Influence of liquid and encapsulated bioherbal additives on broiler performance and quality

Bioherbal has shown performance benefits in layers and ducks, but its effects on broilers remain unclear. Moreover, the liquid form poses challenges in storage stability and mixing consistency, potentially reducing efficacy. This study evaluates the effects of liquid and microencapsulated bioherbal additives on broiler performance, carcass traits, gut morphology, and microbiota using 320 Lohman MB 202 chicks across eight treatments (0 %, 0.4 %, 0.8 %, 1.2% addition level for each form). Green bioherbal exhibited higher phenolic and flavonoid contents (1.413 ± 0.025 mg/mL GAE, 1.084 ± 0.349 mg/mL QE) than the yellow variant. At 1.2 %, the liquid form achieved the highest weight gain (1515.7 ± 51.84 g/bird) and lowest feed conversion ratio (1.67 ± 0.08), with similar results for the microencapsulated form. Carcass analysis showed improved texture and color without significant yield changes. Intestinal morphology was enhanced, especially at 0.8 % liquid bioherbal, with increased villi height and crypt depth. Microbiota profiles revealed more lactic acid bacteria and fewer pathogenic Salmonella sp. and E. coli , with the microencapsulated form offering superior stability. These findings support bioherbal as a sustainable alternative to antibiotics, particularly in microencapsulated form for improving bioavailability and efficacy.