Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Vitamin C on Hematological Profile and Carcass Traits of Broiler Birds

Withania somnifera as a Phytoherbal Growth Promoter for Broiler Farming – A Review

“…The use of 0.5−2% WS powder in cockerels diets leads to higher values of carcass yield and relative weight of viscera compared to the control group (Maysa, 2023). Similar results were obtained by Singh et al (2017) and Biswas et al (2020). Conversely, dietary inclusion of WS at 0.75 or 1.5 g/kg WS dried leaves (Vasanthakumar et al, 2015), 50 or 100 mg/kg diet of WS extract , or 250 mg/kg diet showed no differences in the yield of the carcass, breast, thigh, and internal organs.…”

“…Ansari et al (2013) demonstrated that WS is a rich source of iron (647 ppm), which may elevate the synthesis of hemoglobin (Hb) in broilers. Higher white and red blood cells count and Hb concentration as a result of using WS extract have been recorded by Chikwa et al (2018), Biswas et al (2020), , and Abdallah et al (2016).…”

“…Chronic stress induces corticosterone secretion, resulting in heterophil release into the blood (Grzelak et al, 2017). Biswas et al (2020) reported a higher heterophil-to-lymphocytes ratio in heat-stressed broilers (0.59). However, they noted that WS powder reduced this value (0.32) and increased lymphocytes level.…”

“…Erythrocyte membranes contain unsaturated fatty acids and are more exposed to oxygen than other tissue, being more susceptible to oxidative damage, and hemoglobin is a strong catalyst that may begin lipid peroxidation (Asgary et al, 2005;Biswas et al, 2020). The hemoprotective effect of WS may be caused by the antioxidant activity, the stimulation of stem cell proliferation (Mishra et al, 2000), and the increase in bone marrow cellularity (Ansari et al, 2013).…”