Effect of encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract on growth, protein digestibility and health of broilers

The study investigated the effect of encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract on performance, protein digestibility, and health of broilers. A total of 200 Cobb broiler chicks were divided into five treatments with four repetitions, including T0 (basal diet), T1 (basal diet + 200 mg/kg encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract), T2 (basal diet + 400 mg/kg encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract), T3 (basal diet + 600 mg/kg encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract), and T4 (basal diet + 800 mg/kg encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract). Sample collection was conducted on day 35 of age. Results showed that increased encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract levels in feed linearly increased (P<0.05) body weight, body weight gain, intestinal lactic acid bacteria counts, protein digestibility and serum superoxide dismutase levels, while linearly decreasing (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio, intestinal Escherichia coli counts, small intestinal pH values and serum malondialdehyde levels. In conclusion, encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract improved growth performance, protein digestibility intestinal health and antioxidant status of broilers. The encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract at a level of 600 mg/kg exerted the best performance and health of broilers.