IMPACT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF Tetrapleura tetraptera ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY IN BROILER CHICKENS

This study evaluated the effects of aqueous extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Aridan) on growth
performance, nutrient digestibility, and antimicrobial properties in broiler chickens as an
alternative to synthetic antibiotics. A total of 225 (day-old) Marshall Broiler breed chicks were
randomly assigned to five treatments with three replicates each (15 birds per replicate) in a
completely randomized design. Treatment 1 served as control with antibiotic (Enrovet: 0.5g/L),
while treatments; 2, 3, 4, and 5 received graded levels of Aridan extract at 0.4g/L, 0.6g/L, 0.8g/L,
and 1.0g/L respectively in drinking water for 56 days. Results showed that birds in treatment 3
(0.6g/L) achieved significantly higher feed intake (1.05 kg/bird) and feed conversion ratio (2.74)
during the starter phase compared to control (0.93 kg/bird and 2.20 respectively). Final body
weight ranged from 1.73-1.94 kg with no significant differences among treatments. Dry matter
digestibility decreased progressively from 89.13% in control to 69.30% in treatment 5.
Microbial loads analysis revealed significant reduction in bacterial population from 8.73×10⁶
cfu/ml before administration to 6.07×10⁶ cfu/ml after administration in control, while treatment
4 achieved the lowest microbial counts (3.60×10⁶ cfu/ml). The study demonstrates that T.
tetraptera aqueous extract can effectively replace synthetic antibiotics in broiler production,
with optimal inclusion levels of 0.6g/L at starter phase and 0.8-1.0g/L at finisher phase,
providing comparable antimicrobial effects while maintaining growth performance and
improving meat quality through reduced abdominal fat deposition.