World's Poultry Science Journal

Table of Contents - June 2012 - Volume 68, Issue 02  

Review Article

Potential applications of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in poultry diets

R.U. KHANa1 c1, S. NAZa2, Z. NIKOUSEFATa3, V. TUFARELLIa4, M. JAVDANIa3, M.S. QURESHIa5 and V. LAUDADIOa4

a1 Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, KPK Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan

a2 Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, GC University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

a3 Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Iran

a4 Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 700100 Valenzano, Bari, Italy

a5 Department of Livestock Management, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, KPK Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract

In the last decade, there has been growing interest in the use of natural herbs and medicinal plants as feed additives in poultry diets to maximise their potential output. Ginger is one such potential rhizome with a wide range of medicinal effects. In broilers and layers, this plant has been used in different forms, doses and durations. In this review, documented effects of ginger in poultry feed on feed intake and feed conversion ratio, growth and weight gain, carcass yield, egg production and quality, antioxidants and blood biochemistry, with their possible mechanisms of action, are discussed.

(Received September 29 2011)

(Accepted November 23 2011)

Key Words:

  • ginger;
  • broilers;
  • layers;
  • production;
  • blood metabolites

Correspondence:

c1 Corresponding author: rifatullahkhhan@gmail.com