Assessment of Natural Feed Additives as Alternatives to Antibiotic Growth Promoters (AGPs) in Broiler Nutrition

In response to the global ban on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), the poultry industry has increasingly turned to natural and biotic feed additives to sustain growth performance and animal health. This review highlights recent findings on several promising alternatives, including coffee cherry pulp extract (CCPE), Averrhoa carambola leaf extract, Echinacea purpurea, Mitragyna speciosa, lysozyme, and probiotics such as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These natural compounds are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and saponins, contributing to improved antioxidant defense, immune modulation, and gut health. Dietary supplementation with optimal levels particularly ۱.۰ g/kg CCPE-enhanced feed conversion efficiency, body weight gain, intestinal morphology, and meat quality, while reducing oxidative stress and hepatic enzyme activity. Biological additives such as lysozyme and probiotics effectively balanced gut microbiota composition, elevated antioxidant enzyme activities, and stimulated immune responses. Collectively, these outcomes confirm the potential of natural and bio-based additives as sustainable replacements for synthetic antibiotics in broiler production. Their integration into feeding programs supports animal welfare, reduces environmental impact, and ensures safer meat production. Further molecular and field-level studies are recommended to optimize dosage and elucidate synergistic mechanisms among these compounds.

کلیدواژه ها:

Natural additives ، Antioxidants ، Phytobiotics ، Probiotics ، Broiler chickens ، Antibiotic replacement