Meta-Analysis of the effect of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) supplementation on broiler growth performance

Abstract

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a leguminous plant rich in amino acids and micronutrients, making it a potential feed supplement for poultry. However, its high fiber content may limit its efficacy. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of alfalfa supplementation on broiler performance, including feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Articles were selected from Scopus, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar based on eligibility criteria developed with reference to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Written information in English that includes age of animal, form of alfalfa, growth phase, supplementation level, and evaluation of animal performance (consumption, weight gain, and feed conversion of broilers). The effect size of the alfalfa supplementation treatment was calculated to estimate the standardised mean difference (SMD) at 95% Confident Interval (95% CI) using a random effects model (REM). The meta-analysis included 8 research papers that were eligible. Open Meta-Analyst for Ecology and Evolution (OpenMEE) software was used for all analyses. The collected results showed that afalfa supplementation decreased feed consumption (SMD -0.98; P>0.001), decreased body weight (SMD -1.4; P>0.001), but increased feed conversion value (SMD 0.83; P>0.001). The conclusion of the meta-analysis indicates that alfalfa supplementation as a feed protein-fibre additive can reduce broiler performance.