Effects of Dietary Natural Alternatives to Antibiotic Growth Promoters on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality of ZamPen Native Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Emelyn D. Tormes^{* *}Correspondence: Emelyn D. Tormes, School of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Studies, J.H. Cerilles State College, Mati, San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines, Email:

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Introduction

Native chickens constitute an important component of smallholder poultry production systems throughout the Philippines, serving as a significant source of household income, animal protein, and livelihood security in rural communities. Unlike commercial broilers, native chickens are highly valued by consumers because of their distinctive flavor, firm meat texture, lower fat content, and perceived nutritional and health benefits. Their adaptability to scavenging environments and resistance to local climatic conditions further make them suitable for sustainable free-range production systems. Consequently, demand for native chicken meat has steadily increased in response to changing consumer preferences toward naturally produced and healthier poultry products.

Among Philippine native chicken breeds, the ZamPen native chicken has gained increasing attention because of its relatively faster growth, adaptability under free-range conditions, and suitability for commercial native chicken production. Developed through selective breeding programs in the Zamboanga Peninsula, ZamPen chickens possess desirable production traits while retaining the meat quality characteristics preferred by Filipino consumers. Nevertheless, maximizing the productive performance of native chickens remains challenging because of relatively slower growth rates and greater susceptibility to environmental and intestinal diseases compared with intensively managed commercial poultry.

For decades, Antibiotic Growth Promoters (AGPs) have been incorporated into poultry diets to improve feed efficiency, suppress pathogenic microorganisms, and enhance growth performance. However, the continuous use of AGPs has raised global concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic residues in animal-derived foods, and the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. These concerns have resulted in strict regulations and outright bans on AGP use in many countries, stimulating intensive research into safer and environmentally sustainable alternatives capable of maintaining poultry productivity without compromising food safety. Reviews and feeding trials have therefore emphasized the need for practical alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters [1].

Phytogenic feed additives, commonly referred to as phytobiotics, have emerged as one of the most promising alternatives to AGPs. Phytobiotics comprise herbs, spices, medicinal plants, and plant-derived extracts that possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and digestive-stimulatory properties. Their bioactive compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, essential oils, and terpenoids, have been reported to improve nutrient digestibility, regulate intestinal microflora, stimulate endogenous digestive enzymes, and enhance immune responses in poultry. Unlike synthetic antibiotics, phytobiotics generally leave minimal or no chemical residues in edible tissues, making them attractive components of sustainable livestock production systems. These functions are supported by research on antimicrobial plant products, essential oils, herbs, and phytogenic blends in poultry [2-9].

Several medicinal plants widely available in the Philippines have demonstrated potential as natural growth-promoting agents. Moringa oleifera leaves contain high-quality proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds that enhance nutrient utilization and immune function. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is rich in curcuminoids that exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory activities. Guyabano (Annona muricata) leaves contain acetogenins, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids that possess antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, whereas chili (Capsicum frutescens) contains capsaicin, which stimulates digestive enzyme secretion, enhances gastrointestinal function, and may improve nutrient absorption. Previous studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of these phytobiotics on growth performance, feed efficiency, gut health, and meat quality in various poultry species, although responses vary according to plant species, inclusion level, and production system. Studies of moringa in poultry diets and related nutritional analyses report effects on performance, nutrient supply, carcass traits, and economic returns [10-17]. Turmeric supplementation has likewise been evaluated for broiler performance, carcass characteristics, and physiological responses while studies of Annona species and other medicinal plants document relevant bioactivity [18-25]. Research on chili and other spices also supports their evaluation as poultry feed additives [26-28].

Despite growing international evidence supporting phytobiotic supplementation, information regarding their application in Philippine native chickens remains limited. In particular, studies evaluating locally available phytobiotics under practical production conditions for ZamPen native chickens are scarce. Furthermore, little information is available regarding their combined effects on productive performance, carcass yield, visceral characteristics, meat sensory quality, intestinal microbial status, and economic returns under free-range management systems.

The present study was conducted to address this knowledge gap by evaluating four locally available phytobiotics guyabano leaf powder, moringa leaf powder, chili powder, and turmeric powder as natural alternatives to conventional antibiotic growth promoters in ZamPen native chickens. Specifically, the study assessed their effects on growth performance, carcass yield, visceral characteristics, meat sensory attributes, intestinal Salmonella occurrence, and return above feed cost under free-range production conditions. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of sustainable, antibiotic-free feeding strategies that enhance the productivity, profitability, and food safety of native chicken production systems in the Philippines.

Materials and Methods

Ethical approval

All experimental procedures involving animals were conducted in accordance with the institutional guidelines for the ethical use and care of animals in research. Husbandry and sampling procedures were performed to minimize stress and discomfort to the experimental birds.

Study area

The study was conducted in Barangay Katipunan, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines, from February to April 2020. The area is characterized by a tropical climate suitable for free-range native chicken production.

Study design

The study consisted of a controlled feeding experiment designed to evaluate the effects of selected phytobiotics as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters on the productive performance, carcass traits, meat quality, intestinal Salmonella occurrence, and economic returns of ZamPen native chickens.

Survey on feeding and health management practices

A structured questionnaire was administered to ZamPen native chicken adopters identified through records of the J.H. Cerilles State College Research and Development Office. Information collected included respondents socio-demographic characteristics, flock size, production system, feeding practices, health management, disease prevention strategies, and production performance. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize the survey data.

Experimental birds and housing

Seventy-five (75) healthy, two-month-old ZamPen native chickens were obtained from the J.H. Cerilles State College Research Center, Dapiwak, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur. Birds were acclimatized prior to the feeding trial and randomly assigned to fifteen experimental pens.

The housing facility consisted of bamboo and nipa structures measuring 2×3 m, with each pen accommodating five birds. During daytime, birds were allowed to forage in free-range paddocks at a stocking density of approximately 1m² per bird, following the Philippine National Standard for Free-Range Chicken Production. Birds were confined in their respective pens during the night throughout the 60-day experimental period (Table 1).

Table 1: Accumulated body weight (g) of ZamPen native chickens after nine weeks of supplementation

Experimental design and dietary treatments

The experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five dietary treatments replicated three times. Blocking was based on pen orientation to minimize the effects of sunlight exposure.

The dietary treatments were:

• T1: Control (commercial water-soluble antibiotic)

• T2: Guyabano (Annona muricata) leaf powder

• T3: Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf powder

• T4: Chili (Capsicum frutescens) powder

• T5: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder

Each treatment consisted of three replicates with five birds per replicate.

Preparation of phytobiotics

Pure powders of guyabano leaves, moringa leaves, chili fruits, and turmeric rhizomes were procured from local suppliers in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.

Representative samples were subjected to proximate analysis at the Department of Science and Technology Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory using official Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) analytical procedures. The analyses included crude protein, ash, and crude fat determination to characterize the nutritional composition of the phytobiotics used in the feeding trial.

Feeding and general management

Birds were provided ad libitum access to feed and clean drinking water throughout the experimental period. Feeding and watering equipment were cleaned daily to maintain sanitary conditions. Routine management practices, including sanitation and health monitoring, were uniformly implemented across all treatment groups to minimize environmental variation.

Growth performance evaluation

Individual body weights were recorded at the start of the experiment and subsequently at weekly intervals.

The following production parameters were determined: Final body weight (g), Body weight gain (g), Average Daily Gain (ADG g/day), Water consumption. Body weight gain was calculated as the difference between final and initial body weight, while ADG was computed by dividing body weight gain by the number of feeding days. Weekly water intake was determined by measuring the amount of water offered and the remaining water after 24 hours.

Carcass characteristics and visceral traits

At the conclusion of the feeding trial, birds were fasted for 12 hours before slaughter. Representative birds from each treatment were randomly selected and humanely slaughtered by severing the jugular vein.

The following measurements were obtained: Dressing percentage, eviscerated carcass weight, liver weight, gizzard weight, proventriculus weight, intestinal length, intestinal weight

All measurements were recorded immediately after slaughter using calibrated weighing scales and measuring devices.

Meat sensory evaluation

Breast and thigh meat samples were cooked in a standardized 2% brine solution using a pressure cooker for 15 minutes.

Five trained panelists evaluated the cooked meat using a nine-point hedonic scale for: tenderness, flavor, juiciness and Overall acceptability.

Higher scores indicated greater consumer preference.

Detection of Salmonella

Before termination of the experiment, intestinal samples were aseptically collected from randomly selected birds.

Samples were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella using the conventional presumptive culture method at the First Analytical Services and Technical Laboratories, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

Economic analysis

Economic efficiency was assessed using Return Above Feed Cost (RAFC).

RAFC was calculated as:

RAFC=Gross Income-Total Feed Cost

Where gross income was based on the prevailing market value of live chickens at the end of the experiment. Feed costs included commercial feed and phytobiotic supplementation costs.

Statistical analysis

Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Experimental data were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) appropriate for a Randomized Complete Block Design using Assitat Statistical Assitance Software (ASSISTAT) version 7.7. When significant treatment effects were detected, means were separated using Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test at a significance level of P< 0.05. Data are presented as means ± standard error unless otherwise indicated (Table 2).

Note: Means in a column with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% (HSD)

Table 2: Weight gains (g) of ZamPen native chickens after 9 weeks of phytobiotics supplementation

Results

Growth performance

Weekly accumulated body weights of ZamPen native chickens supplemented with phytobiotics are presented in Table 3. Birds receiving the conventional antibiotic treatment consistently exhibited numerically higher body weights throughout the nine-week feeding period. However, analysis of variance indicated that accumulated body weights did not differ significantly (P> 0.05) among treatments at any sampling period. Birds supplemented with Moringa oleifera produced growth performance most comparable to the antibiotic-treated control group, while those receiving guyabano, chili, and turmeric also maintained satisfactory growth. These findings demonstrate that phytobiotic supplementation sustained growth performance comparable with conventional antibiotic growth promoters under free-range production conditions.

Table 3: Average Daily Gain (g) of ZamPen native chickens after 9 weeks of phytobiotics supplementation

Although the antibiotic-treated birds achieved the highest numerical final body weight, phytobiotic supplementation maintained statistically comparable growth throughout the experimental period. Among the phytobiotics evaluated, Moringa oleifera demonstrated the closest performance to the control treatment, suggesting that its nutrient-rich composition and bioactive compounds may effectively support growth under free-range conditions. The absence of significant treatment effects indicates that locally available phytobiotics can maintain productive performance without reliance on synthetic antibiotic growth promoters.

The observed response to chili supplementation is consistent with reports that hot red pepper can support broiler performance [26]. Mixtures of plant extracts containing carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, and capsaicin have also been associated with improved broiler performance [29-31]. Hernandez, et al. (2004) further reported that plant extracts can influence digestive function and nutrient availability. In the present study, turmeric, guyabano, and moringa powders produced weekly weight gains comparable with those obtained using the antibiotic treatment.

The average daily gain (ADG) in weight was computed based on the weight increase between two sampling periods and the number of days required to meet the same weight increase. The ADG results computed at different sampling periods were presented in Table 4. Imposed natural phytobiotics revealed no significant differences among treatment means at Week 1 to 8. However, at week 9, synthetic water-soluble antibiotic differs significantly (P< 0.05) with chickens supplemented with moringa and guyabano but was comparable with chickens supplemented with chilli and turmeric powder. The Zampen chickens supplemented with synthetic antibiotics gained the highest weight gained daily (9.42 g). It can be surmised that ZamPen chickens grow slowly in the first two months and then starts peaking if they were not slaughtered early. It was noted that the daily gains in the first eight weeks barely reaches a gram a day and suddenly rises in the ninth week.

Note: Means in a column with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% (HSD).

Table 4: Weekly water intake (L) of of ZamPen native after 9 weeks of phytobiotics supplementation

The drinking water given to the birds in each treatment was measured daily and the leftover was also measured. Water intakes were determined by calculating the difference between the left over and the initial quantity of water given. Weekly water intake is presented in Table 5. Results on the imposed natural phytobiotics revealed highly significant results (p<0.01) from weeks 1, 2, 7 to 8 and week 3 and 9 differ significantly (p<0.05), the rest are not significant. In week 1, chickens drink the highest volume of water with moringa powder and chilli powder which were comparable with chickens given water soluble antibiotic, 7.0L, 6.83L and 5.70 L per week respectively. Consistently, in the second week, more water with Moringa and chilli powder were significantly (p<0.01) consumed by the chickens than the other phytobiotics while water with guyabano and with turmeric powder was less consumed. Starting in the third to 6th week, no significant differences in their water consumption were noted which may be attributed to the acclimatization and familiarization of the chickens to the presence of the phytobiotics in their drink. Highly significant differences were noted in Week 7, 8 and 9 when chickens consume more water with moringa. On the 8th and 9th week, similar trend was noted where chickens significantly drink more water with moringa and the synthetic water-soluble antibiotic than the rest of the phytobiotics which were comparable with each other. This implies that chickens like to drink water supplemented with the phytobiotic Moringa powder comparably with commercial antibiotics and less like drinking the water with guyabano, turmeric and chili powder. This could be attributed to the tastes which may be undesirable to them since chickens are by nature, poor in the sense of smell.

Table 5: Carcass yields and visceral characteristics of Zampen native chickens after 9 weeks of phytobiotics supplementation

Moringa oleifera leaves are nutritionally valuable sources of protein, vitamins, minerals, fats, and bioactive compounds and have been reviewed as a natural feed supplement for poultry [32]. Their phytochemical composition may also contribute antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immune-supporting functions. Moringa oleifera exhibits anti-oxidant properties that can suppress formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and free radicals.

Furthermore, Moringa oleifera leaves contain carotenoids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds [33,34]. These constituents may support gastrointestinal health, nutrient utilization, and productive performance.

Carcass obtained after evisceration was recorded in Table 6. Bigger chickens before slaughter tend to have bigger carcass yields, higher dressed weight and eviscerated weights, while those whose liveweights were small, tend to yield smaller carcass, smaller dress weight, and eviscerated weight. The natural phytobiotics revealed no significant in the fasted weights of the Zampen chickens that ranges from 1201 g to 1532 g, with dressed weight ranging from 1007 g to 1378 g and eviscerated weights ranging 805 g to 1058 g. This implies that neither of the moringa, guyabano, turmeric, and chili powder did affect the carcass yields and visceral characteristics of the chickens. This study also noted that the natural phytobiotics produced carcass that were comparable with chickens that were given with water soluble antibiotics. This implies that the natural phytobiotics can be given instead of the synthetic antibiotics without affecting the carcass and visceral yields.

Table 6: Meat sensory evaluation of ZamPen native chicken after 9 weeks of phytobiotics supplementation

Meat sensory evaluation of cooked meat in terms of tenderness, flavor, juiciness and overall acceptance are illustrated in Table 7. The meat sensory evaluation of Zampen native chicken, results indicated that tenderness, flavour of meat revealed highly significant effects with the supplementation of different phytobiotics (P<0.01) and over all acceptance (P<0.05). Chilli powder and turmeric powder, guyabano powder and moringa are closely comparable except for water soluble antibiotic in terms of meat tenderness and overall acceptance. For meat flavour, turmeric powder significantly differs with other phytobiotics except for chilli powder. Meanwhile, in terms of juiciness of meat was not significantly affected by phytobiotics supplementation of ZamPen chicken.

Table 7: Detection of Salmonella spp. in small intestine of ZamPen Native Chicken

The above results conform with the study of Jingfei, et al. (2015) reported that incorporation of Curcumin into basal diet of broiler chickens lowered excess production of reactive oxygen species, enhanced the antioxidant defence system as well as improved colour and water holding properties of broiler meat. Kanani, et al. (2017) had earlier reported that inclusion of turmeric powder at 0.5 % of broiler chicken diet increased the WHC of the meat. Water Absorption Capacity (WAC) or water Holding Capacity (WHC) has direct bearing on the colour and tenderness of meat, and it is among the most important functional properties of raw meat. The above results of sensory evaluation are in agreement also with the findings of Ratika, (2014) who found that meat from chicken fed turmeric supplemented diet had better texture and flavour and overall acceptability. This implies that turmeric powder is good for poultry meat tenderness, flavor and its overall acceptance.

Meat sensory evaluation of cooked meat in terms of tenderness, flavor, juiciness and overall acceptance are illustrated in Table 7. The meat sensory evaluation of Zampen native chicken, results indicated that tenderness, flavour of meat revealed highly significant effects with the supplementation of different phytobiotics (P<0.01) and over all acceptance (P<0.05). Chilli powder and turmeric powder, guyabano powder and moringa are closely comparable except for water soluble antibiotic in terms of meat tenderness and overall acceptance. For meat flavour, turmeric powder significantly differs with other phytobiotics except for chilli powder. Meanwhile, in terms of juiciness of meat was not significantly affected by phytobiotics supplementation of ZamPen chicken.

Zhang, et al. (2015) reported that dietary curcumin improved the antioxidant profile and water-holding-related properties of broiler breast muscle. Water absorption capacity or water-holding capacity has a direct bearing on meat color and tenderness and is an important functional property of raw meat. The present sensory results therefore suggest that turmeric powder may contribute to meat tenderness, flavor, and overall acceptability [35].

One of the most common infectious diseases in poultry farming is salmonellosis caused by Salmonella. This pathogen is often associated with outbreaks of foodborne illness in humans. In this study, the determination of the presence of Salmonella in the small intestine of Zampen native chicken, was analyzed using the conventional, presumptive method. Based on the analysis, no presence of the said bacteria was detected. This implies that using natural phytobiotics as a supplement could be used effectively for the prevention of the presence of bacterial pathogen (Salmonella) in the gut of the chickens.

Conclusion

Chili powder given as water supplements had significantly better effect on the growth performance in terms of weight gain and average daily gain of Zampen native chicken compared to moringa and guyabano. The weekly water intake of natural phytobiotics significantly affected the intake of water of Zampen native chickens on week 1, 2, 7 and 8 (P<0.01) and week 3 and 9 (P<0.05).

The phytobiotics supplementation had no significant influence on the carcass characteristics of Zampen native chicken in terms of weight before slaughter, dressed weight, eviscerated weight, length and weight of small intestine, length and weight of proventriculus. However natural phytobiotics performed comparably with water soluble antibiotic.

The results on the meat sensory evaluation of Zampen native chicken indicated that tenderness, flavour and overall acceptance of meat were significantly improved with the supplementation of different phytobiotics.

In the determination of the presence of Salmonella in the small intestine of Zampen native chicken, based on the result of the analysis through conventional-presumptive method there was no presence of the said bacteri detected.

Moringa powder supplementation got the highest percentage of RAFC with 101.67% followed by chilli powder with 87.67%, water soluble antibiotic with 85%, turmeric powder 76% and the last is guyabano powder 71%.

Recommendation

The use of natural phytobiotics (guyabano, moringa, chilli and turmeric) powder can be used as an alternative to a synthetic antibiotic in water supplement; however, the author recommends to conduct further studies of the same nature and use it with other monogastric animals and determine its effects on the hematological characteristics and gastrointestinal microbiota of the animals.

Acknowledgment

The author would like to acknowledge the JH Cerilles State College for supporting and funding this research.

Competing Interests

The authors have declared that there is no competing interest exist.

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