Effects of Concentrated Pineapple Extract on Nutrient Digestibility, Growth Performance, and Digestive Health in Broiler Chickens
Abstract
Rising concerns about antimicrobial resistance and the safety of livestock-derived products have increased interest in natural feed additives for poultry production. Pineapple (Ananas comosus), which is rich in bromelain and phenolic compounds, has emerged as a promising candidate for supporting digestive function. This study evaluated the effects of concentrated pineapple extract (CPE) on nutrient digestibility, growth performance, and gastrointestinal health in broiler chickens. Using a completely randomized 6 × 2 factorial arrangement, 288 one-day-old Arbor Acres chicks were distributed to six dietary treatments (CPE at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mL/kg, and a 110 ppm chlortetracycline), with six replications. Chicks were fed ad libitum for 42 days, and growth performance, apparent total tract nutrient disappearance, gut pH, microbial populations, and intestinal histomorphology were assessed. No significant diet–sex interaction was observed. CPE supplementation reduced gastric and duodenal pH and feed intake but did not affect body weight or intestinal morphology. Notably, CPE improved apparent total tract N retention and reduced intestinal Escherichia coli counts, while supplementation at 5 mL/kg enhanced fat digestibility. Sex-related differences were observed in jejunum and ileum pH. Overall, dietary inclusion of 5–10 mL/kg (44,770–89,540 GDU/kg diet) CPE may support digestive efficiency without compromising growth performance in broiler chickens.