Phytobiotics on Growth Performance, Carcass Yields, and Meat Sensory Evaluation of ZamPen Native Chicken

Abstract

Phytobiotics are plant-derived materials which may be incorporated into the diet of livestock to improve their nutrient digestibility and
absorption. Phytobiotics also help eliminate pathogens in the gut. This study aimed to determine the effect of phytobiotics on growth
performance, carcass yields, visceral characteristics, and meat sensory evaluation of Zampen native chickens. A total of 75 heads
of Zampen chicken were subjected to a water supplement experiment subdivided into five (5) treatments. These treatments were
water-soluble antibiotic, guyabano, moringa, chili, and turmeric powder in water supplements at three replications in a Randomized
Complete Block Design, under 60 days trial. Results revealed that phytobiotics significantly (P<0.05) influenced the weight gain,
average daily gain, and meat sensory evaluation at a certain age of the Zampen chickens. The weight gain and average daily gain
significantly (P<0.05) increased at the last period of the experimentation. Meat sensory attributes, tenderness, flavor, and overall
acceptance significantly differ among treatments. However, phytobiotics did not affect the carcass and gastrointestinal characteristics
(p>0.05) substantially. Thus, natural phytobiotics can be used as an alternative to water-soluble antibiotics as growth promotants for
native chicken.