Performance and antioxidative status of broiler chickens consuming diets supplemented with a wild cucumber (Momordica charantia) leaf powder and clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum) leaf powder blend

Abstract

Background and Objective: This study examined the effect of the composite mix of wild cucumber and clove basil leaf powder (WCLP) supplementation on the performance, blood indices, and stress biomarkers of broiler chickens.
Methodology: 300 one-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks weighing 42.06 ± 0.44 g were randomly allotted to five diets [diet 1 (negative control), diet 2 (positive control: 0.1% probiotic, prebiotic and acidifier blend (PPAB) supplementation), diet 3 (0.25% WCLP), diet 4 (0.50% WCLP), and diet 5 (0.75% WCLP)].
Main Results: At the starter phase, broiler chickens fed diets 3 and 4 were similar (P > 0.05) to those fed diet 1; from another angle, the body weight gain (BWG) of the birds fed diets 1, 2, and 3 were similar (P > 0.05). The least BWG was recorded in the birds fed diet 5. At the finisher phase and overall period (1–42 days), the BWG recorded in broiler chickens fed diets 2 and 3 were similar (P > 0.05) but significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those fed diets 1, 4, and 5. Broiler chickens fed diets 3, 4, and 5 recorded the lowest cholesterol levels, compared to birds on diets 1 and 2. Broiler chickens fed diets 3, 4, and 5 recorded higher concentrations of serum glutathione peroxidase at 150.50, 214.52, and 168.51 mg/mL, respectively, compared to diet 1 (96.32 mg/mL) and diet 2 (144.50 mg/mL).
Conclusions: WCLP could be used as a feed addition at 0.25% without affecting broiler chicken growth performance. Beyond 0.25% WCLP would increase stress biomarkers and lower serum cholesterol concentrations in broiler chickens.