EUCALYPTUS LEAF POWDER : AN EMERGING FEED SOURCE IN COMMERCIAL BROILERS
Bulbul Shivhare, Anchal Keshri, Ashok Kumar Patil, Naresh Kurechiya, Abhyanshu Lawaniya and Akhelesh Kumar Karoriya
Introduction
Poultry farming is booming worldwide, especially in countries like India, where millions rely on chicken for affordable protein and income. India’s poultry population has reached over 850 million birds, making it the world’s third-largest egg producer and fourth-largest broiler meat producer. Traditionally, antibiotics are used as growth promoters (AGPs) to help birds grow faster, convert feed better and reduce disease. But overusing antibiotics has caused antimicrobial resistance, drug residues in meat and health risks for consumers, including allergies, digestive problems and even cancer concerns. As a result, many countries banned AGPs since 2006, increasing demand for safer, natural alternatives like phytogenic feed additives.
About Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus belongs to Myrtaceae family, commonly known as ‘ Niligiri’ a aromatic, medicinal plants and used in folk medicine to treat variety of health problems. The plant or essential oil has been used for treatments such as rhinitis, bronchial infection or to reduce fever.
Eucalyptus is native to Australia and there are up to 700 species. It is an evergreen, tall tree that is cultivated for its wood, gum, pulp, oil, as well as for its aesthetic and medicinal value. Plant essential oils contain a variety of chemicals and are a mixture of different components such as esters, monoterpenes, aldehydes and ketones or monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Such chemical compositions are involved in the defense mechanisms of plants against pests and microorganisms. The essential oil of various Eucalyptus species are characterized by antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and is often used in the pharmaceutical industry as well as in the cosmetic industry.
The volatiles presented in percentage for each class of compounds
| Class of Compounds | % |
| Monoterpenes | 99.2 |
| Monoterpene hydrocarbons | 35.3 |
| Oxygenated monoterpenes | 63.9 |
| Monoterpene epoxide | 63.1 |
| Monoterpene alcohols | 0.4 |
| Monoterpene ketones | 0.4 |
| Sesquiterpenes | 0.4 |
| Non-terpenic | 0.1 |
| Ester | 0.1 |
| Total | 99.7 |
Why Eucalyptus?
Eucalyptus globulus, commonly known as Nilgiri, is a tree with leaves rich in essential oils such as eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), α-pinene, and terpineol. These compounds have powerful antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Adding eucalyptus leaf powder to poultry feed has demonstrated benefits including:
- Balancing gut microflora and promoting a healthy digestive system
- Enhancing the bird’s immune system and disease resistance
- Reducing mortality rates
- Improving antioxidant status by increasing enzymes like superoxide dismutase and lowering harmful substances like malondialdehyde
- Increasing carcass and breast weights, along with better meat quality
- Stimulating the growth of immune organs such as the bursa of fabricius
- Supporting nutrient absorption and feed efficiency
- Being locally available, cost-effective and eco-friendly, unlike synthetic drugs that contribute to antimicrobial resistance
Why this matters for farmers and consumers
With the global push toward antibiotic-free poultry production, eucalyptus leaf powder offers a sustainable, safe, and affordable alternative. It reduces dependence on antibiotics, minimizes health risks from drug residues, and promotes healthier birds that grow efficiently and produce quality meat.
Conclusion:
As restrictions on antibiotic use grow tighter, natural additives like eucalyptus are proving their value in supporting bird health, productivity, and food safety. Eucalyptus globulus leaf powder stands out as a practical, effective and eco-friendly feed additive ready to transform poultry farming for the better.
