Nutritional significance of aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) and its beneficial impact on poultry

The purpose of any supplement in the diet is to take advantage of its beneficial effects on performance, development, health, with the aim of stabilisation of digestion along with improved feed efficiency. Aloe vera is one such supplement. Its use has increased in nutrition and veterinary uses because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic and antifungal properties. These activities come from various biologically active constituents, including minerals, vitamins, sugars, enzymes, anthraquinones or phenolic compounds, saponins, amino acids, lignin and sterols. Supplementation with aloe vera in poultry diets improves productive performance, enhances digestion and reduces disease incidence. Research has shown that dietary supplementation of aloe vera (0.1-1.0%) positively increased body weight by 7-25%, and improved immunological indices by 10-50%. Feed treatment with 0.5-1% aloe vera reduced harmful bacteria in the gut by 24% and increased beneficial bacterial populations by 30%. This review includes information on the inclusion of aloe vera in poultry feed, and how it may be useful as a natural supplement without side effects to maximise overall poultry productivity.