Antibiotics have traditionally been used in poultry farming to prevent gut infections and promote growth, but growing concerns about antibiotic resistance and food safety have created a need for natural alternatives. This study investigated catechu powder, a plant-based extract rich in natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as a feed supplement for broiler chickens. We tested whether catechu powder could protect birds from intestinal stress caused by lipopolysaccharide, a bacterial component that triggers gut inflammation, oxidative damage, and barrier dysfunction. Our findings showed that chickens fed with catechu powder had lower levels of harmful inflammatory signals, reduced oxidative stress, and healthier intestinal structure compared to birds that did not receive it. The supplement also helped maintain the integrity of the gut barrier, which is essential for efficient nutrient absorption and overall health. These results highlight catechu powder as a promising natural feed additive that can enhance poultry resilience against intestinal stress while reducing dependence on antibiotics, thereby supporting both animal welfare and sustainable poultry production.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.