Effect of different levels of turmeric (curcuma longa) supplementation on broiler performance, carcass characteristic and bacterial count

Abstract

This experiment was conducted at the Poultry Farm, Animal Resources Dept., College of Agriculture, University of Baghdad (832014 to 1942014) to study the effect of inclusion different levels of turmeric (Curcuma Longa) powder on broiler performance, carcass characteristic and bacterial count. One hundred and twelve one- day old (Ross 308) broiler chicks were allocated randomly to four dietary treatments from 0 to 42 days of age with two replicate (14 birds/ pen). The experimental diets were as follow: control (T1) with out any supplementation, 0.2% turmeric powder (T2), 0.4% turmeric powder (T3), 0.6% turmeric powder (T4). Results showed that final body weight and weight gain was significantly (P<0.05) higher for T2 and T3 as compared to that the of the control group (T1). Feed conversion ratio was significantly improved )P<0.05) and recorded the best for 0.4% turmeric powder as compared to the control group (T1). While, there were no significant difference between (P>0.05) treatments on feed intake, carcass characteristic, edible organ weight percentage, bursa of fabricius index and spleen. Lactobacillus count was significantly (P<0.05) highest for all supplemented groups as compared to the control. From this study it could be concluded that supplementing broiler diets with 0.2 and 0.4% curcuma powder improved significantly (P<0.05) final body weight, weight gain and lactobacillus count and could be used as growth promoter