<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Prohibition of application of antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chicken diets has resulted in increased use of herbs as natural additives in broiler feeds over the recent years. Researchers particularly look for herbs that can affect such parameters as growth performance, immune response, or treatment of certain diseases. Aloe vera is a well-known herb characterized by properties such as anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, wound-healing, anti-oxidant, and anti-diabetic effects. During the past years, attention has shifted toward Aloe vera as a natural additive to broiler diets, and studies have shown that Aloe vera can improve immune response and growth performance in broilers. In addition, Aloe vera is an excellent alternative for antibiotic growth promoters and anticoccidial drugs. Since Aloe vera can be used for broilers in the form of gel, powder, ethanolic extract, aqueous extract, and a polysaccharide contained in Aloe vera gel (i.e. acemannan), more studies are required to determine the best form and to compare Aloe vera with other medicinal herbs. This paper reviews effects of Aloe vera on intestinal microflora, growth performance, immune response, and coccidiosis in broiler chickens.</p></abstract>

Prohibition of application of antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chicken diets has resulted in increased use of herbs as natural additives in broiler feeds over the recent years. Researchers particularly look for herbs that can affect such parameters as growth performance, immune response, or treatment of certain diseases. Aloe vera is a well-known herb characterized by properties such as anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, wound-healing, anti-oxidant, and anti-diabetic effects. During the past years, attention has shifted toward Aloe vera as a natural additive to broiler diets, and studies have shown that Aloe vera can improve immune response and growth performance in broilers. In addition, Aloe vera is an excellent alternative for antibiotic growth promoters and anticoccidial drugs. Since Aloe vera can be used for broilers in the form of gel, powder, ethanolic extract, aqueous extract, and a polysaccharide contained in Aloe vera gel (i.e. acemannan), more studies are required to determine the best form and to compare Aloe vera with other medicinal herbs. This paper reviews effects of Aloe vera on intestinal microflora, growth performance, immune response, and coccidiosis in broiler chickens.

A Review on Effects of Aloe Vera as a Feed Additive in Broiler Chicken Diets

Young Researchers and Elite Club, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran

Department of Agricultural Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, USA

Annals of Animal Science

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

{"article-title":"A Review on Effects of Aloe Vera as a Feed Additive in Broiler Chicken Diets"}

Prohibition of application of antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chicken diets has resulted in increased use of herbs as natural additives in broiler feeds...

A Review on Effects of Aloe Vera as a Feed Additive in Broiler Chicken Diets

Published Online: Jul 29, 2014

Page range: 491 - 500

Received: Oct 16, 2013

Accepted: Jan 03, 2014

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2014-0026

Keywords
broiler chicken, Aloe vera, microflora, immune system, growth performance, coccidiosis

© 2014 Darabighane Babak and Samuel N. Nahashon

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

A Review on Effects of Aloe Vera as a Feed Additive in Broiler Chicken Diets

Published Online: Jul 29, 2014

Page range: 491 - 500

Received: Oct 16, 2013

Accepted: Jan 03, 2014

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2014-0026

Keywordsbroiler chicken, Aloe vera, microflora, immune system, growth performance, coccidiosis

© 2014 Darabighane Babak and Samuel N. Nahashon

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
broiler chicken, Aloe vera, microflora, immune system, growth performance, coccidiosis