Dr. Ankit Sharma is a veterinary scientist specializing in Poultry Science, with expertise in poultry management, nutrition, feeding, breeding, physiology, health, disease diagnosis, and postmortem examination. He holds a B.V.Sc. & A.H. from CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, an M.V.Sc. in Poultry Science from DUVASU, Mathura, and a Ph.D. in Poultry Science from GBPUAT, Pantnagar. He has also qualified the ICAR-NET examination. Dr. Sharma has published several research and review articles in areas including poultry nutrition, feed additives, meat and egg quality, immunocompetence, and alternative approaches to antibiotic use in poultry production. His academic achievements include the Young Professional Award, Young Scientist Award, and Best PhD Thesis Award, along with recognition for poster presentations. His research interests focus on improving poultry health, nutrition, productivity, and sustainable animal production through scientific and innovative approaches.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) Bark and Sahjan (Moringa oleifera) Leaf Powder on the Productive Performance, Haemato-biochemical parameters and Humoral Immune Response of Kadaknath Chicken Abstract:The present study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) bark and Moringa oleifera (Sahjan) leaf powder on the productive performance, haemato-biochemical parameters, humoral immune response of Kadaknath chickens. Seventy-two-day-old chicks were randomly distributed into six dietary treatment groups (T₀–T₅), each with three replicates of four birds. The dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet (control; T₀) and basal diet supplemented with 1% T. arjuna bark powder in combination with 1–5% M. oleifera leaf powder (T₁–T₅). Growth and production data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and mean separations were performed with Duncan’s multiple range test. Results showed that birds receiving 1% T. arjuna + 3% M. oleifera (T₃) had significantly (p < 0.05) higher body weight and better feed conversion ratio than the control group. Birds in T₃ also exhibited an earlier age at first egg and superior egg production performance (p < 0.01). The combination of Arjuna bark and Sahjan leaf improved haemato-biochemical indices, including higher haemoglobin and total protein and reduced serum cholesterol and LDL concentrations. Moreover, immune response was enhanced in supplemented groups. Therefore, supplementation with 1% T. arjuna and 3% M. oleifera leaf powder can be recommended as a natural feed additive to improve growth, immunity in indigenous poultry.Keywords: Kadaknath chicken; growth performance; haemato-biochemical profile; immune response.