Abstract

Background:
Peronema canescens Jack (P. canescens) leaves contain phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and saponins with antibacterial, antioxidant, and growth-promoting activities. However, their lipophilic nature limits their absorption in broilers. Chitosan-based nanoencapsulation is used to enhance the effectiveness of the extract when administered through drinking water.

Aim:
This study aimed to investigate the effects of nanoencapsulated P. canescens leaf extract (PcNP) administered through drinking water on the growth performance, carcass traits, digestive characteristics, and jejunum histomorphometry of broiler chickens.

Methods:
This study used a completely randomized design with six treatments, each of which was replicated six times. A total of 288 male Indian River broiler chickens were reared from day 1 to day 28. The treatments were as follows: negative control (no treatment); T1 (8.5 mL/L PcNP); T2 (17 mL/L PcNP); T3 (34 mL/L PcNP); T4 (68 mL/L PcNP); and positive control (25 mg/L zinc bacitracin) in drinking water.

Results:
PcNP supplementation in broiler chickens consistently improved feed efficiency by 1.42 and carcass percentage at concentrations ranging from 17 to 68 mL/L with 72.74%, 72.54%, and 74.14% (P < 0.05). Feather free weight (1503.66 g), carcass yield (1339.00 g), breast yield (520.50 g), upper thigh yield (215.50 g), and ileum length (89.66 cm) were increased in broiler chickens supplemented with 68 mL/L PcNP (P < 0.05). Abdominal fat weight and percentage decreased without PcNP supplementation but increased with supplementation of zinc bacitracin (P < 0.05). A dose of 8.5 mL/L PcNP significantly increased villus height (1570.26 μm) and villus height-to-crypt depth (12.00) (P < 0.005), whereas all doses reduced villus width, apical width, and crypt depth in broiler chickens (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
These findings suggest that PcNP may have potential as a natural growth promoter in broiler production due to its beneficial effects on improving feed efficiency, carcass traits, and intestinal health.

Key words: AGPs replacement; Broiler chickens; Drinking water; Nanoencapsulation; Peronema canescens Jack.