The combined effect of herbal leaves and yeast in feed as a growth promoter and bio-control of pathogenic bacteria in the intestines of native chickens

Abstract

The combination of herbal leaves with probiotics in feed causes the jejunal pH value of chickens to be within normal values, so that nutrient absorption can be maximized. Phytochemical compounds and probiotics, both of which have the ability to bio-control pathogenic bacteria. This study aims to examine the effect of adding a mixture of Moringa leaf flour and Yeast (80% Moringa-20% Yeast; g/g) in the diet on the growth and population of pathogenic bacteria in the intestines of native chickens. A total of two hundred and forty chickens aged 2 weeks were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups, namely: the group of native chickens fed a diet supplemented with 2% Moringa-Yeast (M1); 4% Moringa-Yeast (M2); and 6 Moringa-Yeast (M3). The control group of chickens was fed without Moringa-Yeast (M0). Each treatment with 6 repetitions with 40 birds per repetition. The results showed that the birds in the Moringa-Yeast group had the highest growth, body weight gain, and feed efficiency (P<0.05) compared to the control group (M0). Moringa-Yeast supplementation in the diet had a significant (P<0.05) effect on Coliform and E.coli bacteria in the intestine of birds. It can be concluded that supplementation of 2-6% Moringa-Yeast in feed for native chickens from 2-10 weeks of age, can increase growth and feed efficiency, and conversely reduce the population of pathogenic bacteria in the intestines of birds.