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2026 Vol.2, Issue 2 Preview Page

Research Article

Comparative effects of sorbitol with red ginger and tussilago-thyme extracts on the growth performance of broiler chickens
Ma. Teresa D. Santos1
,
Listya Purnamasari2
,
Jeric H. Rosales3
,
Joseph F. dela Cruz1*
1Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Laguna 4031, Philippines
2Animal Husbandry Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jember, Jember 68121, Indonesia
3Graduate School, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Laguna 4031, Philippines
*Corresponding Author
30 June 2026. pp. 87-98
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Abstract

As technology has led to the development of herbal products that are now commercially available, the use of these products in poultry farming has gained attention due to their potential benefits and convenience. The study evaluated the effects of herbal supplementation of sorbitol with red ginger and tussilago-thyme extracts on the growth performance of broiler chickens. A total of 270 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three treatment groups, with 10 replicate pens per group and 9 chicks per experimental unit. The treatments were as follows: Control – no supplementation; T1 - sorbitol with red ginger (2g/L); and T2 - tussilago and thyme extract (0.5g/L). The supplements were administered via the drinking water from day 7 to day 35. The production parameters for growth performance that were evaluated are body weight, feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and livability. Additionally, economic analysis was also assessed using the income over feed and chick cost (IOFCC) computation. Statistical analysis (p<0.05) revealed that herbal supplemented chicks have a significantly higher body weight and body weight gain while having a significantly lower feed intake, compared to the control group. Consequently, the FCR values were more favorable in the supplemented groups. Livability rates throughout the experiment were 96% for T2, 93% for T1, and 66% for the control group, indicating improved survivability in the groups receiving herbal supplementation. Furthermore, IOFCC analysis also highlighted the economic advantages of the two herbal supplements. In conclusion, the tussilago-thyme extract group (T2) achieved the most favorable outcomes across both performance and economic parameters among the three treatments. Implications: These finding highlight the potential of tussilago-thyme extract as a natural growth enhancer in broiler production. Its use could reduce reliance on syntetic growth promoters, promote more sustainable poultry farming practices, and improve both performance and economic returns.

Keywords
Broiler
Red ginger
Sorbitol
Thyme
Tussilago
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Information
  • Publisher :Journal of Humanimal Sciences
  • Publisher(Ko) :한경국립대학교 휴머니멀응용과학연구소
  • Journal Title :Journal of Humanimal Sciences
  • Journal Title(Ko) :휴머니멀과학학술지
  • Volume : 2
  • No :2
  • Pages :87-98
  • Received Date : 2026-06-15
  • Revised Date : 2026-06-20
  • Accepted Date : 2026-06-22
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.23341/jhas.2026.2.2.87
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