EFFECT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION TURMERIC RHIZOME POWDER (CURCUMA LONGA) AND CAYENNE PEPPER ON SERUM BIOCHEMICAL AND HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

Indiscriminate use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry farming has caused the emergence of new pathogenic strains and resistance to other strains. This situation warranted the development of safe and alternative growth promoters and immunity enhancers in livestock production. Phytogenic additives in animal and bird feeds are century-old practices. Thus, this study was aimed at investigating the efficacy of turmeric rhizome powder (TRP) (Curcuma longa), cayenne pepper and their combinations as a natural growth promoter (poultry feed additive).One hundred and twelve
(112) one-day old chicks were assigned into four groups. Control group (T1) kept on basal diet only and groups T2, T3 and T4 fed with 1% turmeric powder, 0.5% cayenne pepper and 1% Turmeric powder combined with 0.5% cayenne pepper, respectively on top of the basal diet and then fed ad libitum for 42 days. Each dietary group consisted of four replicates of seven birds. Blood biochemical analysis status of serum were investigated. In summary, we conclude that Turmeric and cayenne pepper can be used as a natural feed additive to improve growth performance in poultry, probably due to the better antioxidant activity and antimicrobial effects contributed by the better bioavailability of curcuminoids and turmerones. Besides, curcuminoids and turmerones were also known to be gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory agents.