Effects of a Garlic-Ginger-Turmeric-Lempuyang phytogenic formula on ND and AI humoral immunity in broilers

¹ Research Center for Veterinary Science, Health Research Organization, The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia
² Research Center for Technology and Food Processing, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia
³ Faculty of Veterinary Medicine – Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

The excessive use of antibiotics in poultry production raises the risk of residues and antimicrobial resistance. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a phytogenic blend composed of garlic (Allium sativum), ginger (Zingiber officinale var. officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and lempuyang (Zingiber zerumbet) as an alternative to antibiotics for enhancing the immune response in broiler chickens. Two formulations were tested: Formula A=50% garlic+25% ginger+12.5% turmeric+12.5% lempuyang; Formula B=75% garlic+15% ginger+5% turmeric+5% lempuyang. A total of 600 Cobb strain day-old chicks were divided into six groups, including positive and negative controls, and herbal treatments (Formulas A and B) administered through drinking water at 50 mL/L. Birds were vaccinated against Newcastle Disease (ND) and Avian Influenza (AI), and antibody titers were measured using hemagglutination inhibition (HI) at days 14, 28, and 35. The results showed that Formula B significantly increased ND antibody titers compared to controls (p<0.05), while Formula A yielded the highest AI antibody titers (p<0.05). Both herbal treatments demonstrated immune-boosting effects that were comparable to antibiotic controls. These findings suggest that phytogenic supplementation can serve as a sustainable strategy to enhance vaccine-induced immunity and reduce antibiotic dependence in broiler production.