IPB Researchers Add Gambir in Feed Quail to Increase Productivity
The research team from the Department of Nutrition Science and Feed Technology, Faculty of Animal Science, Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) which consists of Prof. Dr. Ir. Sumiati, M.Sc, Arif Darmawan, SPt, M.Si, and Ahmad Nurfaid conducted a study on the effect of addition of gambir extract in feed as the source of antioxidant and natural antibiotic to the performance of quail layer period.
Prof. Sumiati said that quail is one of the prospective poultry that could be developed because its meat and eggs can be an alternative to meet the needs of protein sources. One of the factors that affect the productivity of quail is the feed. Therefore, the nutrient balance in preparing the rations should be considered. Conditions of temperature and humidity environment is also very influential on the performance of quail. Quail can reproduce optimally at a temperature of 20 ° C-25 ° C with a humidity of 30-80%. Exposure to excessive heat in quail can cause stress and the onset of free radicals, resulting in a decrease in productivity and quail performance.
"Usually to overcome these free radicals, farmers use antibiotics. However, the use of synthetic antibiotics is prohibited because the residue in the product would be dangerous if consumed by humans, "added Prof. Sumiati.
Therefore, the use of natural antioxidants is the alternative way to suppress free radicals. One of the natural ingredients that can be used as an alternative source of antioxidants and antibiotics is gambir. Gambir extract contains polyphenol compounds, one of which is flavonoids. Gambir extract has also been widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, textile dyes, biopesticides, and cosmetics.
The results showed that gambir extract can be used as a source of antioxidants and natural antibiotics in the quail. The addition of 0.2% gambir extract in the feed showed better performance results compared with the addition of gambier extract 0.1% and 0.3%. The addition of gambir extracts in feeds as much as 0.2% resulted in better egg production, better egg mass production, and better egg weight compared to the treatment without the extract of gambir. (jhn)
