Samadi, Sitti Wajizah, Sugito, Ilham, Taufiq Hidayat, Indra Wahyudi
The restriction on the use of antibiotics in animal feed has sparked renewed interest in phytogenic additives derived from plants and herbs. These bioactive plant compounds present a natural alternative to enhance animal health and productivity, whilst minimizing the risk of antimicrobial resistance. This study aims to evaluate bitter leaf extract (Vernonia amygdalina) as an alternative feed additive for broiler chickens. A total of 100 mixed-sex broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 20 cages (1×1m) under four treatments, with five replications. Each group received V. amygdalina extract in drinking water at concentrations of 0, 250, 500, and 750mg/L. The chickens were fed iso-protein and iso-energy diets (23% CP, 3200kcal ME/kg for days 1–14; 20% CP, 3200kcal ME/kg for days 15–28). Feed intake and water consumption were recorded daily, and carcass traits, intestinal morphology, and microbial counts were evaluated at the end of the experiment. The study showed that supplementation of V. amygdalina extract in drinking water for 28 days had no significant effect (P>0.05) on body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, or water consumption. However, there was a noticeable trend towards increased weight and carcass percentage, with the 250mg/L treatment yielding the highest results (1357.20g; 74.78%) compared to the control group. Moreover, no adverse effects were observed on the morphology of the duodenal villi or on microbial counts (P>0.05). In conclusion, V. amygdalina extract can serve as a safe alternative feed additive, potentially replacing antibiotics in broiler chickens without negatively impacting growth performance, gastrointestinal health, or carcass quality. © 2026, Unique Scientific Publishers. All rights reserved.
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia; Research Center for Innovation and Feed Technology, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia; Faculty of Veterinary, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia; Department of Animal and Poultry Science, College of Agriculture and Bioresources, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, S7N 5A8, SK, Canada
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