This study aims to determine the effects of administration of encapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum and Peperomia pellucida plant extract (ELPPP) on performance, protein digestibility and immunity of broiler chickens. A total of 200 Ross strain broilers were arranged in a completely randomized design with 5 treatment groups and 4 replications. The treatments include: T0 (control), T1 (0.1% ELPPP), T2 (0.2% ELPPP), T3 (0.3% ELPPP), T4 (0.4% ELPPP). ELPPP was applied from day 8 to 35. The parameters observed included broiler performance, bacterial populations in the small intestine, small intestine pH, protein digestibility, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), H/L ratio and relative weight of immune organs. The results showed that ELPPP increased (p <0.05) performance, small intestine bacterial balance, protein digestibility, SOD level, relative weights of immune organs, but decreased small intestinal pH, MDA levels and H/L ratio. However, there was no significant effect (p >0.05) on ration feed consumption. In conclusion, the administration of ESCLP improved the performance, small intestine bacterial balance, protein digestibility, and immune system of broiler chickens.
Keywords | Antioxidant, Broiler growth, Intestial microbial, Probiotic, Phytobiotic