Effect of Ficus nota (Blanco) Merr on the Hematobiochemical Profile and Growth Performance in Broiler Chickens

Abstract

Ficus nota Blanco Merr, known for its positive effects on human health in traditional medicine owing to its phytobiotics, has not been adequately studied for its impact on farm animals, particularly in poultry. This research sought to address this knowledge gap by investigating its influence on growth performance, hematological and serum biochemical profiles of broiler chickens. A total of 168 10-day-old commercial Cobb 500 broiler chicks, randomly assigned into four treatment groups each replicated three times, were subjected to a 31-day experimental period. Ficus nota fruits were subjected to fermentation, yielding a fermented juice, subsequently administered to the chicks via their drinking water. The treatments included a control group receiving plain water and three experimental groups with varying concentrations of fermented fruit juice (FFJ): 40 ml FFJ/L, 60 ml FFJ/L, and 80 ml FFJ/L. Substantial differences (p<0.05) were observed in red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit. Conversely, platelet and white blood cell counts did not show significant variations (p>0.05) among the treatment groups. Except for reduced cholesterol levels in treated groups, there were no significant changes (p>0.05) in other blood serum biochemical indices. Furthermore, the treated groups exhibited notable weight gain and enhanced feed conversion ratio, underscoring the potential impact of the treatments.

Keywords

• Feed conversion ratio
• Fermentation
• Ficus nota
• Phytobiotics
• Hematological Indices
• Serum biochemical profile

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