Effect of Clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) as a Feed Additive on Gut Colonization of Clostridium Perfringens in Broiler Chickens

Present study explores the potential of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) as a feed additive on colonization of Clostridium perfringens in the gut of broiler chickens. On the basis of changes in body weight feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), gut morphology, and mortality rate over a period of 42 days, it was observed that dietary inclusion of clove powder at a 1.0 % concentration led to a significant reduction in the population of C. perfringens in the cecum, enhanced gut villus structure, and improved growth parameters, which were at par with the antibiotic-treated group. The findings suggested that clove, when used in appropriate quantity can serve as an effective and sustainable alternative to antibiotics for controlling necrotic enteritis, thus improving broiler productivity.