IMPORTANCE OF GILOY AS FEED ADDITIVE IN BROILER PRODUCTION
Abhyanshu Lawaniya, Naresh Kurechiya, Anchal Keshri, Ashok Kumar Patil, Bulbul Shivhare and Akhelesh Kumar Karoriya
Introduction:
Poultry farming plays a key role providing affordable meat and income to millions of people. But behind the success of modern broiler production lies a growing concern: the heavy reliance on antibiotics to speed up growth and prevent disease. In today’s fast-growing poultry industry, farmers are looking for safer and more sustainable ways to raise healthy chickens. For years, antibiotics were added to chicken feed to promote growth and prevent disease. While effective, this practice has created problems like antibiotic resistance and harmful residues in meat. With growing health concerns and global restrictions on antibiotic use, attention has now shifted to natural alternatives—especially herbal feed additives. These plant-based supplements are rich in bioactive compounds that improve digestion, immunity, and overall bird health without leaving any harmful residues behind.While antibiotics have helped the poultry industry thrive, their overuse has created serious problems like antibiotic resistance, food contamination, and long-term health risks for humans. This has led scientists and farmers to search for natural, sustainable alternatives. One such promising solution comes from a rather unexpected place-Ayurveda.
The Rise of Giloy in Poultry Feed:
Known as Giloy in India, Tinospora cordifolia is a climbing herb traditionally used for treating fevers, boosting immunity, and protecting the liver. Now, researchers are exploring how this time-tested remedy can be used to support poultry health naturally.
Giloy contains powerful compounds—like polysaccharides, glycosides, alkaloids, and tannins—that have antioxidant, antibacterial, and immune-boosting properties. In animal trials, it has been shown to:
- Strengthen the immune system
- Improve disease resistance
- Support gut health
- Act as a natural defense against bacteria like coli
WhyReplaceAntibiotics?
Antibiotics used as growth promoters (AGPs) have long helped poultry grow faster while reducing illness. However, misuse has led to antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—a global public health crisis. Antibiotic residues in chicken meat and eggs also worry consumers who prefer natural, chemical-free foods.
What Studies Show:
Research indicates that adding Giloy powder to chicken feed not only boosts immune function but may also:
- Improve feed conversion and nutrient absorption
- Enhance body weight gain
- Reduce mortality rates
- Lower the risk of bacterial infections like colibacillosis
In fact, some studies even suggest that birds fed with Giloy performed better than those given conventional antibiotics—without the risk of residues or resistance.
A Step Toward Sustainable Poultry Farming:
Using Giloy as a natural feed additive could transform poultry farming. It aligns with sustainable agricultural practices by:
- Reducing chemical use
- Promoting bird health naturally
- Supporting consumer demand for clean, green, antibiotic-free poultry
Conclusion:
As the poultry industry adapts to new challenges, herbs like Giloy offer a promising path forward. Rooted in traditional medicine but backed by modern science, this natural wonder could help farmers raise healthier chickens, meet market demands, and protect public health—all at the same time.
