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This study evaluated the effect of pawpaw, black cumin, and mustard seed meals (PSM, BSM, and MSM, respectively) supplementation on broiler chickens’ performance, gut microflora, and gut morphology. Two basal diets were formulated for the starter and grower phases and divided into five portions. Portion one (Diet 1), the negative control, contained no supplementation, portion two (Diet 2), was supplemented with 0.11 g kg^-1 oxytetracycline. The third (Diet 3), the forth (Diet 4) and the fifth portions (Diet 5) were supplemented with 15 g kg^-1 PSM, MSM and BSM, respectively. Three-hundred 1-day old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly distributed into five treatments (10 chicks/replicate; 60 chicks/treatment) in a completely randomized design. The performance characteristics of the birds were determined on 7 days interval. On day 42, three birds per replicate were sacrificed for the determination of the carcass traits and relative internal organs weights. At the grower phase and overall, the Body Weight Gain (BWG) of broiler chickens fed Diet 3 was similar (P> 0.05) to those fed Diet 4, but significantly (P< 0.05) higher than the broiler chickens fed the rest of the diets. The liver, pancreas and gizzard relative weights were affected (P< 0.05) by the treatment. On day 42, higher (P< 0.05) Lactic Acid-producing Bacteria (LAB) count was recorded in birds fed Diet 2. In the jejunum, the villi heights and crypt depths were higher (P<0.05) in bird fed Diets 1, 2, and 3. Supplementation of the broiler diets with 15 g kg^-1 of PSM, BSM and MSM enhanced the body weight of broiler chicken.

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This study aimed to investigate the impact of Juglans regia Kernel Powder (JKP) on broiler chickens subjected to Aflatoxin (AF)-contaminated diets during a 42-day feeding trial conducted in February and March 2022. A total of 240 one-day-old broiler chickens were divided into four dietary groups: Diet 1 (Control), Diet 2 (0.5 mg kg^-1 AF), Diet 3 (0.5 mg kg^-1 AF+250 mg kg^-1 JKP), and Diet 4 (0.5 mg kg^-1 AF+500 mg kg^-1 JKP). Birds on Diet 2 exhibited a significantly lower (P= 0.01) relative growth rate compared to the other diets. JKP supplementation at 250 mg kg^-1 (Diet 3) and 500 mg kg^-1 (Diet 4) mitigated the negative impact of AF on growth. Birds on Diet 2 showed significantly lower (P= 0.01) serum concentrations of total protein, albumin, and globulin compared to those on Diets 1, 3, and 4. Elevated levels of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatinine in Diet 2 indicated liver and kidney damage. Alanine Transaminase (ALT) concentrations in Diet 2 were higher (P= 0.01) than Diets 1 and 4. Birds fed diet 2 had lower glucose levels (P= 0.01) than diets 1 and 4. IgA levels in birds fed Diet 2 were lower (P= 0.03) than those in the birds fed Diet 4. Birds fed diet 2 had considerably (P< 0.05) lower IgE and IgG levels than birds fed diets 1 and 4. Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NFK B) was higher (P= 0.01) in birds fed Diet 2 compared to other diets. Interleukin 6 (IL 6) concentration was significantly (P= 0.01) higher in the birds fed Diet 2 than in the other diets. A recommended dietary supplementation of 250 mg kg^-1 JKP is suggested based on the observed ameliorative effects.