NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY OF BROILER CHICKENS FED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH PROBIOTIC OR PHYTOBIOTICS

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with yeast-derived probiotics, phytobiotics (Mango Leaf Powder and Lemongrass Powder), on nutrient digestibility in Cobb 500 broiler chickens. A total of 120 one-day-old chicks were divided into four treatment groups, each receiving a different diet over a six-week period. Diets B, C, and D contained 0.5% inclusion of Mango Leaf Powder, yeast, and Lemongrass Powder, respectively, while the control group (A) received no supplements. Proximate analysis assessed digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), nitrogen-free extract (NFE), and ash. Results indicated that diets supplemented with Lemongrass Powder (LGP) and yeast significantly enhanced crude protein and ether extract digestibility, highlighting improved nutrient utilization. The findings align with previous research suggesting that phytobiotics enhance feed palatability, stimulate digestive enzyme secretion, and possess antibacterial properties, which together improve nutrient absorption. Notably, LGP supplementation led to the highest digestibility across multiple nutrient categories. This study concludes that a 0.5% inclusion level of Lemongrass Powder and yeast effectively enhances nutrient digestibility in broiler diets, recommending their inclusion for improved poultry nutrition.