Effect of garlic supplementation in poultry diets

Poultry researchers and nutritionists are looking for viable alternative feed additives since conventional supplements have been criticised for their potential negative impact on the food chain.

RU Khan, Z Nikousefat, V Tufarelli, S Naz, M Javdani and V Laudadio

Among the currently available poultry feed additives, natural herbs and plants have been widely advocated due to their reported widespread beneficial effects. Garlic (Allium sativum) is one such potential feed supplement which has recently been reported as having a wide range of beneficial effects on the production performance and physiological biochemistry of broilers and laying hens.

Notable beneficial effects have been seen on growth, feed efficiency, egg production and quality, as well as stimulation of immune system and lowering blood cholesterol levels in poultry birds.

The results reported vary from author to author probably due to variations in the dose of the product fed, the duration of feeding and processing techniques employed.