Assessment of Drinking-Water Phytogenic (CX Tonic®) and Essential Oil (WINTERS®) Preparations on Growth Performance, Immune Response, Histopathology, Meat Quality, and Litter Characteristics in Broiler Chickens

Phytogenic feed additives have emerged as promising natural alternatives for improving broiler productivity, health, and product quality while reducing reliance on antibiotic growth promoters. This study evaluated the effects of two commercial phytogenic drinking-water supplements, CX Tonic® and WINTERS®, on growth performance, litter quality, immune response, meat traits, and histopathological characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 300 one-day-old Avian-480 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group receiving untreated drinking water, a CX Tonic® group receiving 0.25 mL/L CX Tonic® in drinking water, and a WINTERS® group receiving 0.25 mL/L WINTERS® during weeks 1–3 and 0.50 mL/L during weeks 4–5 in drinking water. The experiment lasted 35 days. Both phytogenic supplements significantly improved final body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) compared with the control group (P < 0.05), with the greater improvement observed in the CX Tonic® group. Litter moisture content was significantly reduced, particularly in the WINTERS® group, whereas total aerobic bacterial counts were not significantly affected. WINTERS® supplementation resulted in the highest antibody titer against avian influenza virus (H5N1) and significantly increased bursal and splenic histomorphometric indices, indicating enhanced the immune organ development. In contrast, Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibody titers were numerically higher in the supplemented groups, particularly with WINTERS® but differences were not significant (P > 0.05). Both phytogenic products improved breast meat quality by increasing moisture content and reducing total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), fat content, and lipid oxidation. The most favorable meat quality characteristics were observed in the CX Tonic® group. Histological examination demonstrated normal hepatic and renal architecture in all groups, confirming the safety of both supplements. In conclusion, phytogenic supplementation through drinking water improved broiler performance, meat quality, and health status. CX Tonic® was more effective in enhancing growth and meat quality, whereas WINTERS® showed superior immunomodulatory effects.