Growth Performance and Feed Efficiency of Broilers Supplemented with Neorautanenia. Brachypus (Harms) C.A.Sm.

Abstract

Water and feed intake are critical for broiler growth, thermoregulation, and physiological balance. This study assessed the effects of N. brachypus supplementation, administered through different methods, on voluntary feed intake (VFI), voluntary water intake (VWI), and growth performance in broiler chickens. Five treatment groups were evaluated: a control group (E0) without supplementation, N. brachypus in feed without a vitamin-mineral premix (E1), only the premix in feed (E2), N. brachypus in drinking water with the premix in feed (E3), and both N. brachypus and the premix in feed (E4). A total of 400 Cobb 500 broiler chicks were assigned to five experimental groups, each subdivided into four replicates (n = 20). Data on VFI and VWI were collected daily, and weight gain was recorded weekly. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among treatments. The highest VWI was recorded in E3 (1791.66± 84.95mL), while the lowest was in E2 (1484.08± 84.95mL). Feed intake was highest in E1 (945.10± 43.78g), whereas E3 had the lowest (800.22± 43.78g). Growth performance followed the trend E3 > E4 > E2 > E1 > E0, with E3 achieving the highest weight gain (2589± 43.78g) at week 5. These results suggest that N. brachypus supplementation, particularly in drinking water, enhances hydration, feed utilisation, and overall broiler performance.