Vol. 10, Special Issue 6 (2021)

Author(s):
Sandeep Kumar, Ramsawroop and Ravi Kumar

Abstract:
Over the last few years, the global poultry industry has seen a lot of ups and downs to meet expanding demand. On the other hand, in recent years, there has been a significant growth in both public demand and scientific interest in organic poultry production, notably feeding with medicinal herbs. The herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is well-known for its numerous health benefits. The plant's principal active ingredients are steroidal alkaloids and lactones. Adaptogenic, liver-tonic, anti-carcinogenic antioxidant, immunological modulator, immuneadjuvant, anti-depressant and anti-metastatic are some of its qualities. Feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, haematological profile, immunological status, neuroprotective, rejuvenate muscles, lipid profile, gut microbiota, and intestinal morphometry all improves when Ashwagandha is added to the diet of poultry birds. Birds fed a meal supplemented with Ashwagandha at various levels enhanced feed intake, body weight, feed efficiency, and nutrient metabolizability over time.