Research ArticlesAnimal Biology & Genetics

EFFECT OF MODE OF ADMINISTRATION OF PHYTOGENIC FEED ADDITIVE ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND HEALTH PROFILE OF BROILER CHICKEN

Aloyinlapa R. A., Adebiyi O. A, Akanmu S. A., Bankole T. O., Adebiyi F. G, Onarinde O.E.

Aloyinlapa R. A. — University of Ibadan (UI)

Adebiyi O. A — University of Ibadan (UI)

Akanmu S. A. — University of Ibadan (UI)

Bankole T. O. — University of Ibadan (UI)

Adebiyi F. G — University of Ibadan (UI)

Onarinde O.E. — University of Ibadan (UI) (onarinde@gmail.com)

Abstract

Phytogenic feed additives, particularly turmeric (Curcuma longa), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and garlic (Allium sativum), have gained increasing attention as natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in broiler production. However, evidence remains limited regarding the influence of administration route on their physiological effectiveness. This study evaluated the effects of feed-based and water-based administration route of a phytogenic blend on growth performance, hematological indices, and serum biochemical characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 540-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned to nine treatment groups in a 2 × 4 + 1 factorial arrangement, using varying combinations of turmeric, ginger, and garlic administered via feed or water. Growth indices, blood parameters, and serum biochemistry were measured over six weeks. Administration route significantly influenced performance (p<.05) with water-based supplementation improving hematological markers, including packed cell volume, hemoglobin, and white blood cell count. Combination effects showed that the triple blend (turmeric-ginger-garlic) enhanced weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, immune response, and gut health more effectively than dual combinations. The feed-based triple blend yielded the greatest final weight (1993.25 g) while water-based administration produced superior hematological values. Overall, both administration modes improved broiler performance compared to the control, but with differing physiological strengths. These findings highlight the strategic value of optimizing phytogenic delivery for sustainable broiler production.

Keywords

Phytogenic additives; broiler chickens; ginger; garlic; turmeric; administration route; hematology; performance.

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Publication Info

Published in: Vol. 1, No. 1 (2026)

Pages: 15 - 30

DOI: 10.xxxxx/jjaases.2026.71117d70

License: CC-BY-4.0

OA
Open Access (CC-BY 4.0)

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.

Submitted: 7/19/2026

Accepted: 7/19/2026

Published: 9/19/2026

Disclosures

Funding:

No specific funding was declared for this work.

Conflict of Interest:

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest.