In the quest for sustainable and natural growth promoters in poultry production, a recent study published in the *Journal of Applied Poultry Research* has shed light on the potential benefits of licorice extract. The research, led by Aya Rashad from the Poultry Department at Zagazig University in Egypt, explores how licorice powder extract (LPE) supplementation can enhance growth performance, modulate blood biochemistry, and improve antioxidant status in broiler chickens.
The study involved 280 five-day-old Cobb 500 chicks, which were randomly divided into four groups. Each group received drinking water supplemented with different concentrations of licorice extract—0 (control), 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 milliliters per liter. The results were promising, particularly for the group receiving the highest concentration of 3.0 mL LPE per liter. These birds demonstrated significantly greater body weight compared to the other groups, suggesting that licorice extract could be a valuable addition to poultry diets.
“Broilers receiving 3.0 mL LPE/L demonstrated significantly greater body weight than all other groups,” Rashad noted. “This indicates that licorice extract has the potential to enhance growth performance in broiler chickens.”
Beyond growth performance, the study also examined the effects of LPE on feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR). While feed intake was positively influenced, there were no significant effects on overall water consumption or carcass yield parameters. This is a crucial finding for the agriculture sector, as it suggests that licorice extract can improve efficiency without compromising other important metrics.
The research also delved into the hematobiochemical parameters of the broilers. Birds administered 2.0 mL LPE/L showed a reduction in serum total protein and albumin levels, but there were no significant differences in serum creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), or alanine aminotransferase (ALT). This indicates that licorice extract does not negatively impact liver or kidney function, which is essential for its safety and efficacy as a dietary supplement.
One of the most intriguing findings was the improvement in lipid metabolism. LPE supplementation led to decreased levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), alongside increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), particularly in the 1.0 mL LPE/L group. This suggests that licorice extract could play a role in managing lipid profiles, which is beneficial for overall bird health and productivity.
Antioxidant status was another area of focus. The 3.0 mL LPE/L group exhibited elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, indicating enhanced antioxidant capacity. This is particularly important in poultry production, as oxidative stress can negatively impact growth and health.
The implications of this research are significant for the agriculture sector. As the demand for natural and sustainable growth promoters continues to grow, licorice extract presents a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics and growth enhancers. Its potential to improve growth performance, modulate lipid profiles, and enhance antioxidant status could make it a valuable tool for poultry farmers looking to optimize their operations.
“This study suggests that licorice extract could be a natural growth promoter and health modulator in poultry production,” Rashad said. “It opens up new avenues for research and development in the field of agritech.”
As the industry continues to evolve, the integration of natural supplements like licorice extract could shape the future of poultry production. By focusing on sustainable and health-conscious practices, farmers can not only improve the well-being of their flocks but also meet the growing consumer demand for ethically produced poultry products.
The research, led by Aya Rashad from the Poultry Department at Zagazig University and published in the *Journal of Applied Poultry Research*, provides a solid foundation for further exploration into the benefits of licorice extract in poultry production. As the agriculture sector continues to innovate, the integration of such natural supplements could pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient future.