Evaluation of Biochemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Trachyspermum ammi, Capsicum annuum and Zingiber officinale as Phytogenic Feed Additives in Broiler Chickens

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of selected phytogenic feed additives on serum biochemical profile and antioxidant status in broiler chickens. A total of 120-day-old Ven-Cobb broiler chicks were randomly allocated into ten dietary treatment groups and reared for 35 days. The treatments included a basal diet (control), vitamin E and selenium as a standard antioxidant, Trachyspermum ammi, Capsicum annuum and Zingiber officinale powders supplemented individually at two inclusion levels (5 and 10 g/kg feed) and their combinations at corresponding low and high doses. Serum biochemical parameters, including total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin-to-globulin ratio, were evaluated on days 7, 21 and 35. Antioxidant status was assessed on day 35 by estimating serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. The results revealed no significant differences among groups during the first and third weeks. However, at the fifth week, birds supplemented with phytogenic additives exhibited significantly higher serum total protein, albumin and globulin levels compared to the control group. A significant reduction in the albumin-to-globulin ratio was observed in Capsicum annuum, Zingiber officinale, combination groups and the vitamin E and selenium group. Antioxidant assessment demonstrated a significant increase in serum SOD activity and a concomitant reduction in MDA levels in all phytogenic-supplemented groups. Notably, Capsicum annuum at 5 g/kg feed showed the highest SOD activity and the lowest MDA concentration. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Trachyspermum ammi, Capsicum annuum and Zingiber officinale, either individually or in combination, effectively improves serum biochemical indices or enhances antioxidant defense mechanisms in broiler chickens, suggesting their potential as natural alternatives to synthetic antioxidants in poultry nutrition.