Digestive Tract Development of Crossbreed Native Chickens due to Effect of Terminalia catappa Leaf (T. catappa L) Extract in Drinking Water

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to clarify the impact of drinking water extract from Terminalia catappa leaves on the development of the native chicken crossbreeds’ digestive systems. The study was set up with 4 treatments and 4 replications in a properly randomized design (5 bird for each replication). Water without Terminalia catappa leaf extract (T0), water with 3% of Terminalia catappa leaf extract for three days per week (T1), water with 3% of Terminalia catappa leaf extract for five days per week (T2), and water with 3% of Terminalia catappa extract for seven days per week (T3) were the study’s treatments (T3). Parameters observed are relative weight of digestive organs, length of digestive organs, and weight to length ratio of digestive organs. Results show that Terminalia catappa leaf extract in drinking water showed a significant effect in weight to length ratio of duodenum but had no effect in the other digestive organ. The use of Terminalia catappa leaf extract have a potensial effect to maintance digestive tract development.