Evaluation of Natural Poltalo chol as a dietary replacement for synthetic choline chloride in commercial broiler nutrition

Introduction

Choline is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in the growth, metabolism, and overall health of poultry. It is required for the synthesis of phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylcholine, which is an important structural component of cell membranes. Choline is also a precursor of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, and serves as a methyl group donor after its oxidation to betaine. Through these functions, choline contributes to normal cellular metabolism, liver function, lipid transport, and protein synthesis (Xu et al., 2010) [27] . One of the major physiological functions of choline is its involvement in lipid metabolism. It facilitates the transport of fats from the liver by promoting the formation of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), thereby preventing excessive fat accumulation in hepatic tissues. Because of this lipotropic action, choline is widely recognized as an essential nutrient for maintaining liver health in rapidly growing broiler chickens. In addition, betaine derived from choline participates in methylation reactions by converting homocysteine to methionine, thereby supporting amino acid metabolism and improving nutrient utilization. Biotin is another nutrient closely associated with lipid metabolism. It functions as a cofactor for several enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis and fatty acid metabolism, including pyruvate carboxylase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Deficiency of biotin impairs these metabolic pathways and has been associated with the development of fatty liver syndrome in poultry. Therefore, adequate dietary supply of both choline and biotin is essential for maintaining normal metabolic functions and liver health. Modern broiler production relies on nutrient-dense, high-energy diets to achieve rapid growth and improved feed efficiency. However, these diets can increase the risk of metabolic Poltalo chol is a polyherbal feed supplement developed by Econic Naturals Pvt Ltd, Haryana, India. It contains natural sources of phosphatidylcholine, betaine, biotin, and other phytogenic bioactive compounds. These ingredients provide highly bioavailable forms of natural choline while also supplying additional methyl donors that support lipid metabolism, liver function, and overall physiological performance. Considering the growing interest in replacing synthetic feed additives with natural alternatives, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of Poltalo chol as a dietary substitute for synthetic choline chloride in commercial broiler diets. The study compared its effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and serum biochemical parameters in broiler chickens.

Materials and Methods

Feed Supplements

Poltalo chol, a polyherbal feed supplement from Econic Naturals Pvt Ltd, Haryana, India, containing phosphatidylcholine, betaine, biotin and other phytogenic compounds, was supplemented at 0.40 kg/MT of feed. Synthetic choline chloride was supplemented at 1.0 kg/MT of feed. The control group received only the basal diet.

Experimental Design

A total of 450 day-old VenCobb 430Y commercial broiler chicks were used in a 42-day feeding trial conducted at Jangla Poultry farm village chhapay, Th. Dudu Dist Jaipur Rajasthan. Birds were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments with three replicates of 50 birds each (150 birds/treatment).

Feeding and Management

Birds were fed in three phases: pre-starter (0-12 days), starter (13-26 days), and finisher (27-42 days). All diets were isocaloric and iso-nitrogenous. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly to calculate feed conversion ratio (FCR). Birds were vaccinated against Newcastle disease (LaSota) on days 7 and 22(booster) and infectious bursal disease on day 14.

Parameters Studied

Growth performance (body weight, feed intake, FCR), meat quality (pH, colour, smell, extract release volume and general acceptability), and serum biochemical parameters (glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, HDL and LDL) were evaluated. At the end of the trial, four birds from each treatment were sampled for carcass, meat quality and serum biochemical analyses.

Statistical Analysis

Data were analysed using SPSS software under a completely randomized design. One-way ANOVA was used to compare treatment means, and differences were considered significant at p < 0.05.

Results and Discussion

Growth Performance

The effects of dietary supplementation with synthetic choline chloride and Poltalo chol on growth performance are presented in Tables 2 to 4 Feed intake during the pre starter and starter phases did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) among treatments. During the finisher phase birds receiving supplemental choline consumed slightly more feed than the control group. Overall feed intake was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the supplemented groups than in the control group with the highest in the synthetic choline group (5267.57 g) followed by Poltalo chol group (5218.54 g) and the control group (5029.50 g). Despite the slight increase in feed intake, the supplemented groups exhibited superior growth performance. The improved performance observed in the cholinesupplemented groups may be attributed to the lipotropic action of choline, which enhances fat metabolism and nutrient utilization. The present findings agree with Kathirvelan et al.

(2013) [14] , Calderano et al. (2015) [2] , Farina et al. (2017) [9] , Chatterjee and Misra (2004) [3] , Muthukumarasamy et al.

(2004) [22] , Kumar (2009) [18] and Dematte Filho et al. (2015) [7] , who reported that plant-derived choline can effectively replace synthetic choline chloride without adversely affecting broiler growth performance. Similar improvements in feed intake and feed efficiency with herbal choline have also been reported by Sharma and Ranjan (2015) [25] , while Yu (2009) [28] and Pompeu et al. (2011) [23] observed improved body weight gain and FCR with phytogenic choline supplementation.

Meat Quality Parameters

The effects of dietary treatments on meat quality are presented in [10] , who observed no significant differences in flavour or tenderness between broilers supplemented with herbal and synthetic choline sources. [24] . These bioactive compounds support methylation reactions and hepatic lipid transport. The present findings are partly consistent with Khose et al. (2017) [15] , who reported reduced serum cholesterol following herbal choline supplementation, and with Gangane et al. (2010) [10] , who observed improvements in lipid profile in broilers receiving herbal choline.

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