Effect of oral supplementation of Jackfruit leaf extract on growth performance, faecal bacteria counts, carcass characteristics and meat quality in broiler chickens

• JLE is safe for broiler chickens and a suitable alternative to antibiotics. • JLE reduced E. coli & Staphylococcus spp and boosts Lactobacillus spp in the gut. • JLE impacted organ weights (gizzard and proventriculus) and caeca length. • Breast meat had increased DM and CP with less fat at 5 ml/L JLE. • JLE improved the overall acceptance of broiler chicken meat at 5 ml/L JLE. To address health and environmental concerns associated with antibiotic growth promoters, this study investigated the effects of oral supplementation of Jackfruit Leaf Extract ( JLE ) on growth performance, faecal bacteria count, carcass characteristics and meat quality in broiler chickens. A total of 144 one-day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (36 birds each, with three replicates of 12 birds) after a 3-week brooding period. The groups received JLE in their drinking water at concentrations of 0, 1, 3, and 5 mL/L over a 17-day experimental period. Measurements of feed, water, and bird weights were taken before humane slaughter to assess carcass characteristics and meat quality. Faecal samples were collected to analyse bacterial populations. Data obtained were analysed using one-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s test was used to determine significant differences among treatment means. The results indicated that JLE supplementation had no significant impact on growth performance across the treatment groups. However, notable differences ( P < 0.05) were observed in gut microbiota, with JLE-treated birds exhibiting reduced Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. populations and increased Lactobacillus spp. counts. Furthermore, significant variations ( P < 0.05) were recorded in gizzard weights, proventriculus weights, and caeca length among the treatment groups. Notably, birds receiving 5 mL/L JLE demonstrated improved meat quality attributes ( P < 0.05), characterised by higher DM and CP content, lower ether extract, and superior overall acceptance scores. Based on these findings, supplementation with 5 mL/L JLE is recommended as it modulates gut microbiota, enhances meat quality, and improves consumer acceptability without adversely affecting growth performance.