Dietary Inclusion of Combretum micranthum Leaf Powder as a Phytogenic Alternative to Antibiotic Growth Promoters: Effects on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Carcass Characteristics, and Hematology in Caribro Naked Neck Chicks

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of Combretum micranthum leaf powder (CMLP) on the performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, and hematological traits of Caribro Naked Neck chicks. A total of 250 one-day-old Caribro Naked Neck chicks were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments (T1–T5) in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Each treatment comprised 5 replicates of 10 birds each. In a 28-day experimental period. Treatment 1 (control) received a formulated basal diet supplemented with neomycin at 20 g/kg, whereas T2, T3, T4, and T5 received the basal diet supplemented with CMLP at 20, 40, 60, and 80 g/kg diet, respectively. Body weight gain (BWG) was highest (p<0.05) in T4 and T5, intermediate in T2 and T3, and lowest in T1. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) was significantly improved (lowest) in T4 and T5 compared to T1. Daily feed intake, apparent crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), organic matter (OM), ether extract (EE), dry matter (DM) digestibility, carcass weight, and dressing percentage were significantly higher (p<0.05) in all CMLP-supplemented groups (T2–T5) than in T1. Hematological indices across all treatments remained within the physiological reference range for healthy birds. Dietary inclusion of Combretum micranthum leaf powder up to 60–80 g/kg enhances growth performance, nutrient utilization, and carcass characteristics without compromising systemic bird health, demonstrating its efficacy as a sustainable alternative to conventional antibiotics.