The Effect of Butterfly Pea Flower Extract on Broilers Raised in High-Density Environments (Impact on Performance, Blood Profile and Gut Microbes)

Abstract

Background: High-density farming systems can lead to oxidative stress and negatively impact broiler performance. Antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) were used to improve broiler performance under stress conditions. However, long-term use of AGPs can lead to antibiotic resistance in humans as consumers. Therefore, the use of AGPs is now banned in broiler production. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of butterfly pea flower extract on the performance, blood profile and gut microbes of broilers raised in high-density environments. Methods: After 15 days of rearing, 370 unsexed Lohmann broiler chicks were assigned to five treatments in a completely randomized design, consisting of CONT+, CONT-, BPE0.5, BPE1.0 and BPE1.5. Sampling was conducted on day 35. Result: The results indicated that the inclusion of butterfly pea flower extract in the diet of broilers raised at a high density (16 birds/m2) significantly (p<0.05) improved performance, lowered the pH in the ileum and cecum, increased lactic acid bacteria and reduced coliform bacteria in both the ileum and cecum. There was no significant effect (p>0.05) on the blood profile of broilers.