# The Impacts of Shatamuli, Ashwagandha and their Combination on Growth Performance, Faecal Microbial Population and Blood Parameters in Sonali Chickens

## TL;DR

A study found that combining Shatamuli and Ashwagandha root powders improved growth, health, and profitability in Sonali chickens.

## Contribution

This study demonstrates the combined use of Shatamuli and Ashwagandha as effective phytogenic feed additives for poultry.

## Key findings

- The T3 group (Ashwagandha + Shatamuli) had the highest weight gain, feed efficiency, and carcass traits.
- T3 showed improved blood parameters like lower cholesterol and higher HDL.
- T3 had the lowest faecal bacterial counts and highest net profit.

## Abstract

Phytogenic feed additives have shown potential in enhancing nutrient utilization, improving performance and mitigating pathogenic challenges in Sonali chicken.

The goal of the current study was to assess how Shatamuli (Asparagus racemosus) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) affected the Sonali chickens' growth performance, blood parameters, carcass characteristics and faecal microbial population.

96‐day‐old Sonali chicks were reared for 63 days and randomly assigned to four dietary groups with three replications and each contains eight birds where T0: Basal Diet (BD)/control, T1: BD + 0.5% Ashwagandha root powder, T2: BD + 1% Shatamuli root powder and T3: BD + 0.5% Ashwagandha root powder + 0.5% Shatamuli root powder were supplied. Body weight gains, feed efficiency and mortality were recorded. At 63 days, blood samples were collected for haematological test, birds were slaughtered to assess carcass traits and faecal samples were collected for microbial analysis.

The T3 group showed the highest (p < 0.01) weight gain and final body weight, followed by T2, T1 and T0 groups. The T3 group ingested a higher quantity of feed than the other groups. The T3 group had the best feed efficiency and the highest carcass, dressing percentage, breast meat, thigh muscle, drumstick, wings and gizzard weight. Blood analysis revealed lower cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and glucose, with higher HDL and haemoglobin in the T3 group. In every treatment group, faecal bacterial counts showed a highly significant decline (p < 0.01), with the lowest in the T3 group. Economic analysis showed the highest net profit from the T3 group.

Combined Shatamuli and Ashwagandha root powder significantly improved Sonali chickens' growth, health, and profitability.