Tamarindus indica Shells Powder Enhances Growth Performance, Hemato-Biochemical Parameters, Nutrient Utilization, and...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Nutrition
• Microbiology

Background:

• Broiler production faces economic losses from pathogenic infections.
• Antibiotic use for disease control raises concerns about resistance and food safety.
• Exploring natural alternatives like tamarind shell powder (TSP) is crucial for sustainable poultry farming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of tamarind shell powder (TSP) supplementation on broiler chicken growth performance and overall health.
• To compare the efficacy of TSP with antibiotic supplementation in managing broiler health.
• To investigate TSP's effects on gut morphology, microbiota, and intestinal permeability.

Main Methods:

• 375 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were assigned to five dietary groups for 42 days.
• Groups received basal diet, antibiotic-supplemented diet, or TSP at varying concentrations (1x, 16x, 32x Minimum Inhibitory Concentration).
• Growth performance, intestinal permeability (FITC-dextran assay), hematological parameters, and gut microbiota were assessed.

Main Results:

• The diet supplemented with TSP at 16x MIC (64 mg/bird) showed the best growth performance.
• TSP at 32x MIC (128 mg/bird) significantly reduced intestinal permeability and lowered serum cholesterol and triglycerides.
• TSP promoted probiotic proliferation, mitigated Enterobacteriaceae infections, and improved gut health indicators.

Conclusions:

• Tamarind shell powder supplementation, particularly at a medium dosage, positively influences broiler gut morphology and microbiota.
• TSP demonstrates potential as a natural feed additive to enhance intestinal health and growth performance in broiler chickens.
• TSP offers a viable alternative to antibiotics, contributing to safer food production and reduced antimicrobial resistance.