Dede Kardaya*, Anggraeni, Dewi Wahyuni, Agung Puji Haryanto, Annisa Fajrianty, Emir Zavian
Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Djuanda, Bogor, Indonesia
*Corresponding author’s email: dede.kardaya@unida.ac.id
Received: 15 February 2026 / Revised: 12 April 2026 / Accepted: 23 April 2026 / Published Online: 09 May 2026
Abstract
The increasing restrictions on antibiotic growth promoters and the growing demand for natural feed additives have encouraged the exploration of phytogenic plants as sustainable alternatives in poultry production. Medicinal herbs containing bioactive compounds are widely recognized for their potential to enhance productivity, health status, and product quality in laying birds. Ageratum conyzoides L., a plant rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils, has demonstrated antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, suggesting its possible application in improving egg quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of A. conyzoides leaf powder as a phytogenic feed additive on the egg quality of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). A total of 140 quails, aged 65 days, were used in an 8-week experiment arranged in a Completely Randomized Design with four treatments and five replications. Birds were fed commercial diets supplemented with A. conyzoides leaf powder at 0% (R1, control), 1% (R2), 3% (R3), and 5% (R4). Internal and external egg quality parameters were evaluated. Supplementation at 3% (R3) significantly increased egg white weight (5.34 g) compared with 1% (4.94 g) and 5% (5.03 g), while remaining comparable to the control (5.41 g). No significant differences were observed in yolk weight, yolk percentage, or yolk color, and Haugh Unit values exceeded 85 in all treatments. External egg quality improved dose-dependently, with 5% inclusion (R4) increasing eggshell weight and thickness by 7.8% and 8.6%, respectively. In conclusion, A. conyzoides leaf powder represents a promising phytogenic additive, with 3% inclusion optimizing albumen quality and 5% inclusion enhancing eggshell strength and commercial value.
Keywords: Albumen quality, Babadotan, Phytogenic additive, Poultry nutrition, Shell integrity
