Antimicrobial and prebiotic effects of Telfairia occidentalis leaf extract on cecal bacteria in Cobb 500 broiler chickens

With the rising concern over antibiotic resistance, the search for natural alternatives to enhance poultry intestinal health has intensified. Telfairia occidentalis leaves, known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, could serve as a promising prebiotic in poultry feed. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial and prebiotic effects of Telfairia occidentalis leaf extract on cecal microbiota in broilers chickens. A total of 600 Cobb 500 chicks were divided into four groups: a control (C) receiving the basal diet, an antibiotic group receiving 0.5 g/L of Tetracolivit (T), and two groups receiving either 1 mL (TOE-1) or 2 mL (TOE-2) of hydroethanolic Telfairia occidentalis leaf extract. The phytochemical and antioxidant properties of the extract were evaluated, bacterial populations were quantified on days 21 and 49, and intestinal pH was measured . The results show that the leaves of Telfairia occidentalis contain moderate levels of total polyphenols (173.7 ± 0.05 mg GAE/g DM), flavonoids (139.62 ± 0.06 mg QE/g DM) and a high concentration in condensed tannins (224.5 ± 0.03 CE/g DM). The extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity and bactericidal effects against various microorganisms. By day 21, groups supplemented with Telfairia occidentalis significantly reduced Escherichia coli , total coliforms, enterobacteria, streptococci, staphylococci, and salmonella populations, while increasing Lactobacillus levels (p<0.05). By day 49, total coliforms, E. coli , enterobacteria, staphylococci, and salmonella levels remained affected (p<0.05), while streptococci levels did not vary significantly (p>0.05) in the groups supplemented with Telfairia occidentalis leaves extract. Clostridium perfringens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations were absent throughout the experimental period. Intestinal pH decreased (4.59 ± 0.01) in TOE-2 (p<0.05) compared to the control group (5.58 ± 0.02), fostering beneficial bacterial growth. Oral administration of Telfairia occidentalis leaf extract effectively modulates cecal microbiota, enhances intestinal health, and supports broiler growth, presenting a viable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production.