Improving feed efficiency and antioxidant properties in Leng Hang Kao Thai native chickens by supplementation Thai rice paddy herb (Limnophila aromatica (Lam.) Merr.) powder

This study aimed to investigate the benefits of adding Thai rice paddy herb powder (Limnophila aromatica (Lam.) Merr.) to the diets of 3-week-old Leung Hang Kao Thai native chickens. Using a randomized complete block design (RCBD), 200 mixed-gender chickens (5 male and 5 female per replications) were divided into groups receiving different amounts of rice paddy herb powder (RPHP): 0% (control), 1% (RPHP1), 2% (RPHP2), and 3% (RPHP3), alongside a group receiving 0.25% oxytetracycline (OTC) in their diet. The RPHP-supplemented (1, 2, and 3 %) and OTC-supplemented groups exhibited significantly lower feed intake and feed conversion ratios compared to the control group (P <0.05). However, the addition of RPHP did not significantly affect body weight, body weight gain, average daily gain, survival rate, economic production loss index, and production efficiency index in chickens aged 3-16 weeks did not differ significantly between the experimental and control groups (P > 0.05). Additionally, the RPHP1 and RPHP2 groups demonstrated differences in feed cost (baht/kg of body weight) and benefit-cost ratio. However, including OTC increased feed costs, leading to a lower benefit-cost ratio and gross profit (P<0.05). Most of the carcass analyses, such as live weight, hot carcass weight, and hot carcass percentage, were unaffected by the dietary treatments (P >0.05). There were no significant differences in the percentages of trimmed carcass parts and giblet organs between the groups (P > 0.05). However, in the OTC-supplemented group, the spleen percentage and spleen index were the lowest (P<0.05). Meat quality was not affected by RPHP supplementation (P > 0.05), except for the RPHP2 group, where the lightness of breast meat decreased compared to the control group (P <0.05). Regarding antioxidant levels in the meat, T-AOC and SOD levels were higher, while O2- and MDA levels were lower in the RPHP3 group compared to the control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, feeding Thai rice paddy herb powder to Thai native chickens improved feed efficiency without compromising meat quality and carcass characteristics. Including RPHP in the diet at a concentration of 3% showed potential for enhancing the meat's antioxidant properties.