Effect of dietary supplementation of herbal immuno-modulator on growth performance, immune response and serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens

In poultry production, immune-modulators are used to strengthen the birds' natural defenses against diseases, promote general health, increase productivity, and reduce the need for antibiotics. A 6-weeks study was designed to determine the efficacy herbal immuno-modulator (HIM) on growth performance, immune response and serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens. A total of 240 straight run day old broiler chicks (CARIBRO Dhanraja) were allotted to six treatment groups in a completely randomized design with 5 replicates of 8 birds each and were fed ad libitum. The six dietary groups consist of: T₁ (Control): Basal diet; T₂: T₁ + Commercial immunomodulator (SELVIT-E); T₃: T₁ + 1% HIM; T₄: T₁ + 1.5% HIM; T₅: T₁ + 2% HIM; T₆: T₁ + 2.5% HIM. A significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher body weight gain (0-6 week) was observed in T₅ with 2% HIM and T₂ groups (commercial immune-modulator). The feed intake was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower in T₆, whereas feed conversion ratio (FCR) did not differ significantly (P ≥ 0.05) among the dietary treatment groups. Humoral immune response (HMI) was improved (P ≤ 0.05) on addition of HIM and highest haem-agglutination (HA) titre was observed in group T₆ and T₅ with 2.5 and 2% HIM respectively. Higher cellular response against PHA-P was recorded in T₅ and T₄. Additionally, the relative weight of bursa was significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) in T₅ group. Significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher serum albumin level was found in T₅ group, however other serum indices were comparable between dietary and control groups. Although the carcass traits were comparable between the dietary groups, live weight and carcass yield were found to be highest in group T₅. This study concluded that the addition of 2% HIM in broiler diet could enhance the production and immune response and serum biochemical indices in broiler chicken. Immuno-modulators offer a valuable tool for improving poultry production, but careful consideration of their potential benefits and risks is essential. By modulating the immune system, these additives can enhance the birds' ability to fight off infections, reduce the impact of stress, and improve production efficiency.