Effects of Allium sativum on Growth Performance, Kidney and Liver Function Markers, Microbial Flora and Feed Digestibility in Broiler Chickens

Introduction: The global ban on antibiotics as a feed additive, prompted by concerns over microbial resistance and the accumulation of antibiotic residues in animal products, has urged researchers to explore natural alternatives. These alternatives modulate the gut microbiota and enhance animal production performance. This study aimed to assess the impact of Allium sativum on the production performance of broiler chickens. Materials and methods: A total of 280 day-old broiler chicks were examined for 42 days. After being sexed, they were randomly allocated into five groups, each consisting of 14 chicks, with four replications. The control group was fed on a ration without additives (R0-). The treatment groups consisted of a control diet supplemented with 1 g of antibiotic Doxycycline® per kg of basal diet and per liter of drinking water (R0+) and 5 g garlic per kg of basal feed and also per liter of drinking water (RAs), respectively. To facilitate the oral administration, the solution was absorbed by charcoal from the fruit stones of Canarium schweinfurthii at a rate of 100 g and 100 ml per kg of diet and per liter of drinking water, respectively. The investigated parameters included growth performance, microbial flora, markers of kidney, and liver function, and feed digestibility. Results: The results revealed Allium sativum significantly decreased feed intake, feed conversion ratio, serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and urea levels regardless of the administration mode in broiler chickens, compared to the negative control. When administered through both feed and drinking water, garlic significantly increased live weight, weight gain, and lactic acid bacteria count, compared to the negative control. Feeding garlic to broilers had insignificantly affected the digestibility of feed components irrespective of the administration mode. Conclusion: In conclusion, Allium sativum can effectively serve as a feed additive in broiler diets or drinking water, promoting growth performance without harming kidney and liver functions. The present findings help address concerns about antibiotic resistance and residues in poultry products.