Effect of turmeric extract on blood parameters, feed efficiency and abdominal fat content in broilers

Abstract

The experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of turmeric extract on blood parameters, feed efficiency and abdominal fat content in broilers. A total of 100 mixed-sexes Lohman chicks were used in the experiment set up with completely randomized design of 5 different doses of turmeric extract given orally start from day-15 to day-35. The chicks given no turmeric extract were used as a control (T0), whereas T1, T2, T3 and T4 were the chicks given turmeric extract of 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg-live BW, respectively. Hemoglobin values of broilers given turmeric extract 800 mg/kg-live BW was significantly higher (p<0.05) at week-3 and week-4, but not at week-5, compared to broilers given turmeric extract with lower doses or control group. Turmeric extract did not affect significantly (p>0.05) the concentration of erythrocytes, the levels of hematocrit as well as FCR and abdominal fat content of broiler. Turmeric extract seemed to be able to improve the digestion and metabolism (of fat) resulted in enhanced production of hemoglobin in broilers. The hypolipidemic effect of turmeric that could hamper its potential to promote the growth of broilers per se might explain why turmeric could not improve the feed efficiency of broiler.