Abstract
The growing concerns over antibiotic resistance and the need for safer alternatives in broiler production make exploring natural additives like plant extracts imperative to enhance broiler health and performance. This study evaluated the effect of aqueous bamboo leaf extract (BLE) in drinking water on broiler chickens’ performance, haematological indices, and blood oxidative status. Ninety-six Ross 308 one-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to four treatments: T1 (Control, ordinary water), T2 (antibiotics (Tetranor 5% at 5 g per litre of water)), T3 (50 ml BLE per litre of water) and T4 (100 ml BLE per litre of water), each with four replicates of six birds. Performance data were recorded weekly over 8 weeks, and blood samples were collected on day 56 for haematological and oxidative status analysis. Data were analysed using SAS (2000) with means separation via Tukey’s test. Results showed that broilers that consumed water containing 100ml/L BLE had the highest (p < 0.05) live weight (LW) of 1078.20 g and weight gain (WG) of 1029.19 g at the starter phase. At the finisher phase, broilers in the 100ml BLE group had the highest (p < 0.05) LW (2695.42 g) and zero mortality, whereas the control group recorded the lowest LW (1672.95 g). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved (p < 0.05) in broilers that had access to water containing 100 ml/L BLE at both phases. Haematological analysis revealed increased (p < 0.05) packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentrations in the 100 ml/L BLE group. Oxidative stress markers showed lower (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde levels for broilers in the 100 ml/L BLE group than those in the control group. Superoxide dismutase was reduced (p < 0.05) for broilers given ordinary water and those given antibiotics but increased for broilers with 100 ml/L BLE. In conclusion, including BLE at 100 ml/L in drinking water enhanced weight gain, FCR, and survival rate while reducing oxidative stress, indicating a promising natural alternative for improving broiler health and performance.