Temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) Nanoemulsion can be Substituted as Natural Growth Promoter in Broiler Chickens

The extensive use of antibiotics growth promoters leads to residues and bacterial resistance; therefore, temulawak nanoemulsion (TN) is expected to be a potential alternative as natural growth promoter (NGP) in broiler chickens. This study was aimed to assess the effect of TN on broiler chickens’ productivity, blood profile, and antibiotic resistance. A total of 72 one-day-old broiler chicks strain MB (Lohman 202) were reared for 35 days and divided into four groups: negative control (without supplementation), positive control (AGP 50 mg/L), and administration of TN 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg BW. Body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and index performance (IP) were calculated to evaluate broiler chicken’ productivity. On day 35, blood and cloacal samples were collected for hematology and antibiotic resistance tests. The data were analysed using SPSS software. The results showed that supplementation of TN 4 mg/kg BW improved broiler chickens’ productivity with efficient FI (P>0.05), optimum FCR (P>0.05) during 30-34 days of trial, and the highest IP value. TN 4 mg/kg BW group also had the lowest increasing levels of WBC and eosinophil compared to other groups, while PCV, RBC, and other leukocyte differential levels were normal compared to standards (P>0.05). Moreover, this group showed a decrease in the resistance rate to Amoxicillin and Ceftriaxone compared to control and AGP treatment. It was concluded that TN 4 mg/kg BW could be used as NGP. © 2022 University of Agriculture. All rights reserved