Effects of Natural Bioactive Compound Mixture on Broiler Growth Performance,Physiological Health, and Meat Quality

The increasing demand for sustainable poultry production has driven heightened interest in the utilisation of natural feed additives as alternatives to antibiotics, particularly considering the European Union's prohibition on the subtherapeutic use of such pharmacological agents. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a mixture of natural bioactive compounds, including organic acids, plant extracts, and essential oils, on broiler health and meat quality. A feeding trial was conducted with Ross 308 broiler chickens, divided into two groups, each containing one hundred three thousand birds. The control group received a standard diet, while the experimental group was supplemented with the bioactive mixture at one kilogram per tonne of feed. During the 41-day trial, growth performance, physiological health, and carcass quality were analysed. While growth rates did not differ significantly, the experimental group showed marked improvements in blood parameters such as total protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (p < 0.05). Enhanced nutrient absorption was indicated by an increased villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in the ileum. Carcass quality was also improved, with higher yields, greater breast muscle mass, and a more intense breast muscle colour (p < 0.05). Moreover, adding natural bioactive compounds to broiler diets significantly improved physiological health and meat quality, highlighting their potential in sustainable poultry production.