Dietary Quercetin for Enhanced Broiler Performance- A Review

Quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, has received consideration for its possible benefits in chicken nutrition because of its anti-inflammatory, gut-health-promoting, and antioxidant properties. This review summarizes current research on quercetin supplementation in broiler chickens, focusing on its implications on growth performance, immunological response, gut health, and carcass quality. Quercetin has been shown in studies to improve body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, and nutrient absorption while also reducing oxidative stress by upregulating antioxidant enzymes like as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Furthermore, it aids immunological regulation by lowering inflammatory cytokines and increasing disease resistance. Quercetin also improves gut microbiota composition and shape, resulting in greater digestive health. Furthermore, it enhances meat quality by lowering lipid peroxidation, improving texture, and increasing shelf life. Findings indicate quercetin as a possible natural substitute to antibiotics in broiler feed supplement, which aligns with the growing need for sustainable, antibiotic-free poultry production. However, additional research is needed to enhance its bioavailability, administration approaches, and long-term effects in commercial applications. Future research should concentrate on improving its bioavailability and determining its economic viability in large-scale commercial applications.