Effect of botanical feed additives (Turmeric, Amla and Giloy) on serum biochemical parameters of commercial broilers

Introduction

The increasing global concern over antimicrobial resistance and the presence of antibiotic residues in poultry products has compelled the poultry industry to seek safe, natural and sustainable alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. Phytogenic feed additives derived from herbs and medicinal plants are emerging as promising candidates because of their multifaceted biological properties including antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. Turmeric contains curcuminoids that enhance hepatic function, improve nutrient metabolism and modulate lipid synthesis pathways (Attia et al., 2017) [2] . Amla, one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C, is known to regulate lipid metabolism and protect tissues against oxidative damage (Anila and Vijayalakshmi, 2002; Begum et al., 2019) [1,4] . Giloy exhibits immunostimulatory, nephroprotective and adaptogenic properties, making it an ideal supplement during metabolic stress in broilers (Bhardwaj et al., 2012; Saeed et al., 2020) [5,8] . Although individual effects of these botanicals have been reported, scientific information regarding their combined influence on serum biochemical profile in broilers remains scarce. Serum biochemical parameters such as total protein, albumin, uric acid, creatinine and lipid fractions are sensitive indicators of metabolic, hepatic and renal health. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of dietary turmeric + giloy and amla + giloy supplementation on serum biochemical attributes of commercial broilers.

Materials and Methods

Experimental design and diets

hundred and twenty-day old commercial broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four treatment groups with 16 replicates per treatment and 5 birds per replicate.  T1: Control (basal diet)  T2: Basal diet + antibiotic  T3: Basal diet + turmeric + giloy  T4: Basal diet + amla + giloy Birds were reared under standard management conditions with ad libitum access to feed and water.

Blood sampling and biochemical analysis

At the end of the trial, blood samples were collected, serum separated and analysed for total protein, albumin, uric acid, creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C and VLDL-C using standard biochemical kits.

Statistical analysis

Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and means were separated using Duncan's multiple range test (Duncan, 1955) [6] . Differences were considered significant at P < 0.05. A significant (p<0.05) improvement in lipid metabolism was observed in birds receiving botanical supplements (Table 2). Total cholesterol decreased drastically from 207.06 mg/dL in control to 146.13 mg/dL in T 3 and 148.94 mg/dL in T 4 .

Results

Serum protein profile

Triglyceride levels were also significantly reduced, with the lowest value in turmeric + giloy group (66.46 mg/dL). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased significantly in supplemented birds, reaching 140.06 mg/dL in T 3 and 139.36 mg/dL in T 4 , whereas LDL-C and VLDL-C levels were markedly reduced, reflecting enhanced lipid mobilization and reduced cardiovascular stress (Table 2).

Discussion

The improvement in serum total protein and albumin concentrations in T 3 and T 4 groups reflects enhanced hepatic protein synthesis and improved metabolic efficiency. These findings corroborate reports of Begum et al. (2019) [4] and Attia et al. (2017) [2] , who documented increased serum protein fractions following supplementation with turmeric and amla. The significant reduction in serum uric acid and creatinine in botanical-supplemented birds suggests better renal function and reduced metabolic load, supporting the nephroprotective properties of Tinospora cordifolia reported by Bhardwaj et al. (2012) [5] and Saeed et al. (2020) [8] . Marked reductions in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C and VLDL-C clearly indicate the hypolipidemic action of curcumin and amla polyphenols. These results are in strong agreement with Babu and Srinivasan (1997) [3] and Anila and Vijayalakshmi (2002) [1] , who demonstrated the lipidlowering effects of curcumin and amla through modulation of hepatic lipid synthesis enzymes. The increase in HDL-C concentration further indicates improved lipid transport and metabolic health. The superior performance of combined botanical treatments suggests a synergistic interaction among turmeric, amla and giloy in regulating metabolic pathways and maintaining biochemical homeostasis.

Conclusion

Dietary supplementation of turmeric + giloy and amla + giloy significantly improved serum biochemical parameters of broilers by enhancing protein fractions and improving lipid metabolism. These botanicals can be recommended as effective natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in commercial broiler chicken production.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgementOur special thanks to Department of Poultry Science, PVNRTVU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad for funding and assisting the research.

References

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