Effects of Amaranthus hybridus chlorostachys Feeding on Productivity in Broiler Chickens: An Animal Model Study

Background: This study investigated the effects of amaranth feeding on performance, carcass characteristics, biochemical parameters, blood antioxidant status, immunity, fatty acid profile, and sensory traits of broiler meat.Methods: After analyzing the nutrient composition of amaranth, experiments were conducted using 150 Ross 308 broilers in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments (0, 1, and 2% raw amaranth) and five replications of 10 birds each.Results: Results showed that broilers fed 1% or 2% amaranth exhibited an improved feed conversion ratio and increased body weight (p < 0.05).Amaranth feeding also decreased (p < 0.01) blood glucose, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, atherogenic index, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde.However, it significantly increased high-density lipoprotein, uric acid, albumin, total protein, phosphorus, iron, calcium, and total antioxidant capacity (p < 0.01).Conclusion: Supplementation with low levels of amaranth can be used as a dietary enrichment for broiler chickens without negative effects on overall production performance or carcass traits.Improvements were observed in health-related indicators, including blood lipid and antioxidant profiles, as well as the sensory quality of broiler meat.Since broiler meat is widely consumed, this research suggests a potential benefit for human health.