Effects of the inclusion of fluted pumpkin ( Telfairia occidentalis Hook. f. ) leaf extract in drinking water on growth performance, intestinal histological structure, and enzymatic activity in Cobb 500 broiler chickens
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study was conducted to assess the effects of Telfairia occidentalis leaf extract on the growth performance, feed conversion ratio, intestinal morphology, and enzymatic activity of broiler chickens. A total of six hundred Cobb 500 broilers were divided into four groups: group 1, which was fed a standard diet (control, C group); group 2, which was fed a standard diet plus 0.5 g/L tetracolivit (antibiotic) in the drinking water for three consecutive days once every 28 days (T group); and groups 3 and 4, which were fed a standard diet plus 1 and 2 mL hydroethanolic extract of Telfairia occidentalis leaves in the drinking water every day throughout the experiment (TOE-1 group, TOE-2 group), respectively. By days 21 and 49, the results indicated that the TOE-2 group presented significantly higher body weight and daily weight gain and a lower feed conversion ratio than did the control group. Additionally, TOE-2 exhibited enhanced intestinal morphology and morphometry. The feed consumption did not vary significantly during the experiment. The enzymatic response from the chickens revealed elevated amylase and lipase levels in TOE-2. Minimal mortality across all groups underscored the supplement’s safety. It can be concluded that Telfairia occidentalis leaf extract at a dose of 2 mL/L could offer a viable alternative to synthetic growth promoters, enhancing intestinal health, feed efficiency, and growth performance in broilers.
Institution: University of Lomé
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,533
Funder: World Bank Group
Award: G2348136840
OpenAlex ID: W4416600630