Effect of Different Levels of Turmeric Powder (Curcuma longa) on Productive Performance, Immune Response and Blood Antioxidant Profile of Broilers

Abstract

Background: The present experiment aimed to determine how incorporating different levels of turmeric (Curcuma longa) into broiler chicken diets influences productive performance, immune response, blood antioxidant profiles and liver function. Methods: A total of one hundred twenty one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were raised until 35 days of age. The chicks were randomly allocated into four treatment groups (30 birds per group), with each group further divided into three replicates of 10 birds. A standard basal diet was formulated and turmeric powder (Curcuma longa) was incorporated at levels of 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%. Individual body weight, body weight gain and feed intake were recorded to the nearest gram. Feed conversion ratio was also recorded weekly. Biochemical antioxidant markers (FRAP, FRSA, ABTS and total thiols) and liver enzyme activities (AST, ALT and ALP) were recorded. The ELISA test was utilized to assess the antibody titer of the humeral immune response against the newcastle virus vaccine, which was estimated from blood serum samples. Result: The inclusion of turmeric in broiler diets affected feed intake and body weight performance. Lower feed intake was observed with turmeric supplementation during some weeks, while inclusion (0.5%) resulted in the highest final body weight compared to other turmeric treatments. Feed conversion ratio remained unaffected by turmeric supplementation throughout the experimental period. The groups receiving 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% dietary turmeric showed progressive enhancement in biochemical antioxidant markers (FRAP, FRSA, ABTS, total thiols) alongside notable declines in serum malondialdehyde and liver enzyme activities (AST, ALT, ALP), compared to unsupplemented controls. The most pronounced benefits were observed at 1.0-1.5% turmeric inclusion. Results demonstrate that dietary turmeric optimally enhances antioxidant defense and hepatic health, supporting its use as a natural growth promoter in poultry production systems.