<![CDATA[This study aims to evaluate the effect of supplementing ruminant feed with gambir leaf extract (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) from Pangkalan, West Sumatra, as a natural feed additive on the in vitro digestibility of crude fat, crude fiber, and nitrogen-free extract (NFE). The study used a completely randomized design with four treatments: T0 (control, without extract), T1 (0.5% gambir extract), T2 (1% gambir extract), and T3 (2% gambir extract). The parameters observed included crude fat, crude fiber, and NFE digestibility. The results showed that gambir leaf extract supplementation had a significant effect (P<0.05) on all parameters tested. Treatment T3 provided the highest digestibility values, namely crude fat 66.47%, crude fiber 66.45%, and NFE 67.99%, compared to the control (64.17%, 64.52%, and 65.70%). This increase is thought to be due to the bioactive content of gambir extract, namely tannins (64.84%), catechins (60.11%), and saponins (0.96%), which work synergistically to modulate rumen microbes, protect nutrients from excessive degradation, and increase fermentation efficiency. In conclusion, gambir leaf extract from Pangkalan has the potential to be a natural feed additive that improves nutrient digestibility in ruminants. These results support utilizing local phytochemical-based resources for feed efficiency and sustainable livestock farming.]]>
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