EVALUATION OF SEM TEST AND FLAVONOID NANOPARTICLES FROM HERBAL DREG AS AN ADDITIVE IN LAYER CHICKEN FEED Aqnes Suryani, Osfar Sjofjan and Eko Widodo
Faculty of Animal Science, University of Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia
Abstract
Using natural growth promoters in probiotics as a substitute for antibiotic growth promoters is increasingly being implemented, utilizing the by products of herbal medicine from Indonesian medicinal plants to stimulate growth and enhance feed efficiency and productivity while reducing feed conversion. This research aims to evaluate the morphological characteristics and flavonoid content of herbal dreg nanoparticles that can potentially be used as feed additives for laying hens. The methods used in this research include Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to analyze the morphology of herbal dreg nanoparticles and the total flavonoid content determined using UV-Vis spectrophotometry with aluminum chloride as a reagent. The results of the SEM analysis show that the herbal dreg nanoparticles have a suitable size and shape for application in feed, with a uniform size distribution due to their high fiber content. The measurement of total flavonoid content at 12.555 ppm with 2.39% b/b indicates that the herbal dreg contains flavonoids at a low concentration due to the high content of BK. This research concludes that herbal dreg nanoparticles have the potential to serve as a natural and effective feed additive, which can enhance the health and productivity of laying hens, as well as reduce dependence on antibiotics.
Keywords: Herbal dreg, nanoparticles, SEM, flavonoids, laying hens
