Meta-analysis of the positive effect of aquatic fern (Azolla pinnata) intervention on growth performance metrics, blood chemistry, and carcass evaluation of broilers

This meta-analysis determined the impacts of aquatic fern (Azolla pinnata) on growth performance, serum chemistry, and carcass evaluation in broilers. Four electronic databases were searched for studies on the topic, and 1240 articles were identified and screened. Twenty-eight articles met the eligibility criteria and were used for the meta-analysis. Outcome measures were pooled using a random-effects model (REM) and expressed as mean difference (MD) at 95% confidence intervals (CI). The pooled results showed that A. pinnata (AP) significantly enhanced average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.001) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.001) in broilers, taking into account significant heterogeneity. Furthermore, AP increased concentrations of total serum protein (p = 0.002), globulin (p < 0.001), and HDL (p < 0.001) in broilers. Results also revealed that AP significantly decreased serum total cholesterol (p < 0.001), triglycerides (p < 0.001), and LDL (p < 0.001) concentrations in broilers. Subgroup analysis revealed that Cobb broilers fed diets with 16–20% AP for 1–42 d had lower feed intake than the controls (p = 0.002), whereas Ross (p = 0.008) and Color synthetic (p < 0.001) had higher feed intake than the control. Ross fed diets with 0.1-5.0% and 6–10% AP for 1–21 d, 1–35 d, and 22–42 d, which had superior FCR and ADG compared to the control. Meta-regression results showed that broiler strains as a moderator explained 19–34% of heterogeneity in feed intake, FCR and ADG in broilers fed diets containing AP. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that AP can be added to broiler feed at levels up to 10% to enhance growth performance and health. This study provides important information for policy advancements and sustainable utilization of AP as a feed ingredient in the modern broiler industry, promoting efficient and environmentally friendly poultry production.