Bioactive components of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract enhance immunity, health, and production parameters in...

This study investigated the efficacy of a chemically characterized neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract as a viable alternative to antibiotics for sustainable broiler production. Comprehensive phytochemical analysis (TLC, HPLC, GC-MS, NMR) identified and quantified key bioactive compounds-azadirachtin, nimbin, nimbolide, gedunin, and salannin-with the ethanolic extract yielding a higher concentration of these limonoids. The comparative efficacy of this standardized neem preparation was evaluated against danofloxacin (antibiotic) and butaphosphan (metabolic booster) in a 28-day trial with one hundred and fifty Lohman meat chicks (10 birds/pen, 3 pens/treatment). The results demonstrated that neem supplementation significantly improved broiler performance. Birds in the neem groups, particularly the ethanolic group, achieved significantly higher final body weight and better feed conversion ratio, performing comparably to the antibiotic and booster groups. Immunologically, neem extracts significantly increased lymphocyte counts and reduced the heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, confirming an immunostimulatory and anti-stress effect. Serum biochemistry revealed significantly lower levels of liver enzymes (AST and ALT), indicating a hepatoprotective benefit. Histopathological examination confirmed healthier intestinal morphology, with quantifiably increased villus height and a superior villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio in the duodenum and more caecal folds. Additionally, carcass quality and dressing percentage were significantly higher in neem-treated birds. The study concludes that the synergistic action of the identified bioactive compounds in neem leaf extract is responsible for its multifaceted benefits, making it a promising, natural, and cost-effective phytogenic alternative to in-feed antibiotics for enhancing productivity and ensuring safe broiler meat.