Evaluation of Gedi Leaf Meal ( Abelmoschus manihot L. ) Supplementation in Diets on Carcass Traits, Non-Carcass Components, and Meat-to-Bone Ratio of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

The ban on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in broiler production has increased interest in natural feed additives, particularly phytobiotics. Gedi leaf (Abelmoschus manihot L.) contains various bioactive compounds that may improve poultry performance and carcass characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with gedi leaf meal (GLM) on carcass characteristics, non-carcass components, and the meat-to-bone ratio (MBR) in broiler chickens. A total of 200 Cobb broiler chickens were randomly assigned to a completely randomized design with four dietary treatments and five replications each. The treatments were P0 (control, 0% GLM), P1 (1.5% GLM), P2 (3.0% GLM), and P3 (4.5% GLM). The observed parameters included carcass percentage, commercial carcass cuts, non-carcass percentage, and meat-to-bone ratio. The results showed that dietary supplementation with 4.5% GLM significantly decreased (P<0.01) breast yield, upper thigh yield, and the meat-to-bone ratio of the breast, upper thigh, and lower thigh. Conversely, the proportion of the head and neck increased significantly (P<0.05). However, GLM supplementation did not significantly affect (P>0.05) overall carcass yield or proportions of the lower thigh, wings, back, and feet. The response was most favourable at a 1.5% GLM inclusion level, with improved breast and upper thigh yields and a higher meat-to-bone ratio, with no adverse effect on overall carcass characteristics. These results suggest that dietary supplementation with 1.5% GLM may be an effective phytobiotic feed additive for broiler chickens, resulting in desirable carcass traits without compromising carcass quality.