Effects of Chaste tree (Vitex negundo) leaves as an antibiotic growth promoter alternative on growth performance, digestibility, carcass traits, immunity and antioxidant status of broiler birds.

In recent years, there has been a growing concern regarding the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in the poultry industry. This study was conducted with the aim to investigate the potential of Chaste tree leaves (CTL) as a herbal feed additive in comparison to dietary antibiotic, by studying its effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, immunity and antioxidant status in broiler chicken. A total of 350 1-day-old male Cobb broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 5 groups and 7 replicates, with 10 chicks per replicate. Control group (CN) was given basal diet; ZB group was given 0.05% Zinc bacitracin (ZB) added in the basal diet; groups CTL0.5, CTL1 and CTL2 were provided with Chaste tree leaves powder added in the basal diet at 0.5%, 1%, and 2% inclusion levels, respectively. The results revealed that the performance of CTL1 group was significantly (P < 0.05) better in terms of gain in weight (GIW), total breast yield, total antioxidant activity (FRAP), digestibility of Dry matter (DM) and Crude protein (CP) than other groups. CTL1 group showed significant (P < 0.05) improvement in FCR compared to control group. The feed intake was significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced in treatment groups fed Chaste tree leaves powder (CTL0.5, CTL1 and CTL2) as compared to others. IgG levels were significantly (P < 0.05) improved in CTL0.5 and CTL1 compared to other groups. Overall, birds fed at 1% level showed greatest improvements in growth performance, feed conversion, immunity, and antioxidant status. In conclusion, Chaste tree (Vitex negundo) leaves can be added at 1% level in broiler diet for enhancing growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, immunity and antioxidant status in broilers.