Pakistan's poultry sector is facing increasing production losses due to heat, humidity, ammonia gas, and dust in broiler sheds. A recent survey of ten small farms near Lahore conducted by a PhD scholar found that 80% of broiler birds were experiencing severe oxidative stress. This stress causes genotoxicity and cytotoxicity at the cellular level, leading to poor growth, delayed maturity, impaired reproduction, and higher mortality rates.
Current Reliance on Costly Imported Antioxidants
Until now, most poultry shed owners have relied on costly imported synthetic antioxidant vitamin mixtures to address this problem. This study offers a low-cost local alternative by developing a Herbal Meal (an antioxidant supplement) from the wild herb Portulaca oleracea, commonly known as Kulfa.
Laboratory Analysis Validates Kulfa's Antioxidant Richness
Laboratory analysis using UV-Vis spectroscopy and HPLC confirmed that Kulfa is rich in natural antioxidants, including Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as glutathione. An overnight soaking, followed by drying and grinding the herb into a powder, detoxifies its anti-nutritional factors, making it safer for use.
In Vivo Trial Shows Superior Recovery at 5% Inclusion
The Herbal Meal was evaluated in a 42-day in vivo trial on broilers suffering from mitochondrial oxidative stress. Birds fed a standard diet supplemented with imported antioxidant vitamin mixtures showed the expected improvement. However, birds supplemented with 5% Kulfa Herbal Meal demonstrated the greatest recovery from cytotoxic and genotoxic damage. The 1% supplementation level was less effective, while the 7% level provided no additional benefit over the 5% dose. The study concluded that a 5% inclusion of Kulfa Herbal Meal can reliably replace expensive imported antioxidants.
Benefits for Poultry Shed Owners
The benefits for poultry shed owners are significant. First, it reduces feed costs and dependence on imported supplements, thereby saving valuable foreign exchange. Second, it supports the production of clean-label poultry by eliminating synthetic residues in meat. Third, it transforms a common local weed into a value-added feed ingredient.
Important Caution for On-Farm Use
However, an important caution must be observed for on-farm use: raw Kulfa should not be fed directly to poultry. Without proper soaking, processing, and correct dosing, its anti-nutritional factors may reduce its effectiveness. Farmers should source processed Kulfa Herbal Meal from UVAS IBBT or a certified feed mill and use it only at the recommended 5% inclusion level. When processed correctly, Kulfa is not merely a weed but Pakistan's own natural solution for combating oxidative stress in poultry.
