The potential of lemon cui (<em>Citrus microcarpa</em>) from Ternate Island as a natural feed additive for broiler chickens reared at high density

This study aimed to determine the potential effects of lemon cui from Ternate Island on the performance of broiler chickens reared at high density. The study used 360 broiler chicks (14 days old) in a completely randomized design with the following treatments: T0 (chicks reared at a normal density of 8 birds/m² without lemon cui juice), T1 (chicks reared at a high density of 16 birds/m² without lemon cui juice), T2 (chicks reared at a high density of 16 birds/m² with 0.5 ml/L lemon cui juice), T3 (chicks reared at a high density of 16 birds/m² with 1.0 ml/L lemon cui juice), and T4 (chicks reared at a high density of 16 birds/m² with 1.5 ml/L lemon cui juice). The results showed that the administration of lemon cui juice in the drinking water of broiler chickens reared at high density significantly (p<0.05) improved performance. The thymus and bursa of Fabricius were smaller (p<0.05) in broiler chickens reared at high density without lemon cui juice. In conclusion, the administration of lemon cui juice from Ternate Island can improve performance and enhance the development of immune organs in broiler chickens reared at high density.