Effect of Two Different Phytobiotic Mixtures on Production Performance and Gut Health in Broilers

Background: In broiler production, antibiotics are used to prevent/control infectious diseases and as a growth promoter. The incorrect application of antibiotics increases the risk of residues in chicken tissues. In human’s continuous exposure of antibiotic residue containing meat results antimicrobial resistance. So the demand towards antibiotic free meat is increasing. In this condition studies related with alternatives to antibiotic feeding in broilers gaining importance. Among the alternatives, phytogenic feed additives have antimicrobial and growth promoting effect without causing side effects to the birds. The current study aimed to evaluate two different phytobiotic mixtures on production performance and gut health in broilers. Methods: The study of six weeks duration was carried out between the months of July and August, 2019, at Poultry Farm Complex, Department of Poultry Science, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, which falls in the North-Western agro climatic zone of the state. 150 day old chicks (vencobb) used to evaluate two different phytobiotic mixtures on production performance and gut health of birds. Result: Birds fed with phytobiotic mixture (II) - E. officinalis fruits + M. kenigii leaves + S. aromaticum buds (1:1:1) at 2 kg/ton of feed resulted in significant improvement in bodyweight, weight gain and lactobacillus count was observed. So this phytobiotic mixture recommended as alternative to antibiotic feed additive in broilers.