Research Note: Effects of Fermented Vegetable Extract Supplementation Via Drinking Water on Growth Performance, Immune Function, and Antioxidant Status in Broiler Chickens

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of supplementing drinking water with fermented vegetable extract on growth performance, immune response, antioxidant activity, and hematological parameters in broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-day-old Cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly allocated into four treatment groups, each comprising three replicates of 20 birds. The experimental groups were as follows: Group A (control, no extract), Group B (0.1 % extract), Group C (0.2 % extract), and Group D (0.3 % extract). Major ingredients of the fermented vegetable extract include cabbage, carrot, garlic, ginger, onion, chili powder, and rice paste. The extract was administered via drinking water throughout the trial. Results indicated that broilers in Group D (0.3 % extract) had significantly higher body weight (P < 0.05) by the fifth week. Feed intake varied significantly among treatment groups during the first and second weeks, although overall feed intake remained unaffected. Notably, Group B showed a significantly better feed conversion ratio (P < 0.005) in the fifth week compared to other groups. Immune parameters, including hemagglutination (Newcastle disease virus) and hemagglutination inhibition (infectious bursal disease virus) titers, were significantly elevated (P < 0.001) in all treatment groups relative to the control. Furthermore, antioxidant enzyme activities, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, were markedly enhanced (P < 0.001) in the treated groups. In conclusion, supplementing drinking water with fermented vegetable extract had a beneficial effect on broiler growth performance, immune function, and antioxidant status.