Growth performance and serum metabolites of broiler chickens fed turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder supplemented diets

O T Daramola

Department of Agricultural Technology, Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
Olajumoke.daramola2016@gmail.com

Abstract

The effects of turmeric powder (TP) on growth performance and serum biochemistry of broiler chicken were evaluated in a 7-week study. One hundred and eight arbor-acre day-old chicks weighing 38.9g were allotted to starter and finisher diets containing 0, 0.5 and 1% of turmeric powder in a completely randomized design for an 7-week feeding trial.

There was an increase in final liveweight with highest value at 1% inclusion level of TP. Inclusion of TP decreased feed intake at 0.5%. There were increase in bodyweight gain at 1% inclusion level of TP which necessitated an improvement in feed conversion ratio (FRC). The serum metabolites were not affected by the level of TP in the diets. It was concluded that turmeric powder in broiler chicken appears to act as a growth promoter with no adverse effect on health status.

Keywords: turmeric, broiler, growth performance, serum metabolites

Introduction

In animal production, the use of herbs has increased the interest of researcher as a potential substitute for antibiotics (Lillehoj et al 2018). Alternatives available to replace antibiotics are called phytogenic feed additives which include probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes and essential oils. Phytogenic feed additives are originated from plants that have properties of antimicrobial. Phytogenic growth promoters mainly enhanced the gut health for optimum functioning (Yitbarek 2015). Due to its medicinal properties, the use of turmeric in poultry feed became extensive during the last decade (Khan et al 2012). The influence of phytogenic feed additives on fat metabolism leads to hypocholesterolaemic activities (Saravanan and Ignacimuthu 2015). Turmeric supplementation stimulates the digestive system by promoting the intestinal lipase,maltase and sucrose activities as well as the secretion of pancreatic amylase, lipase, chemotrypsin and trypsin (Platel and Srinivasan 2000).

However, the turmeric supplementation levels and results of previous findings are not consistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential use of different levels of turmeric powder as feed additive on growth performance and serum metabolites of broiler chicken.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted at the Poultry unit of Teaching and Research Farm, Department of Agricultural Technology, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. One hundred and eight (Arbor-acre breed) day-old chicks with an average body weight 38.9g were used for a 7-week feeding trial. The birds were allotted in a completely randomized design into three treatments with each treatment having 36 chicks replicated four times with nine chicks per replicate.

The test ingredient turmeric rhizome was purchased at the local market. It was washed, sliced, sundried and grinded into fine particles. The TP was mixed with other ingredients and incorporated into the respective diets as 0% (control), 0.5% (treatment 2) and 1% (treatment 3). The diets were mixed and broilers were fed ad-libitum.

Data were collected on bodyweight, feed intake. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated as feed intake divided by bodyweight gain. At the end of the experiment one bird from each replicate was randomly selected and blood samples were collected from the jugular vein. After blood collection the bottles were kept in a slanted position to obtain serum. The serum was transferred into 0.5ml serum cups. Total cholesterol, triglycerides and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were measured using commercial kits while low density lipoprotein was measured by indirect method using the Friede-Wald et al (1972) formular.

Analysis of variance using SPSS software was used to detect significant treatment effects. Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was used to separate treatment means.

Results

There was a significant increase in final liveweight with highest value at 1% inclusion level of TP (Table 3). TP inclusion significantly decreased feed intake at 0.5%. An increase in body weight gain with the highest weight at 1% which necessitated a significant improvement in feed conversion ratio of birds fed 1% turmeric powder. Serum metabolites (Table 4) were not affected by the level of TP in the diets.

Figure 1. Effect of Tumeric powder on liveweight gain of broilers	Figure 2. Effect of Tumeric powder on feed conversion of broiler

Discussion

The inclusion of TP at the level of 0.5% showed better FCR and the feed intake was reduced but had no consequence on body weight gain. The result corroborates with the findings of Al-Jaleel (2012) who reported improved bodyweight gain and FCR at 1% and 1.5% turmeric supplementation without any negative effect on feed intake. Al-sultan (2003) observed a reduced feed intake when broiler chickens were fed 0.5% of turmeric powder. The findings of this study was not in agreement with the report of Qasem et al (2015) who noted less feed intake at 1, 1.2,1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0% of TP inclusion. The study agreed with the report of Mondal et al (2015) who noted an improvement in FCR through TP inclusion at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%.

The serum metabolites were not significantly affected by the level of TP but regulates the serum lipid profile. The findings of this study corroborate the claims of Chattopadhyay et al (2004) that inclusion of turmeric in the diets of broiler chicken regulate the serum profile.

Conclusion

• The inclusion of Turmeric powder at 1% level in broiler chicken diets appeared to act as growth promoter with no adverse effect on health status.

References

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