Month: September 2025

Introduction

The abuse of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in feed has led to drug resistance and ecological damage would threaten human health eventually. Natural plants have become a hotspot in the research and application of substituting AGPs because of their advantages of safety, efficiency, and availability (Songchang et.al.2021).

Necrotic enteritis (NE), an enterotoxemic disease in poultry, is primarily caused by Clostridium perfringens. The restriction or ban of in-feed antibiotics in regions such as the European Union and China has contributed to a resurgence of NE cases (Shojadoost et.al.2012). The disease is particularly severe in young broilers, with acute mortality rates reaching up to 50%. NE is associated with a significant upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, contributing to systemic immune activation (Lee et.al.2011). As inflammation is metabolically demanding, immune challenges can increase the resting metabolic rate of animals by 8–27%, thereby diverting energy from growth and maintenance processes (Martin et.al.2003).

Inflammation in poultry reduces feed intake, disrupts intestinal morphology, limits nutrient absorption, and redirects energy to immune responses, collectively impairing growth and causing intestinal damage and economic losses (Klasing et.al.1987). Necrotic enteritis (NE) aggravates these effects by inducing gut microbiota dysbiosis, marked by reduced diversity, instability, and enrichment of pro-inflammatory bacteria, which compromise intestinal homeostasis and enhance pathogen persistence (Satokari et.al.2015).

Macleaya cordata is a perennial herb widely distributed in southern China and traditionally used in herbal medicine. Its extract (MCE), which contains bioactive alkaloids such as sanguinarine and chelerythrine, was approved as a feed additive in the EU in 2004. Sanguinarine, the major active compound, has demonstrated antitumor (Fu.et.al.2018), immunomodulatory (Kumar et.al.2014), antibacterial (Hamoud et.al.2014), anti-inflammatory (Xue et.al.2017), and insecticidal (Li et.al.2017) properties.

Several investigators have reported that MCE diets could ameliorate production performance, improve gut health and body immunity, and promote growth (Bojjireddy et al., 2013; Khadem et al., 2014). Besides, sanguinarine is the major active ingredient of M. cordata, which has been found to have anti-inflammatory activity (Niu et al.2012), inhibit the activation of NF-κB, and regulate inflammatory response (Wullaert et. al.2011). Gradually, it evoked attention as a substitute of antibiotics (Kim et al.2012). Although sanguinarine is poisonous, an average daily oral dose of alkaloids of up to 5 mg/kg animal body weight has been proven safe (Kosina et al., 2004).

MCE has been reported to modulate intestinal microbiota, particularly in the upper gastrointestinal tract. It promotes beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, inhibits Escherichia coli colonization, and stimulates amino acid, vitamin, and bile acid biosynthetic pathways, while minimizing the risk of antibiotic resistance gene accumulation (Huang et.al.2018).

While MCE’s beneficial effects on broiler performance, intestinal integrity, and inflammation have been demonstrated, its impact on humoral immune function and microbiota-mediated amelioration of NE remains insufficiently characterized (Bui et.al.2015).

Objective of Study-

To evaluate the effect of PHYTOGIC on the performance of commercial broilers reared on deep litter under field conditions.

Materials and Methods

Experimental Design and Management

The trial was conducted at Harsh Broiler House using Vencobb 430 straight run chicks (not sexed at hatchery) in three treatments of around 12000 birds in each treatment. A total of 36000 birds were considered for trial purpose.  Feed Formulation used was same for all treatment groups except in T2 where PHYTOGIC was added at 150 gm per ton feed respectively in all stages. (Table 1.) In the study, the energy level was equivalent to the standard requirements of broilers recommended in the Vecobb 430. The trial was carried out over a period of 42 days. The birds were fed ad lib feed and water was available all the times. Care was taken to provide good conditions by adopting strict biosecurity measures. The housing and vaccination procedures were same in both groups.

Table 1. Composition of basal diet for broiler chicks in control group for 3 phases.

Broiler Feed Formulation (Control)
Raw Materials	Prestarter	Starter	Finisher
Maize	625.15	652.75	686.65
HiPro Soya	335	300	260
Soya Crude Oil	6	14	23
Limestone Powder	8.5	8.5	8
Dicalcium Phosphate	10	10	8
L Lysine HCI	2.7	2.4	2.3
DL Methionine	3.3	3	2.7
L Threonine	1	1	1
Salt	2.5	2.5	2.5
Soda Bi Carb	1.5	1.5	1.5
Choline Chloride 60%	1	1	1
Organic TM	0.5	0.5	0.5
Broiler Vitamin Premix	0.5	0.5	0.5
Coccidiostat	0.5	0.5	0.5
AGP	0.05	0.05	0.05
NSP Enzyme	0.1	0.1	0.1
Phytase 5000	0.1	0.1	0.1
Feed Acidifier	1	1	1
Toxin Binder	0.6	0.6	0.6

*The figures are in Kilograms.

 The premix provided the following per kilogram of the diet: vitamin A, 6000 IU; vitamin D3, 2500 IU; vitamin B1, 1.75 mg; vitamin B2, 5.5 mg; vitamin B6, 4 mg; vitamin B12, 0.18 mg; vitamin E, 25 mg; vitamin K3, 2.25 mg; Cu, 7.5 mg; Mn, 60 mg; Fe, 75 mg; Zn, 60 mg; Se, 0.15 mg; biotin, 0.14 mg; NaCl, 3.7 g; folic acid, 0.8 mg; pantothenic acid, 12 mg; phytase, 400 U; nicotinic acid, 34 mg; chloride, 350 mg. *Nutrient levels were all calculated values.

Treatment Details-

T1: Control group fed basal diet

T2: Control group fed basal diet + PHYTOGIC @150 g PMT

Parameters Studied-

1. Body Weight gain was recorded weekly
2. Feed Consumption recorded daily and leftover feed was adjusted in the other day quota to know actual intake.
3. Mortality was recorded daily
4. EEF calculated post harvesting of the flock
5. FCR was calculated every week and post harvesting of the flock.

Results:

Effect of Supplementation of Phytogic on body growth performance parameters like Body Weights, Feed Consumption, FCR and Average Daily gain of Control and Treatment Groups

Fig.1. Effect of different dietary treatments on Body Weights (g)

Conclusion:Broilers in the T2 – PHYTOGIC group fed at 150g/ton of feed achieved higher final body weights (2291 g) compared to the T1 – Control group (2110 g), showing an 8.22% improvement. This indicates that PHYTOGIC supplementation effectively enhances growth performance in broilers.

Fig.2. Effect of different dietary treatments on Feed Intake (g)

Conclusion:Broilers in the T2 – PHYTOGIC group fed at 150g/ton of feed consumed more feed (4015 g) compared to the T1 – Control group (3800 g), showing a 5.50% increase in feed intake. This suggests that PHYTOGIC supplementation may enhance feed consumption in broilers.

Fig.3. Effect of different dietary treatments on Weekly Gain (g)

Conclusion: The average weekly percentage difference in weight gain between T2 – PHYTOGIC fed at 150g/ton of feed and T1 – Control was -3.84%, indicating that, overall, PHYTOGIC supplementation did not improve weekly weight gain in broilers and was slightly less effective than the control in this trial.

Fig.4. Effect of different dietary treatments on Feed Conversion Ratio

Conclusion:Broilers in the T2 – PHYTOGIC group fed at 150g/ton of feed showed an improved feed conversion ratio (1.75) compared to the T1 – Control group (1.80), with a 2.81% improvement. This suggests that PHYTOGIC supplementation enhances feed efficiency in broilers, allowing for better weight gain per unit of feed consumed.

Fig.5. Effect of different dietary treatments on Weekly Mortality (%)

Conclusion:The mortality rate in the T2 – PHYTOGIC group fed at 150g/ton of feed was (7.44%) slightly higher than the T1 – Control group (7.39%), with a 0.27% difference. This minimal variation indicates that PHYTOGIC supplementation had no significant effect on broiler mortality under the conditions of this study.

Table 2. Summary of the Report-

Parameters	T1- Control	T2- PHYTOGIC	% Difference
Body Weight (g)	2110	2291	8.22
Feed Intake (g)	3800	4015	5.50
FCR	1.80	1.75	2.81
CFCR	1.77	1.67	5.81
Mortality (%)	7.39	7.44	0.27

Conclusion-

1. The trial was conducted in the extreme heat season where average temperature in the surrounding was around 42-45 degree Celsius.
2. The T2 (PHYTOGIC) groups showed overall improved performance compared to the T1 (Control) group.
3. Specifically, the body weight of T2 (PHYTOGIC) was 8.22% higher than T1 (Control), indicating better growth.
4. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and Corrected FCR (CFCR) were both lower in T2 (PHYTOGIC) by 2.81% and 5.81%, respectively, demonstrating more efficient feed utilization in the T2 (PHYTOGIC) group than T1 (Control).
5. Mortality rates were nearly identical between the two groups, indicating that the supplement did not adversely affect survival.

Overall, PHYTOGIC supplementation resulted in better growth performance and feed efficiency compared to the control with no significant impact on mortality.

References:

Bojjireddy N., Sinha R.K., Panda D., Subrahmanyam G. Sanguinarine suppresses IgE induced inflammatory responses through inhibition of type II PtdIns 47kinase(s) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 2013;537:192–197. doi: 10.1016/j.abb.2013.07.017. 

Bui TP, Ritari J, Boeren S, de Waard P, Plugge CM, de Vos WM. Production of butyrate from lysine and the amadori product fructoselysine by a human gut commensal. Nat Commun. 2015;6:10062.

Fu C, Guan G, Wang H. The anticancer effect of sanguinarine: A review. Curr Pharm Des. 2018;24:2760–4.

Hamoud R, Reichling J, Wink M. Synergistic antimicrobial activity of combinations of sanguinarine and edta with vancomycin against multidrug resistant bacteria. Drug Metab Lett. 2014;8:119–28.

Huang P, Zhang Y, Xiao K, Jiang F, Wang H, Tang D, et al. The chicken gut metagenome and the modulatory effects of plant-derived benzylisoquinoline alkaloids. Microbiome. 2018;6:211.

Khadem A., Soler L., Everaert N., Niewold T.A. Growth promotion in broilers by both oxytetracycline and Macleaya cordata extract is based on their anti-inflammatory propertiese. Br. J. Nutr. 2014;112:1110–1118. doi: 10.1017/S0007114514001871.

Kim J.C., Hansen C.F., Mullan B.P., Pluske J.R. Nutrition and pathology of weaner pigs: Nutritional strategies to support barrier function in the gastrointestinal tract. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 2012;173:3–16. 

Klasing KC, Laurin DE, Peng RK, Fry DM. Immunologically mediated growth depression in chicks: Influence of feed intake, corticosterone and interleukin-1. J Nutr. 1987;117:1629–37.

Kosina P., Walterova D., Ulrichova J., Lichnovsky V., Stiborova M., Rydlova H., Vicar J., Krecman V., Brabec M.J., Simanek V. Sanguinarine and chelerythrine: assessment of safety on pigs in ninety days feeding experiment. Food Chem. Toxicol. 2004;42:85–91. doi:

Kumar GS, Hazra S. Sanguinarine, a promising anticancer therapeutic: Photochemical and nucleic acid binding properties. RSC Adv. 2014;4:56518–31.

Lee KW, Lillehoj HS, Jeong W, Jeoung HY, An DJ. Avian necrotic enteritis: Experimental models, host immunity, pathogenesis, risk factors, and vaccine development. Poult Sci. 2011;90:1381–90.

Li JY, Huang HB, Pan TX, Wang N, Shi CW, Zhang B, et al. Sanguinarine induces apoptosis in eimeria tenella sporozoites via the generation of reactive oxygen species. Poult Sci. 2022;101:101771.

Martin LB 2nd, Scheuerlein A, Wikelski M. Immune activity elevates energy expenditure of house sparrows: A link between direct and indirect costs? Proc Biol Sci. 2003;270:153–8.

Niu X., Fan T., Li W., Xing W., Huang H. The anti-inflammatory effects of sanguinarine and its modulation of inflammatory mediators from peritoneal macrophages. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 2012;689:262–269. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2012.05.039.

Satokari R. Contentious host-microbiota relationship in inflammatory bowel disease–can foes become friends again? Scand J Gastroenterol. 2015;50:34–42.

Shojadoost B, Vince AR, Prescott JF. The successful experimental induction of necrotic enteritis in chickens by clostridium perfringens: A critical review. Vet Res. 2012;43:74.

Songchang Guo, y Jiaxing Lei, y Lulu Liu, y Xiangyong Qu, y Peng Li, y Xu Liu, y Ying Guo, z Qiaoqin Gao, y Fulin Lan, y Bing Xiao, z Changqing He, y and Xiaoyan Zou. Effects of Macleaya cordata extract on laying performance, egg quality, and serum indices in Xuefeng black-bone chicken Songchang . Poultry Science, 2021;100:101031.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2021.101031

Wullaert A., Bonnet M.C., Pasparakis M. NF-kappa B in the regulation of epithelial homeostasis and inflammation. Cell Res. 2011;21:146–158. doi: 10.1038/cr.2010.175.

Xue GD, Wu SB, Choct M, Pastor A, Steiner T, Swick RA. Impact of a macleaya cordata-derived alkaloid extract on necrotic enteritis in broilers. Poult Sci. 2017;96:3581–5.

Introduction

The poultry industry is a vital component of global agriculture, playing a crucial role in food security and the economy. However, the health and productivity of poultry are frequently challenged by a wide array of microorganisms, including both beneficial and pathogenic species. While pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella, colibacillosis can lead to serious diseases like necrotic enteritis (NE), Salmonellosis and E. coli. The beneficial microorganisms are integral to maintaining intestinal health and optimizing growth performance (Tian et.al.2021).

Historically, the use of antibiotics in poultry feed has been an effective strategy for disease prevention and growth promotion. However, the long-term use of antibiotics has led to significant drawbacks, including the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the accumulation of antibiotic residues in poultry products such as meat, eggs, and feed. These issues pose not only animal health concerns but also serious public health risks, prompting regulatory bans on antibiotic growth promoters in many countries. This shift has intensified the demand for natural, safe, and sustainable alternatives that can support animal health and production efficiency without adverse side effects (Quette et. al.2018).

Probiotics have emerged as promising alternatives to antibiotics in poultry nutrition. These “friendly” bacteria contribute to gut health by enhancing digestion, modulating the immune system, improving intestinal barrier function, and competing against pathogenic microorganisms. Among the various probiotic candidates, species of the Bacillus genus—particularly Bacillus licheniformis—have attracted increasing attention due to their spore-forming capabilities, environmental resilience, and broad-spectrum biological activities. B. licheniformis is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) and has demonstrated antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, making it a multifunctional probiotic with diverse applications in poultry production. Recent studies have shown that dietary supplementation with B. licheniformis can significantly enhance growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, egg production, intestinal morphology, and microbial balance in poultry (Pan et.al.2022).

Bacillus licheniformis is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium characterized by high temperature and stress resistance recognized for its probiotic and postbiotic benefits. It produces digestive enzymes such as protease, amylase, lipase, and cellulase, which enhance nutrient utilization. By depleting intestinal oxygen, it fosters anaerobic conditions that promote beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) and suppress pathogens (Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens). In addition, B. licheniformis secretes bioactive metabolites, including bacteriocins, surfactins, licheniformins, and bacitracin, all of which possess antimicrobial properties (Giri et al. 2019). The bacteriocin, a 42-amino acid peptide (~4.7 kDa), exhibits strong α-helical conformation and acts by disrupting bacterial membranes and inhibiting intracellular processes such as nucleic acid and protein synthesis. These peptides not only suppress pathogens but also enhance host immunity by stimulating neutrophils, macrophages, mast cells, and NK cells, and inducing cytokine and chemokine production. Collectively, B. licheniformis improves feed digestibility, strengthens mucosal barrier function, supports gut microbiota balance, and enhances immune responses, making it a promising candidate for use in both animal nutrition and human health (Shleeva et.al.2023).

Objective of Study-

To evaluate the effect of PEPIGRO on the performance of commercial broilers reared on deep litter under field conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental Design and Management

The trial was conducted at Harsh Broiler House -Bilaspur using Vencobb 430 straight run chicks (not sexed at hatchery) in three treatments of around 12000 birds in each treatment. A total of 36000 birds were considered for trial purpose. Feed Formulation used was same for all treatment groups except in T3 where PEPIGRO (Bacillus lincheniformis 3*10⁹) was added at 300 gm per ton feed respectively in all stages. (Table.1). In the study, the energy level was equivalent to the standard requirements of broilers recommended in the Vencobb 430. The trial was carried out over a period of 42 days. The birds were fed ad lib feed and water was available all the time. Care was taken to provide good conditions by adopting strict biosecurity measures. The housing and vaccination procedures were same in both groups.

Table 1. Composition of basal diet for broiler chicks in control group for 3 phases.

Broiler Feed Formulation (Control)
Raw Materials	Prestarter	Starter	Finisher
Maize	625.15	652.75	686.65
HiPro Soya	335	300	260
Soya Crude Oil	6	14	23
Limestone Powder	8.5	8.5	8
Dicalcium Phosphate	10	10	8
L Lysine HCI	2.7	2.4	2.3
DL Methionine	3.3	3	2.7
L Threonine	1	1	1
Salt	2.5	2.5	2.5
Soda Bi Carb	1.5	1.5	1.5
Choline Chloride 60%	1	1	1
Organic TM	0.5	0.5	0.5
Broiler Vitamin Premix	0.5	0.5	0.5
Coccidiostat	0.5	0.5	0.5
AGP	0.05	0.05	0.05
NSP Enzyme	0.1	0.1	0.1
Phytase 5000	0.1	0.1	0.1
Feed Acidifier	1	1	1
Toxin Binder	0.6	0.6	0.6

*The figures are in Kilograms.

 The premix provided the following per kilogram of the diet: vitamin A, 6000 IU; vitamin D3, 2500 IU; vitamin B1, 1.75 mg; vitamin B2, 5.5 mg; vitamin B6, 4 mg; vitamin B12, 0.18 mg; vitamin E, 25 mg; vitamin K3, 2.25 mg; Cu, 7.5 mg; Mn, 60 mg; Fe, 75 mg; Zn, 60 mg; Se, 0.15 mg; biotin, 0.14 mg; NaCl, 3.7 g; folic acid, 0.8 mg; pantothenic acid, 12 mg; phytase, 400 U; nicotinic acid, 34 mg; chloride, 350 mg. *Nutrient levels were all calculated values.

Treatment Details-

T1: Control group fed basal diet

T3: Control group fed basal diet + PEPIGRO @300 g PMT

Parameters Studied-

1. Body Weight gain was recorded weekly
2. Feed Consumption recorded daily and leftover feed was adjusted in the other day quota to know actual intake.
3. Mortality was recorded daily
4. EEF calculated post harvesting of the flock
5. FCR was calculated every week and post harvesting of the flock.

Result:

Effect of Pepigro on growth performance parameter in broiler.

Fig.1. Effect of different dietary treatments on Body Weights (g)

Conclusion: PEPIGRO supplementation at 300g/ton of feed (T3) resulted in a statistically significant 8.18% increase in broiler body weight compared to the control (T1), indicating improved growth performance.

Fig.2. Effect of different dietary treatment on Feed intake (g)

Conclusion: The broiler supplemented with PEPIGRO (T3) at 300g/ ton of feed had a feed intake of 4059 g, which is 6.59% higher than the control group (T1) with 3800 g feed intake. This increase in feed intake indicates that PEPIGRO supplementation positively influenced the birds’ feeding behaviour, likely by enhancing the palatability or nutrient availability of the diet.

Fig.3. Effect of different dietary treatment on Weekly Gain (g)

Conclusion:  PEPIGRO (T3) supplementation in broiler diet at 300g/ton of feed resulted in the average percentage difference in weekly gain between T1 (Control) is approximately 6.22%. This indicates that PEPIGRO supplementation had a positive overall effect on growth performance, enhancing weight gain efficiency in broiler chickens.

Fig.4. Effect of different dietary treatment on Feed conversion ratio

Conclusion:  PEPIGRO (T3) supplementation in broiler diet at 300g/ton of feed resulted in a 1.68% improvement in feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group (T1), indicating enhanced feed efficiency and better growth performance.

Fig.5. Effect of different dietary treatment on Weekly mortality (%)

Conclusion: PEPIGRO supplementation at 300g/ton of feed reduced mortality in broiler poultry from 7.39% in the control group to 5.57%, reflecting a 28.08% decrease. This suggests that PEPIGRO may contribute to improved bird health and survivability during the rearing period.

Table 2. Summary of the Report

Parameters	T1- Control	T3- PEPIGRO	% Difference
Body Weight (g)	2110	2290	8.18
Feed Intake (g)	3800	4059	6.59
FCR	1.8	1.77	1.68
CFCR	1.77	1.69	4.62
Mortality (%)	7.39	5.57	28.08

Conclusion-

1. The trial was conducted in the extreme heat season where average temperature in the surrounding was around 42-45 degree Celsius.
2. The T3 (PEPIGRO) group showed notable improvements compared to the T1 (Control) group. Body weight in T3 (PEPIGRO) increased by 8.18% compared to T1 (Control), indicating better growth performance.
3. Both Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and Corrected Feed Conversion Ratio (CFCR) in T3 (PEPIGRO) improved, showing reductions of 1.68% and 4.62%, respectively, compared to T1 (Control), indicating more efficient feed utilization.
4. Additionally, mortality rate in T3 (PEPIGRO) decreased significantly by 28.08% compared to T1 (Control), reflecting better overall health and survival.

These results suggest that PEPIGRO supplementation positively impacts growth, feed efficiency, and mortality compared to Control.

References:

Quette Grant, Cyril G. Gay & Hyun S. Lillehoj (2018): Bacillus spp. as directed microbial antibiotic alternatives to enhance growth, immunity, and gut health in poultry, Avian Pathology, DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2018.1464117

M. Tian, X. He, Y. Feng, W. Wang, H. Chen, M. Gong, D. Liu, J.L. Clarke, A. van. Eerde Pollution by antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance in livestock and poultry manure in China, and counter measures; Antibiotics, 10 (2021), p. 539.

Pan X, Cai Y, Kong L, Xiao C,Zhu Q and Song Z (2022) Probiotic Effects of Bacillus licheniformis DSM5749 on Growth Performance and Intestinal Microecological Balance of Laying Hens. Front. Nutr. 9:868093. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.868093.

S. Giri, E. Ryu, V. Sukumaran, S.C. Park, Antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-adhesive activities of biosurfactants isolated from Bacillus strains. Microb. Pathogen., 132 (2019), pp. 66-72

Shleeva, M.O.; Kondratieva, D.A.; Kaprelyants, A.S. Bacillus licheniformis: A Producer of Antimicrobial Substances, including Antimycobacterials, Which Are Feasible for Medical Applications. Pharmaceutics 2023, 15, 1893. https://doi.org/10.3390/ pharmaceutics15071893