Vol. 2, Issue 5, Part A (2017)

Author(s): Dipin Chander Yadav

Abstract: Growth promoters in poultry feeds can be categorized as Antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) and Non–Antibiotic growth promoters (NAGP). Constant treatment of poultry by antibiotics has resulted in residual effects and bacterial resistance. Due to such threats research studies are constantly looking for alternatives to AGP. NAGP in poultry feeds may have a number of beneficial effects including rapid development of a healthy gut microflora and stabilization of digestion along with improved feed efficiency. Among NAGP, phytogenics are drawing much attention nowadays. Aloe vera is one of such plants, having antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory, anti- oxidant, anti-cancerous, anti-mutagenic, anti-hypersensitivity, wound-healing, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic and anti-parasitic effects. Due to these properties various research studies has been conducted to investigate the role of Aloe vera as herbal feed additive in broiler industry. This paper reviews the effects of Aloe vera on growth performance, intestinal microflora, carcass characteristics, haemato-biochemical parameters, immune response, coccidiosis, mortality pattern and cost of production of broilers.