Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) as a functional feed additive in poultry nutrition: Implications for sustainable poultry production

Modern poultry production faces serious threats from oxidative stress and gut inflammation, which undermine bird health, growth, and product quality. The growing demand for natural strategies to tackle these challenges in sustainable poultry production has intensified the search for functional feed supplements derived from plants. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), known for its rich content of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds, presents a promising option as a functional feed supplement. This review explores the potential of beetroot in poultry diets by synthesizing evidence from two fronts: Firstly, well-established mechanistic studies, which demonstrate its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gut-protective, and various health-protective effects, and secondly, promising research on its application in poultry nutrition. Additionally, this review presents a detailed overview of current knowledge regarding beetroot, focusing on its biochemical components, health benefits, and potential applications in poultry nutrition. While mechanistic evidence supports beetroot's use in poultry nutrition, direct research within the field remains limited. However, available research regarding beetroot supplementation suggests beneficial effects on feed efficiency, growth performance, egg quality, lipid metabolism, and immune status at moderate inclusion levels (0.2-2 % of basal diet; 2-30g/kg basal diet; 1-30mL/L drinking water), offering valuable insights and highlighting crucial potential fields for future investigation. Finally, the current review highlights that beetroot holds considerable promise as a multifunctional, sustainable, and consumer-acceptable additive for next-generation poultry feed formulations.