Immunomodulatory and Antioxidative Potentials of Neem Leaf Meal (Azadirachta indica) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in Broiler Chicken Production

Abstract

Maintaining immune competence and antioxidant status is important for broiler health and productivity. This study evaluated the immunomodulatory and antioxidative effects of neem leaf meal (NLM), ginger meal (GM), and their combination in Arbor Acres broiler chickens. A total of 250 one-day-old chicks were allocated to five dietary treatments in a completely randomised design, with five replicates of 10 birds. Treatments comprised a vaccinated control, an unvaccinated control, 3% NLM, 1% GM, and 3% NLM + 1% GM. Birds received starter diets from day 0 to 21. Serum cytokines, antioxidant indices, total protein, and immunoglobulin A (IgA) were determined at day 21. Dietary treatment significantly affected all measured cytokines except interleukin-6 and also influenced catalase, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, total protein, and IgA. Birds fed 1% GM recorded the highest interferon-gamma, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-10, superoxide dismutase, and IgA values. Birds fed 3% NLM had the highest interleukin-4, total protein, and total antioxidant capacity, whereas the combined treatment produced the highest tumour necrosis factor-alpha concentration. Malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase were not significantly affected. Overall, 1% ginger meal and 3% neem leaf meal, used individually or in combination, were associated with favourable changes in selected immune and antioxidant indicators during the starter phase. These findings support their potential use as phytogenic dietary supplements within the conditions evaluated in this study.