Effects of Papaya Leaf Meal and Multi-Enzyme Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Carcass Traits, and Antioxidant Status in Arbor Acres Broiler Chickens

The present study investigated the impact of dietary papaya leaf meal (PLM) at three inclusion levels (0%, 6%, and 12%) with or without multi-enzyme supplementation (0.5 g/kg diet) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, serum biochemistry, lipid profile, and antioxidant status in Arbor Acres broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-day-old chicks were allocated to six treatments in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement for 42 days. Enzyme supplementation significantly improved body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and nutrient efficiency (p < 0.001), while moderate PLM inclusion (6%) supported optimal performance. Digestibility of crude fiber and ether extract was enhanced by enzymes (p < 0.05), with a notable PLM × enzyme interaction for fiber digestibility. Carcass yield was unaffected, but enzyme supplementation increased dressing percentage and reduced abdominal fat. Serum biochemistry remained largely unchanged, except for elevated AST at 12% PLM (p < 0.01). Lipid profile improved with enzyme supplementation, reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL while increasing HDL (p < 0.05). Enzyme supplementation significantly increased SOD and CAT activities (p < 0.001), whereas TAC responses were inconsistent across treatments. Lipid peroxidation (MDA) increased at 12% PLM, indicating a potential oxidative imbalance at higher inclusion levels. In conclusion, multi-enzyme supplementation was the primary driver of growth performance and nutrient utilization improvements, while moderate PLM inclusion (6%) exerted supportive and synergistic effects without compromising carcass traits.