Aqueous Artemisia extract modulates the gut–immune–redox axis and downstream metabolic and meat-quality responses in broiler chickens

Plant-derived phytogenic compounds may influence poultry performance through interconnected effects on intestinal microbial balance, antioxidant defense, and immune function. We hypothesized that aqueous Artemisia plant extract (APE), administered through drinking water, would modulate these interconnected gut microbial, antioxidant, and immune responses, thereby improving metabolic efficiency and meat quality in broiler chickens. A total of 210 five-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were assigned to three treatments, with seven replicates of 10 birds each. Birds received drinking water without APE (control) or supplemented with 0.3% or 0.6% APE three times weekly from day 5 to day 34. The phytochemical profile and antioxidant potential of the extract were first characterized, showing 95.03 mg gallic acid equivalents/g total phenolics, 33.65 mg quercetin equivalents/g total flavonoids, and measurable DPPH radical-scavenging activity. APE supplementation markedly reshaped the cecal microbial profile, increasing Lactobacillus populations while reducing coliforms and Salmonella (P < 0.001). This microbial shift was accompanied by improved systemic redox status, reflected by increased glutathione peroxidase activity and reduced malondialdehyde concentrations (P = 0.014 and 0.001, respectively). APE also enhanced humoral immune responses, as indicated by increased serum IgY and IgM concentrations (P = 0.015 and 0.030, respectively). These physiological changes were accompanied by lower serum urea (P = 0.001), triglycerides (P = 0.001), and VLDL-cholesterol (P = 0.001) concentrations, while the 0.3% APE dose improved feed conversion ratio (P = 0.014) without altering final body weight (P = 0.853). Notably, the 0.3% APE dose produced the lowest feed conversion ratio and the lowest cooking loss. In contrast, the 0.6% dose increased feed and water intake and resulted in the highest feed conversion ratio, although it yielded the lowest aerobic plate counts during meat storage. Taken together, the findings suggest that aqueous Artemisia extract may act through coordinated modulation of intestinal microbial balance and host antioxidant and immune defenses, with subsequent effects on metabolic status and meat quality. The study supports drinking-water administration of Artemisia extract as a promising phytogenic approach for improving multiple aspects of broiler health and product quality.