Comparative assessment of growth performance and meat quality in Water Hyacinth and antibiotic (growth promoter) supplemented broilers

The use of growth promoters in broiler feed is a common practice to enhance feed efficiency and accelerate growth rates. Ciprofloxacin, a widely used antibiotic in poultry farming, promotes growth and disease prevention but raises concerns about antibiotic residues in meat and the development of antibiotic resistance. This study examines the dietary effects of WH and ciprofloxacin on broiler growth rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), meat quality, and muscle histology. Ninety broilers were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a control group, a WH-supplemented group (2.5% of daily feed), and a ciprofloxacin (Cipro) group (8 mg/kg body weight). Feed consumption and body weight were monitored daily, and after sacrifice, breast muscles were collected for meat quality assessment and histopathological analysis. WH supplementation significantly improved (P < 0.05) body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and meat quality in broilers. Compared to control and ciprofloxacin groups, WH-treated broilers exhibited lower cooking and drip loss (P < 0.05), higher water-holding capacity (P < 0.01), and reduced shear force value (P < 0.05), indicating improved texture. Ciprofloxacin treatment resulted in reduced redness (P < 0.001) and increased yellowness (P < 0.01), while lightness remained unchanged across groups. Histological analysis revealed greater perimysium thickness and intermuscular adipose infiltration in WH-treated broilers, suggesting enhanced muscle structure. WH supplementation presents a safer, sustainable alternative to antibiotics in broiler production.