Articles

The use of herbal dietary supplements in poultry nutrition has gained increasing attention as a natural and safe alternative to synthetic growth promoters and antibiotics. This study evaluates the impact of herbal-based dietary supplementation on the immune response of poultry. Various medicinal plants and plant-derived compounds, such as garlic (Allium sativum), green tea, turmeric (Curcuma longa), ginger (Zingiber officinale), Lavender and neem (Azadirachta indica), are incorporated into poultry diets at different inclusion levels to assess their immunomodulatory effects. The findings indicate that herbal supplements significantly enhance both humoral and cellular immune responses in poultry. Birds receiving herbal additives showed increased antibody titers against common vaccines, improved lymphoid organ development, and enhanced activity of immune-related enzymes. Additionally, herbal nutrition contributed to improved gut health and microbial balance, which further supports immune function. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of these phytogenic compounds help reduce oxidative stress and improve disease resistance.