Impact of amla and shatavari supplementation on broiler meat quality: A nutritional analysis

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of Amla (Emblica officinalis) and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) supplementation on broiler meat quality. The poultry industry’s pursuit of excellence in animal nutrition is fundamentally about improving the end product-the quality of the meat that reaches consumers’ tables. Among the plethora of natural additives available, Amla and Shatavari stand out due to their historical use in traditional medicine and their scientifically supported health-promoting properties. The findings suggest that these herbal powders offer potential benefits for both broiler performance and meat composition. The key findings included improved growth performance, with supplementation resulting in significant improvements in body weight gain and the feed conversion ratio compared to those of the control group. The study also revealed an increase in crude protein content in both the breast and thigh meat of broilers fed the supplements. Increased liver and gizzard weights in the supplemented groups suggest potential benefits for digestion and nutrient utilization, although further research is needed. This research not only contributes to the scientific understanding of herbal supplementation in animal diets but also addresses a growing consumer demand for naturally produced and healthy meat products. As the global population continues to rise, and with the demand for protein sources, the findings of this study could have significant implications for sustainable and ethical poultry production practices.