Herbal Feed Additives from Indigenous Plants: Natural Growth Promoters as Antibiotic Alternatives in Sustainable Broiler Production

Abstract

The extensive use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in broiler feed has raised global concerns due to antimicrobial resistance and harmful residues in animal products, which threaten public health and food security. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, economic feasibility, and safety of herbal feed additives derived from locally available Indonesian plants as natural alternatives to AGPs in broiler production. The herbal materials used included katuk leaves (Sauropus androgynus), ginger rhizomes (Curcuma xanthorrhiza), turmeric rhizomes (Curcuma longa), green betel leaves (Piper betel), mangosteen peels (Garcinia mangostana), papaya leaves (Carica papaya), and soursop leaves (Annona muricata). A total of 200 day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were allocated into four experimental groups with five replications and reared for 35 days. The chicks were fed a basal diet of corn and soybean meal supplemented with herbal additives at inclusion levels of 1% and 2%. Parameters measured included growth performance (ADG, FCR, and EPEF), carcass traits, gut health indicators, and blood profiles. Statistical analysis showed a significant improvement in ADG of 12–18% (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that herbal formulations from Indonesian plants are viable and safe alternatives to AGPs.