Volume 3 Number 1 2025
Neem–Okra Aqueous Extracts as Natural Alternatives to Antibiotics in Broiler Production
Md Lipon Talukdar 1, Md Zahirul Islam, Prantor Karmaker 1, Md Mehedi Hasan 1, Md Mazharul Islam 1, Syed Sarwar Jahan 1, and Md Shariful Islam 1*
Livestock Research 3 (1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/livestock.3110362
Submitted: 04 June 2025 Revised: 06 August 2025 Published: 08 August 2025
Abstract
Background: The poultry industry is focusing on natural alternatives to antibiotics to maintain growth and health performance. Neem (Azadirachta indica) and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) are considered promising plant-based supplements with potential benefits in broiler production. Objective: This study evaluated the effects of aqueous extracts of neem leaves and okra pods, individually and in combination, on growth performance, carcass traits, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and survivability in antibiotic-free broiler production.Methods: A total of 240 Cobb 500-day-old mixed-sex chicks were randomly assigned to four groups (four replicates of 15 chicks each). T1 served as the control (no supplementation); T2 received 3 mL/L neem leaf extract; T3 received 5 mL/L okra pod extract; and T4 received a combination (1.5 mL/L neem + 2.5 mL/L okra). Extracts were administered via drinking water for 35 days.Results: Birds in T4 showed significantly higher body weights across all growth stages (7–35 days) compared with other groups (P < 0.05). Final body weight gain was greatest in T4 (2068.28 ± 92.48 g), followed by T3 (1891.09 ± 75.14 g), T2 (1860.78 ± 104.36 g), and lowest in T1 (1834.34 ± 21.01 g) (P < 0.01). Although FCR was numerically best in T4, treatment differences were not statistically significant. Dressing percentage was highest in T4 (74.97% ± 1.01) and lowest in T1 (67.68% ± 1.00), with all supplemented groups significantly outperforming control (P < 0.05). Survivability improved in all supplemented groups (98% ± 2.01) compared with the control (87% ± 1.51; P < 0.01).Conclusion: Supplementing drinking water with neem and okra aqueous extracts, particularly in combination, significantly enhanced growth, carcass yield, and survivability in broilers without antibiotic use. This herbal-based strategy shows strong potential to support sustainable antibiotic-free broiler production.
Keywords: Broiler, Supplement, Production performance, Survivability, Antibiotics, Herbal extracts
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