Effects of Nettle (Urtica dioica) Supplementation on Productive Performance, Biochemical Parameters, and Gut Microbiota in Broiler Chickens

The global poultry industry is challenged to meet rising demands for sustainable production, prompting interest in plant-based feed additives like Urtica dioica due to their nutritional and functional properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of Urtica dioica on growth performance, serum biochemical indicators, and intestinal microbiota composition in broiler chickens. The 42-day feeding trial involved 120 male Cobb 500 broiler chickens with an average initial body weight of 41.7 ± 1.2 g. Broiler chickens were randomly allocated to four experimental groups, each consisting of six replicates with ten chickens. The treatment groups received basal diets supplemented with 1% (T1), 2% (T2), or 3% (T3) Urtica dioica, while the control group (T0) was fed the basal diet without additives. Productive performance parameters were recorded weekly, and on day 42, blood profiles and intestinal microbiota composition were evaluated. Results showed that 1% Urtica dioica significantly improved live weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group, with no additional benefits observed at higher inclusion levels. The biochemical assessment showed that broiler chickens supplemented with 1% Urtica dioica exhibited significant reductions in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triacylglycerol levels compared to the control group. Microbial analysis demonstrated a significant increase in Lactobacillus spp. populations and a decrease in coliform bacteria in the 1% supplementation group, suggesting improved gut health. These findings indicated that 1% Urtica dioica supplementation enhances growth, lipid metabolism, and intestinal health in broiler chickens.