Evaluation of Vernonia hymenolepis wash water as phytogenic prophylaxis for broiler chicken production

Risk management in commercial broiler production requires prophylaxis to mitigate unforeseen metabolic and health risks. This study evaluated the efficacy of <i>Vernonia hymenolepis</i> Wash Water (VhWW), an agro-processing byproduct, as a natural, non-conventional prophylactic agent. A 42-day feeding trial with 264 Cobb 500 broiler chicks compared ad-libitum VhWW (from four varieties processed with or without salt) against conventional and control groups. Nutrient analysis confirmed green varieties were superior in protein and minerals, while salt processing significantly enhanced the antioxidant activity of purple varieties (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Crucially, the Negative Control (T11) exhibited severe metabolic instability, showing hypertriglyceridemia (Total Triglycerides 193.19 mg/dL), exceeding the normal range) and unacceptable performance uncertainty (worst starter FCR, best finisher FCR). This risk profile was present despite (T11) recording the best Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Conversely, most VhWW treatments successfully maintained Total Triglycerides and Total Cholesterol within the healthy physiological range, demonstrating a critical hepatoprotective and metabolic stabilizing effect. The optimal VhWW protocols (Green Sweet + Salt) achieved superior growth and FCR statistically comparable to controls, but without the high metabolic risk. Economically, VhWW treatments were statistically similar to the lowest-cost T11, offering a superior risk-adjusted return. In conclusion, VhWW is an efficacious, sustainable, and economically competitive prophylactic agent. The study recommends processing the Green Sweet variety with salt (T8) to maximize growth, economic, and metabolic benefits.