Effect of dietary biochar supplementation on growth, blood constituents, digestive enzymes, intestinal microbiota and viscosity, antioxidant indices, and carcass traits of broiler chicks

This study examined the effects of incorporating biochar into broiler diets on productive performance and physiological status. In total, 240 unsexed one-day-old broiler chicks were divided into three treatments, each with four replicates of 20 chicks. The first group received a basal diet without biochar (control). The second and third treatments received the basal diet supplemented with 1.5% and 3% biochar, respectively. The results revealed that biochar supplementation significantly improved growth, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics. Biochar supplementation had a significant impact on blood biochemistry, reducing levels of aspartate aminotransferase, uric acid, creatinine, and total bilirubin, while increasing total protein, globulin, calcium, and phosphorus levels. Hematological parameters remained mostly stable, except for an increase in hematocrit and serum iron levels, along with a reduction in total iron-binding capacity. Biochar notably improved antioxidant indices in both serum and liver. Digestive enzyme activities, particularly amylase activity, were significantly enhanced by biochar. Furthermore, biochar had a positive effect on caecal microbiota, increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful bacteria (p < 0.001). Intestinal pH was increased and viscosity was decreased with higher biochar levels. In summary, adding biochar at levels up to 3% to broiler diets had beneficial impacts on various aspects of health, performance, intestinal microbiota, and blood constituents.