Microbial assessment and lipid profile of broiler chicken treated with crude extract of Vernonia Amygdalina (Bitter Leaf)

Globally, broiler chickens are an essential source of protein, and their productivity and well-being have substantial economic implications. Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) has been used medicinally for a variety of reasons. The effects of bitter leaf extract, Vernonia amygdalina, on the lipid profile and microbial load of broiler chickens were examined in this study. Significant amounts of bioactive components, such as phenols (152.70 mg/100g), alkaloids (98.73 mg/100g), flavonoids (73.93 mg/100g), tannins (51.93 mg/100g), and saponins (60.26 mg/100g), were found in the crude extract upon phytochemical examination. These substances are well-known for their lipid-modulating, antioxidant, and antibacterial qualities. Micrococcus luteus and Enterococcus faecalis were found in the treated broiler feaces, as determined by microbial analysis and molecular characterization. The extract exhibited promise in controlling the growth of these microorganisms. When compared to the reference ranges, lipid profile analysis showed a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (2.9 mmol/L), a decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (0.7 mmol/L), and a decrease in total cholesterol (3.3 mmol/L). These findings imply that broiler chickens' lipid metabolism is positively modulated by bitter leaf extract. The study comes to the conclusion that by modifying gut microbiota and increasing lipid profiles, Vernonia amygdalina extract has potential uses as a natural feed additive to improve broiler health. The results validate bitter leaf's potential as a long-term substitute for artificial antibiotics and growth hormones in chicken agriculture. Subsequent studies ought to concentrate on refining the dosage and modes of administration while investigating the long-term impacts of the extract on the health and performance of chickens.