant.

These results align with existing literature. Rekhate et al.. (2004) [13] , Bhardwaj et al.. (2008) [1] , Kumari et al.. (2012) [6] all reported enhanced weight gain with Shatavari supplementation. Additionally, Patel et al.. (2016) found a significant increase in body weight in broilers fed E. officinalis powder, while Kumari et al.. (2012) [6] and Patil et al.. (2014) [8] also documented improved growth performance with similar supplementation strategies.

Feed Conversion Ratio

The study evaluated the effects of Shatavari and amla powder supplementation on broiler feed conversion ratio (FCR) from weeks 1-6, with results presented in Table 4 and Figure 3.

Mean FCR values across the 6-week period showed variation between treatment groups: T 0 (control) at 1.77, T 1 -T [1] and Pedulwar et al.. (2007) [9] documenting FCR improvements with Shatavari supplementation.

Nutrient Utilization

Nutrient utilization data (Table 5) revealed significant differences between groups. Dry matter utilization percentages were: T 0 (70.61%), T 1 (71.43%), T 2 (71.63%), T 3 (72.60%), T 4 (72.84%), T 5 (73.15%), T 6 (73.85%) and T 7 (73.40%). Groups T 4 -T 7 showed significantly higher dry matter absorption than the control, with T6 demonstrating the highest utilization. Crude protein utilization followed a similar pattern: T 0 (54.42%), T 1 (56.92%), T 2 (57.15%), T 3 (58.09%), T 4 (58.52%), T 5 (58.92%), T 6 (59.42%), and T 7 (58.85%). All supplemented groups outperformed the control in protein utilization, with visible improvements in muscling corresponding to body weight gains. Ether extract utilization showed comparable enhancements: T 0 (72.16%), T 1 (75.02%), T 2 (76.11%), T 3 (76.54%), T 4 (77.20%), T 5 (77.70%), T 6 (78.96%), and T 7 (77.82%). The supplemented groups exhibited significantly better fat utilization than the control, evidenced by superior fleshing characteristics in broilers receiving SRP and Amla powder supplements.

Mortality Percentage

The study recorded mortality rates among broiler chicks across different treatment groups. Out of the total 288 chicks reared, 26 mortalities occurred during the experimental period, resulting in an overall mortality rate of 9.02%. Mortality percentages varied between treatment groups, ranging from 2.77% to 13.88%, with the highest mortality observed during the second week of the trial.

Economics of Broiler Production

The economic analysis of broiler production examined the cost-effectiveness of supplementing diets with SRP (Shatavari Root Powder) and Amla powder, either individually or in combination. The calculation considered both the initial cost of day-old chicks and feed consumption throughout the rearing period.

For the control group (T 0 ), the total feed cost per bird was Rs. 120.12, while supplemented groups ranged from Rs. 116.47 (T 3 ) to Rs. 125.82 (T 7 ). When including the cost of chicks, total production expenses varied from Rs. 176.47 (T 3 ) to Rs. 185.82 (T 7 ), with the control group (T 0 ) at Rs. 180.12.

Net profit was calculated based on the market rate of Rs. 110 per kg of live weight. The T6 group, which received a combination of 0.5% SRP and 0.5% Amla powder, achieved the highest net profit of Rs. 91.44 per bird-representing a 27.29% increase over the control group's Rs. 70.57. Other supplemented groups showed profits ranging from Rs. 75.32 (T 2 ) to Rs. 83.03 (T 5 ).

These results demonstrate that the T 6 dietary supplementation not only improved feed efficiency and nutrient utilization but also delivered superior economic returns compared to both the control and other treatment groups. The findings support the economic viability of using combined SRP and Amla powder supplementation in commercial broiler production systems. The improved profitability in supplemented groups, particularly T 6 , can be attributed to enhanced feed conversion efficiency and better nutrient absorption, as evidenced by the growth performance data. This combination of biological and economic benefits makes the supplemented feeding regimen particularly promising for poultry producers seeking to optimize both production performance and financial returns.

Discussion

The study aimed to assess the effects of supplementing Shatavari Root Powder (SRP) and Amla Powder (AP) on the growth performance of commercial broiler chickens. The findings revealed that the inclusion of SRP and AP in the diet significantly enhanced body weight gain while reducing feed intake and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). [13,1,6] . Nutrient utilization, particularly the absorption of dry matter, crude protein, and ether extract, was significantly higher in groups supplemented with SRP and AP compared to the control group. This suggests that SRP and AP may enhance nutrient absorption and utilization, ultimately contributing to better growth performance. These findings are consistent with earlier studies reporting improved nutrient utilization in broilers supplemented with these natural additives (Wadhwa et al.., 2007; Singh et al.., 2009) [18,15] . Interestingly, the study also noted a significant increase in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content in poultry litter from the supplemented groups. This observation could have implications for waste management and environmental sustainability in poultry farming.

From an economic perspective, the study found that feed costs were reduced, and net profit over feed cost increased in the SRP and AP-supplemented groups. This suggests that dietary inclusion of these supplements could serve as a cost-effective strategy for poultry farmers. However, it is important to acknowledge that this study was conducted under controlled conditions, and results may vary based on different farming practices and environmental factors. Further research is necessary to validate these findings across diverse geographical locations and production systems.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of supplementing SRP and AP in broiler diets. It underscores the role of these natural supplements as viable alternatives to antibiotics, promoting growth performance, enhancing nutrient utilization, and improving profitability in broiler production.

To promote broiler production with innate supplements 1. Enhance growth performance and Feed proficiency  Dietary supplementation with Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) and Emblica officinalis (Amla) significantly enhances broiler growth rates, feed conversion efficiency, and nutrient retention.  These phytogenic additives offer a natural alternative to synthetic growth promoters, aligning with consumer demand for sustainable poultry production.

Economic benefits for farmers

 The study confirms cost-effectiveness, with reduced feed costs and increased net profit per bird in supplemented groups.  Farmers should conduct localized cost-benefit analyses to optimize inclusion levels (e.g., 0.5 g/kg feed) for maximum ROI.

Practical Recommendations for Sustainable Production

 Adoption: Integrate Shatavari and Amla powder into standard broiler diets to improve performance metrics (e.g., weight gain, FCR) and potentially reduce mortality.

 Sustainability: These supplements support antibioticfree farming, addressing global concerns about antimicrobial resistance.  Scalability: Further trials under diverse farming conditions can validate widespread applicability.

Conflicts of Interest:

There are no conflicts of interest between authors.

Financial Support

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgementsThis research is part of the Ph.D. thesis, which the Research CSAUA&T previously approved. The authors appreciate Advisor and laboratory support from the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying and the Faculty of the university.

References

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