Orboroi (Phyllanthus acidus) leaf powder: An alternative to antibiotic supplements for the growth of broiler chickens

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Phyllanthus acidus leaf powder (PALP) administered through drinking water as an alternative to antibiotics for improving growth performance, blood parameters, and carcass characteristics in broiler chicks. A total of 120 day-old Indian River broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments, with three replications per treatment. The control group (T1) received a basal diet, while groups T2, T3, and T4 received 0.1 g/L of renamycin (antibiotic), 1.5 g/L PALP, and 3 g/L PALP, respectively. Body weight, drumstick size, bursa weight, serum lipid profile, and hematological parameters were recorded on days 21 and 35, while body weight was monitored weekly. The results showed that both body weight and weight gain significantly increased (p<0.05) in the 3 g/L PALP group compared to the control. The outcomes of the 1.5 g/L PALP and antibiotic-treated groups were comparable. Feed conversion ratio was significantly improved (p<0.05) in the 3 g/L PALP group compared to the control and antibiotic groups, although the control and antibiotic groups had higher feed intake. No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed in dressing percentage among the dietary treatments. However, 3 g/L PALP group exhibited a significantly lower (p<0.01) bursa weight compared to the other groups. Additionally, the serum lipid profile (p<0.05) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase levels (p<0.01) showed significantly favorable results in 3 and 5-week-old broilers treated with 3 g/L PALP. Overall, 3 g/L PALP treatment revealed the most beneficial effects and resulted in the highest profit per bird.