**1. Introduction**

The emerging global agrarian crisis associated with the growing human population has signified the role of livestock sector in catering their nutritional demands. Among the livestock species, poultry sector has emerged as the fastest growing enterprise over the years with their significant contribution to the total animal protein production as well as consumption [1, 2]. Accompanying this growth, the poultry industry is faced with an enormous challenge to maintain the health and well-being of the birds.
