Utilisation of bioactive molecules from pumpkin seeds and oil as natural alternatives to antibiotics in poultry nutrition

SUMMARYThe global ban on antibiotic growth promoters has heightened the search for safe, natural alternatives in poultry production. Pumpkin seeds (PS) and pumpkin seed oil (PSO) have emerged as promising candidates due to their rich content of bioactive compounds, including phytosterols (100–300 mg/100 g), tocopherols (30–50 mg/100 g), cucurbitacin, polyunsaturated fatty acids (40–60% of total lipids) and phenolics (≈1–3 mg GAE/g). These compounds enhance antioxidant defences, modulate lipid metabolism and stimulate immune responses, leading to improved growth and resistance to microbial infections. Research indicates that dietary supplementation with PS (5–10%) and PSO (0.5–2%) consistently boost performance, carcass traits and the quality of meat and eggs, as well as support health in broilers and quails. When PS is combined with other natural agents, such as vitamins E at dosages of 0.1–0.2 g/kg, these additives can produce synergistic effects that enhance their overall production benefits. Overall, the multifunctional, sustainable and cost-effective properties of PS and PSO position them as viable green alternatives to synthetic growth promoters. So, this review critically examines their bioactive composition, identifies their detailed mechanisms of action and explores practical applications in enhancing poultry productivity and health.