The potential of lactoferrin: a call for future research in poultry nutrition

SUMMARY Due to rising animal protein demand and scarce resources, the poultry sector faces many challenges. Novel feed additives improve feed efficiency, growth performance and bird health. Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein found in a variety of secretions (such as saliva, milk, pancreatic juice and tears). LF has promising biological activities such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-parasitic, anti-allergic, antiviral and antioxidant. LF can modulate the immune system by stimulating the production of cytokines, chemokines and immunoglobulins. LF reduces the release of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2 and tumour necrosis factor- (TNF) and increases the cytotoxicity of monocytes and natural killer cells, making it bactericidal and immunoregulatory. LF has a key antimicrobial effect on multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains and significantly altered caecal microbial communities in poultry birds. LF activity has been demonstrated to boost growth in poultry by increasing feed intake, improving nutrient utilisation and modulating the immune system by stimulating the production of cytokines and chemokines. LF (250 and 500 mg/kg) in the diet substantially impacted chickens’ feed efficiency and growth performance. LF shows that it might be a natural way to improve health and could be a key part of birds’ immune systems. This review article explores the potential benefits of LF as a novel feed additive in the poultry industry. This paper will motivate poultry nutritionists on how LF enhances immunity and the antioxidant status and growth performance needed to be ascertained in poultry. However, additional research is necessary to justify including LF as a natural feed additive. LF may replace antibiotics as a biomarker in the poultry industry. Using LF conjugates with nanoparticles offers new ways to improve LF’s ability to fight viruses in the poultry industry. Thus, it will usher in a new era for poultry scientists and the poultry industry.