Impact of peppermint ( <i>Mentha piperita</i> L.) distillation wastewater on growth performance and meat quality in broiler chickens

In total, 400 Ross 308 one-day-old male chicks were allotted into four groups in ten replicates of 10 chicks each (40 pens). The 1st group was fed a basal diet without PDWW (control), whereas the second, third, and fourth groups were fed diets containing PDWW at 15, 30, and 45 cc/kg, respectively, for 42 days. The result showed that, all three levels of PDWW groups had greater body weight gain and reduced the feed conversion ratio compared to control group. The mortality rate was reduced by 30 and 45 cc/kg of PDWW compared to the control. The malondialdehyde levels in breast decreased in the 30 and 45 cc/kg of PDWW groups. Conversely, the levels of lipid peroxide in breast were higher 30 and 45 cc/kg of than other groups. Quality properties and nutritional composition of breast meat were improved by 30 and 45 cc/kg of PDWW. In conclusion, these findings suggest that PDWW can be effectively utilized as a functional feed additive in broiler nutrition. Inclusion of PDWW at levels of 30 and 45 cc/kg in the diet improved growth performance, enhanced meat quality, and reduced oxidative damage, indicating its potential as a sustainable and value-added alternative in poultry nutrition.