The current study aimed to explore the effect of dietary supplementation with Eruca sativa, Nigella sativa, and peppermint oil (ENPO) blend on growth performance, blood biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, immune status, tissue histopathological features, and economic returns of Avain-48 and Hubbard Efficiency Plus broilers. A total of 320 10-d-old broiler chicks of Avain-48 and Hubbard Efficiency Plus strains (average body wt. were 45.31 +/- 0.30 g, and 43.44 +/- 0.45, respectively) were randomly allotted to 8 treatments with 4 replicates per treatment in a 2 & times; 4 (broiler strains and dietary treatments, respectively) factorial arrangement. The dietary treatments included 4 levels of oil blend supplemented to the basal diet at 0.00, 0.50, 1.00, and 1.50 g of ENPO blend/kg diet. This trial extended for 4 weeks while the birds were caged to 10 birds/cage and reared at normal thermal conditions. Results indicated that dietary supplementation with a ENPO blend from 1.0 to 1.5 g/kg diet increased final weight, total gain, and improved FCR without alterations in carcass and relative organ weights. Favorable modulations in serum lipid profile characterized by increased HDL and reduced cholesterol and LDL were also reported. These results were associated with significant ENPO x broiler strain interaction for cecal microbial counts, with generally higher total bacterial count, coliform count, and Lactobacillus count were reported for Hubbard broilers than Avian-48. All these outcomes were correlated with improvements in productive profitability by lowering the feed cost/unit gain and enhancing economic efficiency. Collectively, statistical analysis revealed non-significant ENPO x broiler strain interactions for most of assessed parameters and only limited interactions were reported for protease concentration, some blood indices (triglycerides, LDL, and AST), microbial counts, and certain economic efficiency measures (net profit, gross margin, economic efficiency, performance index, and B/C ratio). Thus, dietary supplementation with a mixed blend of ENPO, particularly at 1.5 g/kg diet, could be an effective natural growth-promoting strategy to enhance commercial broilers' growth, physiological stability, gut health, and economics. The reported positive effects of ENPO supplementation were largely consistent across broiler strains.

This study examined the influences of dietary lemongrass oil (LEO), geranium oil (GEO), and their mixture on growth, physiological status, immunity, antioxidant activity, nutrient utilization, mineral profile, and gut microbiome of growing quails. 315 Japanese quail chicks that were one week old were split into seven treatment groups at random, each consisting of 45 chicks (3 replicates/15 chicks). As a control, the first group was given the basal diet excluding any supplements; the second and third groups were given the basal diet plus 200 and 400 mg LEO/kg feed, respectively. The basal diet was supplemented with 200 and 400 mg GEO/kg feed for the fourth and fifth groups, respectively. The basal diet was supplemented with 200 and 400 mg of LEO+GEO/kg (1:1), respectively, for the sixth and seventh groups. Supplementation with either oil, especially the 400 mg/kg mixture, significantly enhanced body weight, daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and performance index. Improvement in digestive enzyme activities and nutrient digestibility supported higher carcass yield and reduced muscle fat content. The oil treatments also increased total protein, albumin, globulins, and positive lipid indices and reduced cholesterol, triglycerides, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), and liver and kidney stress markers. Hematological indices were increased, pointing to improved physiological resilience. Immune responses were enhanced, as reflected in higher levels of complement C3, IgY, IgM, and lysozyme activity. At the same time, antioxidant defense mechanisms developed more favorably superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and catalase (CAT) with a reduced MDA value, showing reduced oxidative stress. Fe, Ca, and Zn mineral concentrations in serum were markedly enhanced. Besides, oil supplementation considerably reduced pathogenic intestinal bacteria, coliforms, E. coli, Salmonella, and Enterococcus, and the total microbial load. Generally, however, the combined LEO-GEO mixture at 400 mg/kg provided the most consistent and marked benefits. From the above, it becomes apparent that lemongrass and geranium oils are two valid natural growth-promoting additives that can be used to improve performance, health, and gut ecology in quail production systems.

Poultry farmers in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates have challenges due to heat stress caused by heat waves. Egypt's already dry climate will become even more severe due to climate change. The aim of the experiment was to examine the impact of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) as antioxidant on growth performance, biochemical indicators, heat shock protein related genes and hepatic morphology for broiler chicks under heat stress. Two hundred and forty one-week-old male broiler chicks (Cobb 500) with an average initial body weight of 158.81±8.03 g were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments and ten replicates for 35 days. The basal diet was fed to the first group. The second (NAC1), third (NAC3), and fourth (NAC5) ones were dietary supplemented with 1, 3, and 5 g/kg NAC, respectively until 35 days old. Body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) were improved (p ˂ 0.05) in N-acetyl cysteine supplemented groups with at 3 g/ kg while feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved in NAC3 and NAC5 respectively. Biochemical indices were improved by NAC supplementation compared to control group without negative effects on hematological parameters. Upregulation (p < 0.001) of growth hormone related genes (growth hormone (GH), growth hormone receptors (GHR), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1)) was recorded in NAC3 group in comparison with other groups. Also, upregulation (p < 0.05) of antioxidant-related genes (catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)) of NAC3 group was shown. Meanwhile, the genes associated with heat shock proteins (heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) showed downregulations (p < 0.05) in the NAC3 group compared to others. A notable reduction in congestion and erythrocytic extravasation was shown in the NAC3 group. Also, the morphology of the hepatocytes was more similar to normal. Collectively, dietary N-acetyl cysteine supplementation at a level of 3 g/kg ameliorates the adverse impacts of heat stress in broilers regarding growth performance, biochemical indicators, antioxidants and heat shock protein related genes and hepatic morphology.

Rosmarinic acid (RA), a bioactive polyphenol found in Salvia officinalis and other Lamiaceae herbs, has attracted attention for its functional feed application in animal nutrition. RA supplementation positively influences growth efficiency, liver antioxidant status, and serum biochemical indices in broilers. Its antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects promote health and productivity. Studies suggest benefits for gut health and meat quality; however, epigenetic regulation of RA in poultry is considered a minor future perspective, being mostly based on mammalian studies. Hypothesized impacts of RA on chronic disease prevention and as a microbiome-engineering agent require further investigation. This review explores the regulatory effects of RA on DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and histone modifications, which influence gut microbiome structure, nutrient absorption, and immune function in poultry. It emphasizes RA's potential as a functional food for gastrointestinal health, metabolic regulation, and chronic disease prevention, alongside its use in antibiotic-free poultry feed for microbiome engineering. The review also discusses RA’s effects on lipid metabolism and oxidative stress, highlighting its role in maintaining intestinal barrier health. Nevertheless, certain limitations must be acknowledged, as successful nutritional interventions depend on understanding individual variability, including genetics, metabolism, age, and health status. Tailored methodologies, such as micronutrition and genomic nutrition, can improve diet quality, promote nutrient absorption, and enhance overall animal health. A tailored feeding regimen focuses on selecting nutrients with proven benefits for key health outcomes, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which scientific evidence shows promote brain and heart health while reducing inflammation.

This study examined the effects of dietary sage and thyme leaves, fed individually or in combination, on broiler growth performance, carcass characteristics, and hematological and biochemical profiles. A total of 480 one-day-old Hubbard broiler chicks were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments: a basal diet (D1), a basal diet with 0.5% sage (D2), 0.5% thyme (D3), or a combination of 0.25% sage and 0.25% thyme (D4). Birds received the diets for six weeks. The combined treatment (D4) produced the greatest improvements in live body weight and body weight gain (P < 0.01), along with reduced feed intake from the second week onward and better feed conversion ratio during the first and sixth weeks. Carcass yield and most organ relative weights increased in all supplemented groups compared with the control. Thyme supplementation (D3) yielded the highest packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration, and red blood cell (RBC) count, whereas sage (D2) increased heterophil numbers, total protein, and globulin concentrations. Birds fed the combined diet (D4) showed the highest white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte counts. Chicks on the basal diet (D1) exhibited the highest hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titer, heterophil-to-lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, albumin, uric acid, creatinine, triglycerides, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Overall, adding sage and thyme to broiler diets can significantly enhance broiler growth performance, carcass traits, and physiological status, and enhanced economic efficiency.

BACKGROUND:Nanoparticles, including green magnesium nanoparticles, facilitate passage through cellular membranes in animals and interact efficiently with biological systems, improving their functional activity. Consequently, the utilization of green magnesium nanoparticles is recommended to enhance the availability of magnesium, thus boosting its metabolism and uptake. OBJECTIVES:The current research aimed to examine the impacts of biological magnesium nanoparticles (BNMg) as a feed additive on growth efficiency, haematological parameters, biochemical parameters, antioxidant efficacy, immune system activities, blood minerals, digestive enzymes, carcass traits and caecal microbiota in broiler chickens. METHODS:A total of 250 unsexed Ross 1-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated into five groups, each containing 50 birds. Five replicates of each group were established, with each replicate comprising 10 birds. The control group was fed a diet devoid of BNMg, but the rest of the groups were provided diets enriched with BNMg at levels of 150, 300, 450 and 600 mg/kg, respectively. RESULTS:The outcomes demonstrated a substantial improvement in all performance parameters. BNMg administration significantly elevated carcass and dressing, and decreased abdominal fat percentage compared to control. BNMg supplementation markedly decreased glucose levels and elevated haemoglobin and red and white blood cells. BNMg administration elevated blood total protein and globulin, while concurrently decreasing aspartate aminotransferase and alanine. The inclusion of BNMg in broiler diets increased blood magnesium levels and noticeably enhanced lipid profile, immunity markers, antioxidant activities and digestive enzymes. Moreover, BNMg supplementation increased the concentration of copper, potassium and zinc in the blood. BNMg markedly elevated the population of lactic acid bacteria while dramatically reducing the overall counts of total bacteria, coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, total yeast and mould counts. CONCLUSION:BNMg supplementation enhances growth performance, haematological parameters, blood chemistry, antioxidant efficacy, immune system status, blood minerals, digestive enzymes and caecal microbiota without any adverse effects on broiler health.

This study investigated the differential implications of dietary supplementation with turnip leaf powder (TLP) on growth performance, immune function, hematological and biochemical profiles, as well as economic efficiency in two different broiler strains. A total of 320 10-day-old broiler chicks from two broiler strains (Avian 48 and Hubbard efficiency plus, 160 chicks/strain) were randomly assigned to a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement (TLP supplementation and broiler strain) forming eight treatments with four replicates each. TLP was supplemented at 0.0, 0.50, 1.00, and 1.50 g/kg of diet, over a 4-week experimental period. Avian-48 birds exhibited higher body weight and gain, and improved feed conversion ratio compared to Hubbard broilers in a linear pattern (P < 0.05). As the TLP supplementation level increased, dressing percentage increased, while gizzard relative weight declined linearly (P < 0.05). Improving growth and carcass yield, in response to TLP supplementation, were correlated with enhancement in digestive enzyme activities, reduction in coliform counts while modulating Lactobacillus populations in a strain-specific manner (P < 0.05). Moreover, immune and antioxidant status were improved, demonstrated by increased phagocytic activity and lymphocyte percentage, decreased heterophil percentage and MDA concentration, along with modulating total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05). Hematological parameters, including PCV, hemoglobin, and RBC count, were improved with TLP supplementation, with hepatoprotective effects confirmed by reducing AST and ALT activities and normal hepatic morphology. In addition, serum lipid profiles showed favorable reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL in Hubbard broilers at higher TLP levels, whereas Avian 48 exhibited less consistent responses (P < 0.05). Most of these responses were significantly strain- dependent. Besides, the reported physiological improvements, in response to TLP supplementation, translated into significant economic benefits, evidenced by improving economic efficiency parameters and lowering the cost of feed/kg body weight gain. Collectively, TLP supplementation (1.0-1.5 g/kg diet, in Avian 48 and Hubbard, respectively) exerted various beneficial effects on growth performance, physiology, and economic performance, supporting its application as a natural feed additive, enhancing commercial broiler production.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of corn-based distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) on various parameters in broilers, including immune modulation, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, growth performance, carcass traits, blood hematology, serum parameters, meat quality, and economic efficiency. A total of 150 one-day-old broiler chicks were assigned to five groups, including a control and four groups with increasing levels of DDGS (8%, 16%, 24%, and 32%). The inclusion of DDGS significantly improved growth performance (p < 0.05) without affecting carcass traits (p < 0.05). DDGS supplementation led to a significant increase in the weight of immunological organs, particularly the bursa of Fabricius (p < 0.05), and altered hematological parameters (p < 0.05), including RBCs, WBCs, Hb, and PCV. Serum total protein and globulin levels were increased (p < 0.05), while uric acid levels decreased (p < 0.05). Lipid profiles also improved with reductions in triglycerides, cholesterol, and HDL-C (p = 0.001), and thyroid hormones G3 and G4 increased (p < 0.001). DDGS supplementation enhanced antioxidant and immune markers, including glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), IL-10, and IgA, IgG, and IgM, while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) (p < 0.05). Meat quality was slightly improved in terms of dry matter and ash content, without changes in protein or fat levels. In addition, DDGS inclusion reduced feed costs, enhancing economic efficiency. In conclusion, DDGS can be included up to 32% in broiler diets as a cost-effective protein source, improving health parameters and meat quality without adverse effects.

Ziziphus spina-christi (ZS-C) is gaining attention as a natural feed supplement for livestock production in arid and semi-arid regions. Its leaves contain relatively high crude protein, metabolizable energy, essential minerals, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, suggesting potential nutritional and functional benefits. Studies have shown that dietary supplementation with ZS-C may improve growth performance, feed efficiency, milk and egg production, immune response, and oxidative status in different livestock species. Positive effects on meat, milk, and egg quality have also been reported. In addition, ZS-C may represent a sustainable and costeffective alternative feed resource under conditions of feed scarcity and climatic stress. However, information on optimal inclusion levels, mechanisms of action, and long-term effects remains limited. The aim of this review is to summarize and critically discuss the current knowledge on the botanical characteristics, nutritional composition, and potential applications of ZS-C in livestock nutrition, with emphasis on animal productivity, physiological responses, product quality, and sustainability aspects.

The present study evaluated the feasibility of rearing fast-growing broiler chickens in an open-sided house for 42 days in Bangladesh using different feed withdrawal strategies, with particular emphasis on growth performance, meat quality, survivability, and economic returns. A total of 480 Indian River meat-type day-old chicks (DOCs) were reared up to 42 days and randomly allocated into four treatment groups. The first group was a control that provided ad libitum feeding throughout the production cycle (AdLF). The remaining groups received ad libitum feeding for the first 7 days, followed by daily feed withdrawal for 8 h. Accordingly, the second group was subjected to feed withdrawal from 8 to 28 days (3-WksFW), the third group from 8 to 35 days (4-WksFW), and the fourth group from 8 to 42 days (5-WksFW). Each treatment consisted of six replicates with 20 birds per replicate. Key performance indicators, including body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), survivability, carcass yield, meat quality, and benefit-cost ratio (BCR), were evaluated. As expected, the overall BWG was significantly higher in the AdLF group (3170.52 g/bird; P = 0.000), followed by the 3-WksFW (3040.43 g/bird) and 4-WksFW (2878.86 g/bird) groups, with the lowest value observed in the 5-WksFW group (2510.85 g/bird). Similar trends were observed for final BW and FI. Despite the higher BW, BWG, and FI in the AdLF group, feed withdrawal strategies improved survivability, meat quality, and, notably, economic efficiency. The highest BCR was recorded in the 4-WksFW group (1.14), followed by the 3-WksFW (1.07), 5-WksFW (1.07), and AdLF (1.05) groups. FCR was not significantly affected by treatment; however, abdominal fat deposition was reduced in birds subjected to feed withdrawal. Overall, feed withdrawal improved water holding capacity with a significant decreased of cooking loss, although the meat color was unaffected. In conclusion, the 4-WksFW strategy is recommended for rearing broilers up to 42 days in open-sided housing under local conditions, as it optimizes meat quality, survivability, and profitability in small-scale production systems.

The fungus Aspergillus niger (A. niger) is widely used in the industrial sector and plays a key role in the production of organic acids such as citric acid, succinic acid etc. Moreover, it plays an important role in numerous biotechnological fields and can ferment into beneficial chemicals. Therefore, using A. niger filtrate is one of the recommendations for improving poultry performance and health. This study examined the influence of feed added different concentrations of A. niger culture filtrate on the productive, reproductive, haematological, biochemical, and immunological performance of Japanese quail breeders. One hundred fifty mature 8-week-old Japanese quail breeders (50 males and 100 females) were distributed into 5 groups where each group contains 5 replicate cages contains 6 birds (2 male and 4 female) in each. All the five groups offered basal diet but supplemented 0.0 (control), 0.50, 1.00, 1.50, and 2.00 ml of A. niger culture filtrate per kg of diet, respectively. The experimental parameters were egg laying, feed conversion ratio, fertility, hatchability, egg quality, haematology parameters, and biochemical markers to determine the effect of the supplementation. Supplementation with 1.0ml/kg showed better results, but 1.5 ml/kg A. niger filtrate enhanced egg production, egg weight, feed conversion ratio (g feed/g egg), fertility (91.7%), and hatchability (85.5%) from 8 to 16 weeks (p < 0.05). Egg quality parameters like percentage yolk, shape index, and Haugh unit showed significant improvement (p < 0.05). The haematological (haemoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cell, packed cell volume and liver/kidney function markers (Alanine Aminotransferase, Aspartate Aminotransferase, urea and creatinine) were also enhanced (p < 0.05). The lipid profile showed reduced cholesterol and Low-Density Lipoprotein, but raised High-Density Lipoprotein (p < 0.05). Immunoglobulin and antioxidants (Glutathione, Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Total Antioxidant Capacity) were elevated significantly (p < 0.05). Dietary A. niger filtrate supplementation at 1.0-1.5 ml/kg enhances performance, health, reproduction, haematology, and immunity in quail breeders without any negative consequences. This study suggests that A. niger filtrate can be an effective, natural supplement for enhancing quail breeding outcomes.

Green manganese nanoparticles can readily cross cellular membranes and interact efficiently with biological systems, potentially enhancing manganese bioavailability, metabolism, and uptake in animals. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary biological nano manganese (MnNPs) supplementation on growth performance, hematological and biochemical indices, antioxidant status, immune response, blood mineral profile, digestive enzyme activity, carcass characteristics, and cecal bacterial counts in broiler chickens. Three hundred unsexed, one-week-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were split into 5 treatment groups, each consisting of sixty birds, at random. Each group was divided into 5 replicates, each with twelve chicks. The initial group adhered to a control diet devoid of MnNPs, whereas the subsequent groups (2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th) received diets enriched with MnNPs at 30, 60, 90, and 120 mg/kg, respectively. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA under a completely randomized design. MnNPs administration to broilers' diets significantly improved body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P<0.01) all over the trial period. Moreover, the results showed no significant improvement in carcass traits, except for gizzard, giblets, and abdominal fat, which exhibited substantial improvement (P<0.05). Furthermore, hepatic and renal functions, as well as lipid profile, significantly improved with MnNPs supplementation. Red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) significantly augmented with MnNPs administration (P<0.05). The 4th group showed augmented albumin and globulin levels, while the 3rd group (60 mg/kg) exhibited augmented globulin levels. Furthermore, liver enzymes Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were substantially reduced with MnNPs treatment, and the 4th group (90 mg/kg) showed the lowest AST concentration, while the 3rd group showed decreased ALT levels. Kidney function test (urea, uric acid, and creatinine) was substantially improved with MnNPs supplementation (P<0.01). Our findings exhibited that treating with MnNPs substantially improved digestive enzyme activity. The outcomes exhibited a substantial elevation (P<0.05) in Mn and Zn concentration with MnNPs supplementation. Immunity indices and the weight of immune organs were significantly boosted with MnNPs treatment (P<0.05). The intestinal bacteria, specifically beneficial bacteria, was significantly improved with MnNPs supplementation (P<0.05). MnNPs supplementation up to 120 mg/kg to broiler diets improves growth performance, carcass characteristics, renal and hepatic function, immunological parameters, lipid profile, and the cecal bacterial counts.

The olive oil industry produces large volumes of by-products which, if not properly managed, can negatively impact water resources, aquatic ecosystems, soil quality, and the atmosphere. The extraction process generates several by-products that have previously been regarded as waste. Utilizing these residues as alternative feed ingredients aligns with the principles of a circular economy, making the agri-food system more sustainable, conserving natural resources, and reducing the environmental footprint of livestock production. Therefore, the proper use of industrial by-products is of great importance and requires continuous attention. Olive pomace, a major by-product of olive oil extraction, can be used in animal feed as an inexpensive yet nutritious residue. It consists mainly of pasty pulp, kernel, skin, and vegetation water. Once dried, it becomes a stable by-product suitable for feed use. Olive by-products can be incorporated into animal diets in several forms, such as fresh, ensiled, or dried material, or as components of concentrate pellets and multi-nutrient feed blocks. Among these, dried olive pomace is considered one of the most practical and stable options. Olive pomace, as a by-product of the olive oil industry, is rich in phenolic compounds and beneficial fatty acids that play significant roles in animal health and productivity. Hence, it is crucial to evaluate its potential as a feed ingredient; however, current understanding of its specific effects on livestock production remains limited. This review focuses on the influence of olive pomace inclusion in animal diets on milk production, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, feed efficiency, and overall health status. In general, dietary olive pomace has shown satisfactory results, serving as a low-cost nutrient source that can enhance both the productivity and the quality of animal-derived products.

Chenopodium album, commonly known as lamb's quarters or wild spinach, has long been recognized as a nutrient-dense plant, yet its applications in human and livestock nutrition and pharmaceutical sciences remain significantly underexplored. This article presents a novel perspective on the epigenetic, microbiome-modulating, metabolic-enhancing, and therapeutic roles of Chenopodium album. By leveraging its bioactive phytochemicals, high nutrient density, and adaptive growth properties, this research highlights how the Chenopodium album can be integrated into precision human diets, sustainable livestock feeding strategies, and pharmaceutical formulations to enhance health, immunity, and productivity. We propose a cutting-edge framework for its use in functional foods, livestock dietary supplementation, and drug development, setting the stage for a new era in nutrition and medicine.

Nutrition is an important factor in poultry production. This review highlights how precision nutrition improves poultry performance through metabolomics, which is a multidisciplinary approach that integrates traditional nutrition with other fields, including biology, immunology, molecular biology, genetics, computer sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, engineering, and technology sciences. For measuring the results of the body’s biochemical activities and figuring out Living systems’ dynamic, multi-parametric metabolic response to pathological stimuli, metabolomics can be a very useful instrument. Numerous metabolomics techniques exist, including emerging capillary electrophoresis (CE), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and some targeted HPLC-based assays. Metabolomics can help in understanding the metabolism of diets (protein, carbohydrate, and fat) and the pathways of precise nutrition. Metabolomics can revolutionize poultry nutrition strategies, optimizing health, growth performance, and metabolic efficiency by decoding biochemical interactions between diet, metabolism, and physiology. This review aims to highlight methodologies for integrating metabolomic data into precision feeding systems, ultimately enhancing sustainability, reducing production costs, and improving poultry welfare.

Gut dysbiosis in poultry presents a major challenge, requiring a comprehensive approach to sustain optimal gut health and ensure animal welfare. This review emphasizes the importance of integrated management practices and explores alternatives to antibiotics, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, phytogenic compounds, medicinal plants, and organic acids. Additionally, it advocates tailored nutritional strategies specific to broiler strains and highlights the potential of advanced biotechnologies for poultry nutrition and health management. Maintaining effective gut health is essential not only for animal welfare but also for the economic sustainability of poultry farming. Given the implications of antibiotic use in poultry for human health, the “One Health” approach is critical for recognizing the interconnection between animal, human, and environmental health. Research should prioritize understanding host-microbiome interactions, developing innovative therapies, and enhancing diagnostic tools for early detection and intervention in gut dysbiosis. Addressing this complex issue requires collaboration among researchers, veterinarians, feed manufacturers, and poultry producers to create sustainable solutions that improve animal health and production efficiency, while reducing reliance on antibiotics. Implementing a holistic strategy that encompasses various aspects of poultry management. The industry can mitigate the adverse effects of gut dysbiosis and promote the overall health and welfare of broiler chickens.

This investigation aimed to assess how Japanese quail hatchability, growth, and carcass traits were affected by quail egg weight, storage length, and their interactions. One thousand two hundred sixty eggs of the commercial Japanese quail were purchased, and the average age of the birds was 13 wk. Quail egg weights were divided into 3 groups using a 3 × 4 factorial design: small (< 11 g), medium (11-12 g), and large (> 12 g). Each group had four storage times (1, 4, 7, and 10 d) and held 105 eggs. The study used a storage room with 70% humidity and 18°C. There were 12 treatment groups. For the final 3 d of incubation, the eggs were positioned in a hatching machine after being incubated for 14 d at 37.6°C and 65% humidity. For the study, 540 one-day-old Japanese unsexed quail chicks were randomly chosen and placed in groups of 5 that resembled the distribution of eggs. Three duplicates (15 chicks each) made up each of the 4 storage periods that comprised the 180 birds. The findings showed that the percentage of hatchable eggs is significantly influenced by their weight and the length of storage; medium and heavy-weight eggs exhibited higher percentages of hatchability while holding for 7 to 10 d. However, no significant interaction was observed-additionally, heavy egg weight results in higher weight at different ages. Egg weight also significantly impacts chick weight at hatch, 3 wk, and 6 wk. Egg weight and storage time affect dressing and carcass measurement percentages. We can conclude that the best results in terms of hatch and post-hatch efficiency, as well as carcass characteristics, were obtained with medium or heavy quail eggs and storage times of either 1 d or 4 d.

Artemisia annua L. (A. annua), renowned for its medicinal properties, was investigated for its effects on broiler performance, biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, meat composition, and organ histology. A total of 90 one-day-old chicks were divided into four groups, each with three replicates. The chicks were fed either a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with A. annua leaves meal at levels of 0.3%, 0.6%, or 0.9% over a period of 42 days. A. annua decreased mortality, final body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio, but improved dressing percentages and liver/gizzard weights (P<0.05). Serum analysis revealed reduced alanine/aspartate aminotransferase, cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL, while total protein, albumin, globulin, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and IgM levels increased (P<0.05). Malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased, while total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased (P<0.05), confirming A. annua's antioxidant activity. Meat analysis showed decreased moisture, fat, and fiber but increased protein content (P<0.05). Sensory evaluation revealed improved taste, color, texture, and overall acceptability. Mild histopathological lesions were observed in A. annua-treated groups. Conclusively, A. annua in broiler diets has antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and immune-enhancing potential. Further studies are needed to evaluate its long-term safety and optimal dose.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a significant challenge in the poultry industry due to their related use of antimicrobial compounds and the drastic losses in production and livability. This study investigated the preventive impacts of dietary supplementation of Salvadora persica (SP) and/or Pulicaria undulata (PU) extracts on growth traits, biochemical and immune parameters, and related gene expression of E. coli-infected broilers. A total of 120 one-day-old Cobb broilers were used. The chicks were allocated into eight equal groups (3 replicates/ group; 5 chicks per each replicate) as follows: G1; control negative, G2; SP-treated, G3; PU-treated, G4; SP/PU-treated, G5; E. coli infected, G6; E. coli infected and SP-treated, G7; E. coli infected and PU-treated, G8; E. coli infected and SP/PU-treated groups. Results revealed significant improvement in average body weight (ABW), average weight gain (AWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in broilers fed diets supplemented with SP and/or PU compared to control and E. coli infected groups. Moreover, significant (P < 0.05) reduction in ALT, AST, creatinine, and uric acid was reported in other treated groups compared to the single E. coli-infected broilers. On the contrary, a significant increase (P < 0.05) in serum immunoglobulin and protein concentration was also reported in treated groups when compared to E. coli-infected untreated group. In addition, feeding broilers with SP and/or PU significantly improved (P < 0.05) the relative weight of immune-related organs and gene expression of TLR-15, with subsequent down-regulation of IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA transcripts. Supplementing broilers with dietary SP and/or PU could be promising in the prevention of E. coli infection via stimulating significant improvement of immune-related gene expression, immune-related organ weight, and down-regulation of inflammatory-related genes, with subsequent enhancement of the growth performance of broiler chickens.