Studies on the Possible Effects of Some Plant Leaves Used as Phytogenic Feed Additives in Diets on Broilers.

Abstract

The increase in feed prices has become a serious problem in the poultry industry, especially in broilers, in terms of production costs. As a solution to this problem, attempts have been made to reduce the cost of feed, for example, by substituting protein-rich by-products as an alternative to expensive protein feed ingredients that have taken their place in traditional production. With many studies in recent years, it has come to the fore to include leaves containing certain amounts of protein among these alternatives in the mixed feed of broiler chickens. The leaves, which are used as phytogenic feed additives, besides being rich in protein, contain a wide variety of bioactive components that can serve as growth promoters, productivity enhancers and health protectors for broilers. However, due to its high crude cellulose content and containing antinutritional factors, it may limit the usage levels in broiler diets. In this review, studies on the possible effects of leaf treatment as a phytogenic feed additive in broiler diets are discussed.