Physicochemical properties and cost-benefit of supplementing signal Grass (Brachiaria decumbens) in Sasso broilers production

There has been a growing interest in using natural alternatives to synthetic additives in animal feed. This study aimed to examine the physicochemical properties of signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) and its cost-benefit application in broiler production. The characterization was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A feeding trial involving 216 Sasso broiler chicks was conducted to assess the economic value of including B. decumbens grass meal in their diets. The chicks were divided into six groups, with Treatments 1 and 2 serving as controls (without antibiotics and with oxytetracycline, respectively). Treatments 3 to 6 received diets supplemented with 1.25, 2.50, 3.75, and 5.00 g/kg of B. decumbens grass meal without antibiotics. Body weight and feed intake were monitored over eight weeks to determine growth performance and feed conversion ratio. Broilers in Treatment 6, which received 5.00 g/kg of the grass meal, showed significantly improved growth (p < 0.05). A cost-benefit analysis revealed that T6 was the most profitable, suggesting B. decumbens' potential as an effective feed additive for broilers.