The study was aimed at evaluating growth performance, carcass, and non-carcass traits of Horro rams fed on commercial feed (CO) supplemented with different proportions of duckweed (DW). For the study, twenty-four yearling Horro rams initially weighing on average 17.73 ± 0.30 kg were used with a 15-day adaptation period (none-study period) and a 90-day study period. Each animal was randomly assigned to three treatments; T1 (100% CO), T2 (25% DW + 75% CO), and T3 (50% DW + 50% CO) with two replications each containing four animals. All diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous and formulated according to the nutrient requirements of sheep. The data were analyzed using SAS. Results indicated that dry matter intake in T3 (914.37 g. d-1) was higher (P < 0.001) than in T1 (849.12 g. d-1) and T2 (870.50 g. d-1). Average daily body weight gain in T3 (77 g. d-1) was higher (P < 0.001) than in T1 (48.60 g. d-1) and T2 (58.50 g. d-1). Feed conversion efficiency was higher (P < 0.001) for T3 (0.08) followed by T2 (0.07) and T1 (0.05). Final body weight (24.56 kg), empty body weight (20.40 kg), hot carcass weight (10.27 kg), dressing percentage (42.01) and rib-eye muscle area (9.11 cm²) were higher (P < 0.001) for T3 than for others. Therefore, increasing the inclusion level of supplementary duckweed up to 50% improves growth performance, carcass quality, and yield of Horro ram.

Ginger powder (GP) has antioxidant properties and can be a suitable alternative to antibiotics in laying hen diets; however, research on its effects remains limited. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary GP supplementation on production performance during the pre-peak production stage. A total of 270 hens, 18 weeks old and averaging 1.83 ± 0.03 kg, were divided into three groups: control (CN, basal diet), CN + 5 g/kg GP (T1), and CN + 10 g/kg GP (T2), with six replicates of 15 hens each, in a 10-week feeding trial. Dietary GP had no significant effect on feed intake (p > 0.05), but it dose-dependently improved laying rate, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). Egg quality parameters, including albumen height, Haugh unit, eggshell thickness, and strength, were also linearly improved with GP supplementation (p < 0.05). Dietary GP linearly enhanced the antioxidant status of hens (p < 0.01) and reduced malondialdehyde activity (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, 10 g/kg GP supplementation slightly improved gizzard index and liver morphology, and it linearly enhanced intestinal morphology (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that 10 g/kg GP supplementation can improve the productivity and health of laying hens.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) has attracted attention in poultry production and reproduction because of its pharmacological properties and numerous bioactive compounds. This review explores the use of ginger derivatives, including ginger powder, extracts, oils, and fermented ginger, as natural alternatives to synthetic antibiotics in poultry diets. It also highlights their main bioactive compounds, such as gingerols, shogaols, paradols, and zingerone, which are known for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. This review is based on recent studies focusing on the roles of ginger and its derivatives, and/or ginger combined with other phytogenic additives, in poultry feed supplements. Additionally, it emphasizes the benefits of dietary supplementation with ginger derivatives for improving productive and reproductive performance, including laying rate, reproductive hormone production, egg production and quality, fertility, hatchability, and overall immunity and health in poultry. The findings suggest that adding ginger derivatives and/or combining them with other phytogenic feed additives to poultry diets could provide economic benefits and support sustainable poultry farming, aligning with the increasing demand for antibiotic-free products. In conclusion, dietary ginger and its derivatives, when supplemented at an optimal rate, are a promising natural alternative to synthetic antibiotics in poultry production. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of its role in poultry production is crucial.