The Role of Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) in Improving Carcass Quality and Final Body Weight

Abstract

Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) has been valued for its aromatic and medicinal properties. This study explores its
role in improving carcass quality and final body weight in broilers. The increasing global demand for high-quality meat products
necessitates sustainable animal production systems. Traditional methods often use synthetic additives and antibiotics, raising
concerns about food safety and environmental impact. Thus, natural alternatives like lemon grass, rich in essential oils,
flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, are gaining attention. This experiment, conducted at Politeknik Negeri Lampung using four
threatments and five replications and for further test using Duncan. The highest body weight and carcass percentage were
observed in broilers with 1.5% lemon grass extract in drinking water. This study confirms lemon grass's potential as a natural
feed additive, promoting sustainable and efficient livestock farming practices while improving meat production quality. Further
research is recommended to optimize inclusion rates and understand long-term effects.