Potency of <i>Peronema canescens</i> Jack leaf extract nano-formulated in drinking water on broiler chickens’ growth performance and against AI/ND virus

Abstract This study investigated the potency of Peronema canescens Jack leaf extract using nanotechnology methods (nano-PC) in drinking water on growth performance and Avian Influenza (AI) and Newcastle Disease (ND) virus growth limitation in broiler chickens. Ionic gelation method was used to encapsulate the compounds of Peronema canescens Jack leaf extract to increase its bioavailability. One hundred and twenty-eight male Indian River broiler chickens were randomly divided into four groups, with four replications each, and eight birds per replicate pen. The study provided water enriched with varying concentrations of Nano-PC (0%, 0.8%, 1.7%, and 3.4%) for twenty-eight days for ad libitum intake. Broiler chickens with supplementation 1.7% and 3.4% nano-PC had higher performance index when compared to that of other treatment groups (P &lt; 0.05), but did not affect water intake, ADWI, FI, ADFI, Final BW, BWG, ADG, FCR, and % depletion. Nano-PC inclusion did not affect antibody titer for AI, but reduced antibody titer for ND virus (P &lt; 0.05), in either broilers fed nano-PC or the control. In conclusion, drinking water supplementation with Nano-PC might be beneficial as it improved performance index and increased body immune response against ND virus.