In the quest to wean poultry off antibiotics, researchers have been exploring natural alternatives that can boost growth and health without the risk of antibiotic resistance. A recent study published in the journal Poultry Science, conducted by Elwy A. Ashour from the Poultry Department at Zagazig University in Egypt, offers promising insights into the use of lactic acid and herbal blends as effective substitutes.
The study, which involved 360 broiler chicks, investigated the impact of lactic acid and a specific herbal mixture on various performance metrics, including growth, carcass traits, blood chemistry, and microbial load. The herbal mixture was a potent concoction of thyme, red pepper, rosemary, anise, spearmint, black cumin, and garlic.
One of the key findings was the significant improvement in daily body weight gain during the critical 22-32 day period. “We observed substantial enhancements in daily body weight gain, particularly in the groups supplemented with higher doses of lactic acid and the herbal mixture,” Ashour noted. This period is crucial for broilers, as it determines their market weight and overall profitability.
The study also revealed that feed intake and feed conversion ratio were significantly influenced by the supplements, especially during the 22-32 day period and across the entire experimental period. This is a game-changer for the poultry industry, where feed costs constitute a significant portion of the operational expenses. Improved feed conversion means more efficient use of resources, leading to higher profits.
Carcass traits, such as spleen and gizzard weights, were also positively affected, although other traits remained unchanged. This suggests that the supplements may enhance specific organ functions, which could be beneficial for overall bird health and resilience.
Blood biochemical indices and antioxidant enzyme activities showed remarkable improvements across all treatment groups. This is particularly important as it indicates better overall health and stress resistance in the broilers. “The enhanced antioxidant activity suggests that these supplements can help broilers cope better with environmental stressors,” Ashour explained.
The microbial load in the caecum, a part of the intestine, was also significantly impacted. The group supplemented with the highest dose of the herbal mixture displayed the highest counts of total bacteria and Lactobacilli, which are beneficial for gut health. This finding is crucial as it highlights the potential of these natural supplements to promote a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for overall bird health and performance.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the poultry industry continues to grapple with the challenges of antibiotic resistance and consumer demand for antibiotic-free products, natural alternatives like lactic acid and herbal blends offer a viable solution. These findings could pave the way for more sustainable and profitable poultry farming practices, benefiting both producers and consumers.
The study, published in Poultry Science, provides a solid foundation for further research and commercial application. As the industry moves towards more natural and sustainable practices, supplements like those studied by Ashour could become integral to modern poultry farming. The future of poultry production may well lie in harnessing the power of nature to enhance growth, health, and profitability.