Lemongrass Extract Boosts Health and Performance in Chickens

Jim Crocker
28th September, 2024

Lemongrass Extract Boosts Health and Performance in Chickens
Image Source: Lilliana Grace (photographer)

Key Findings

  • The study by the Agriculture Research Center in Giza, Egypt, found that lemongrass extract (LGX) improved broiler chicken growth and health
  • LGX at 100 ml/l and 200 ml/l significantly increased body weight, weight gain, and feed efficiency compared to the control group
  • LGX supplementation at 200 ml/l enhanced blood health, reduced stress indicators, and improved gut health by lowering harmful bacteria and increasing beneficial gut structures
Lemongrass (LG) is known for its diverse phytochemical components, including saponins, phenols, and flavonoids, which exhibit various pharmacological actions such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. The Agriculture Research Center in Giza, Egypt, conducted a study to investigate the impact of lemongrass aqueous extract (LGX) on broiler performance, blood biomarkers, immunity, and gut health[1]. In this study, 200 one-day-old male Cobb 500 broiler chicks were initially fed a starter basal diet for six days. From day seven, the chicks were divided into four groups, each with five replicates of 10 chicks. The control group (LGX0) received no lemongrass extract, while the other groups were administered LGX in drinking water at levels of 100 ml/l (LGX100), 200 ml/l (LGX200), and 300 ml/l (LGX300). The study lasted for 35 days, during which various parameters were assessed. The results demonstrated that LGX supplementation at 100 ml/l and 200 ml/l significantly improved body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group. However, LGX at 300 ml/l decreased feed intake (FI), economic efficiency index (EEI), and overall growth performance. The LGX-supplemented groups showed higher hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), platelets, and lymphocytes than the control group. Interestingly, the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H/L), an indicator of stress, was lower in the LGX100 and LGX200 groups. The study also found that LGX supplementation led to lower cholesterol, creatinine, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, with higher total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The expression of antioxidant genes such as catalase, GPX1, and SOD1 was upregulated in the LGX200 group, while proinflammatory genes (IL1B, IL6, IFNᵧ, and TNF) were downregulated. Additionally, the LGX200 and LGX300 groups exhibited reduced counts of intestinal pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella. Enhanced villi height and crypt depth were observed in the LGX100 and LGX200 groups, indicating improved intestinal health. These findings align with previous studies on natural growth promoters. For instance, Yucca schidigera supplementation in broiler diets was shown to reduce nitrogen excretion and improve gut health and performance parameters[2]. Similarly, quercetin supplementation improved growth performance and gut microbiota, enhancing the expression of antioxidant enzymes and nutrient transporters[3]. The use of organic acids as growth promoters has also been proposed to maintain broiler health and production without antibiotics[4]. The current study expands on these findings by demonstrating that LGX can be an effective natural growth promoter. The optimal LGX supplementation level was found to be 200 ml/l, followed by 100 ml/l, both of which improved weight, FCR, blood parameters, immunity, and gut health without adverse effects. This suggests that LGX could be a viable alternative to antibiotics, addressing the global issue of antimicrobial resistance. In conclusion, the study by the Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt, provides compelling evidence that lemongrass aqueous extract can enhance broiler performance and health. By optimizing the levels of LGX in drinking water, it is possible to achieve significant improvements in growth, immunity, and gut health, offering a natural solution to the challenges faced by the poultry industry.

HerbsHealthAnimal Science

References

Main Study

1) Lemongrass extract enhances productive performance, blood biomarkers, immunity, and gut health of broilers.

Published 30th September, 2024 (future Journal edition)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37783

Related Studies

2) Effects of Liquid Yucca Supplementation on Nitrogen Excretion, Intestinal Bacteria, Biochemical and Performance Parameters in Broilers.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9121097

3) Quercetin Dietary Supplementation Advances Growth Performance, Gut Microbiota, and Intestinal mRNA Expression Genes in Broiler Chickens.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082302

4) Prospects of organic acids as safe alternative to antibiotics in broiler chickens diet.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-19241-8


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