Synergistic effects of noni fruit extract, copper, and zinc encapsulated on immunity, protein digestibility, and growth performance in broiler

Abstract

This research sought to explore the combined effects of noni fruit extract, copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) encapsulation on immunity, protein digestibility, and growth performance of broiler chickens. The research used 200 Ross broilers involved, each eight days old and weighing an average of 233.69±7.47 g, which were split into four separate feeding groups, each one being repeated five times. The dietary treatments included T0 (control diet), T1 (T0 + 0.06% noni fruit extract, Cu, and Zn encapsulation), T2 (T0 + 0.12% noni fruit extract, Cu, and Zn encapsulation), and T3 (T0 + 0.18% noni fruit extract, Cu, and Zn encapsulation). ANOVA was administered for statistical analysis, followed by Duncan’s test at 0.05 probability. The findings indicated that the inclusion of encapsulated noni fruit extract with Cu and Zn at the T2 level significantly (P<0.05) increased lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts, protein digestibility, thymus relative weight, and daily body weight gain (DBWG), while reducing intestinal pH, E. coli counts, heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in comparison with control groups (T0). However, no significant effect (P>0.05) was noted on daily feed intake or the relative weights of the bursa Fabricius and spleen. In conclusion, the incorporation of 0.12% noni fruit extract, Cu, and Zn encapsulation improved intestinal bacterial balance, immunological balance, protein digestibility, and growth performance in broiler chickens.