An in-depth overview of the nutritional advantages of medicinal plant supplementation in poultry feed

As global food demand intensifies due to the continuous rise in the world population, a tremendous pressure mounts on the poultry industry. In light of the European Union's ban on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) due to apprehensions regarding residual effects and antimicrobial resistance, alternative approaches are being explored. Medicinal plants (MPs), containing active phytoconstituents, have emerged as a viable alternative to enhance growth and sustainability in the poultry sector. These plants exhibit substantial advantages, such as accelerated growth, diminished oxidative stress, modulation of inflammation, enhanced gut morphology and microbiota, fortified immunity, and overall improved productivity. Moreover, supplementation of powders derived from nettle, alfalfa, and lavender have augmented egg production and yolk pigmentation, whilst flaxseed significantly improves egg hatchability in quail. Similarly, biotic constituents of plants, including thymol and carvacrol, serve as natural growth enhancers by augmenting nutritional accessibility, growth efficacy, and immunity in broilers. Recent advancements in micro- and nano-encapsulation of botanical extracts have significantly enhanced poultry performance and growth. The appropriate application of these strategies may offer a feasible substitute for AGPs in the foreseeable future. This study examines insight into the safe application of MPs as alternative feed additives and growth promoters for poultry industry.