Effect of encapsulated M. speciosa fruit extract on growth performance, amino acid digestibility and oxidative status in high density broilers

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of encapsulation of Medinilla speciosa fruit extract in feed on the oxidative status, amino acid digestibility, and performance of broiler chickens raised at high stocking densities. The M. speciosa contains polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. This study used 290 unsexed Ross strain broiler chicks aged 8 days, with an average body weight of 196.01 ± 1.12 g. M. speciosa fruit extract (MSFE) and encapsulated M. speciosa fruit extract (EMSFE) were used as sources of phytobiotics. This study was designed with four treatments and five replicates. The treatments tested were T0: normal density of 10 birds/m² without MSFE or EMSFE; T1: high density of 16 birds/m² without MSFE or EMSFE; T2: high density of 16 birds/m² + 0.08% MSFE; and T3: high density of 16 birds/m² + 0.08% EMSFE. The results showed that the addition of MSFE and EMSFE to the diet had a significant effect (P<0.05) on performance (feed intake, daily weight gain, and feed conversion ratio), protein and amino acid digestibility, oxidative status (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase), as well as total lactic acid bacteria, Escherichia coli, and small intestine pH. The conclusion is that incorporating 0.08% encapsulation of M. speciosa fruit extract notably enhances the overall health, absorption of essential amino acids, and growth of broiler chickens raised in high-density conditions, suggesting its promise as an effective phytobiotic feed additive.