Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Curcumin on Growth Performance, Intestinal Morphology and Nutrients Utilization of Broiler Chicks

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the appropriate concentration of dietary supplementation of curcumin, and its effect on growth performance, intestinal morphology, fat metabolism and nutrients utilization of broiler chicks. Four hundred eighty, 1-day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were allocated into four groups with 6 replicates of 20 birds per cage. Birds were fed a corn-soybean basal diet supplemented with curcumin at 0 (control, CRM0), 100 (CRM100), 150 (CRM150) and 200 mg/kg (CRM200) levels for 42 days. All birds were kept in wire floor triple deck battery cages under semi-intensive housing management. The results revealed that dietary supplementation of curcumin at 200 mg/kg significantly improved live body weight and feed efficiency at marketing age (42 d); while, there was no significant difference on feed intake as compared to control. Curcumin significantly improved utilization of apparent metabolizable energy and decreased abdominal fat at 42 d in CRM150 and CRM200 broilers, respectively. Plasma T4 hormone level and fat utilization were significantly increased; while plasma cholesterol level was significantly reduced in dose dependent manner for CRM200 broilers. The results showed that dietary supplementation of curcumin influenced the histomorphological measurements of small intestinal villi. The villus height was significantly increased in duodenum, jejunum and ileum in curcumin supplemented broilers. Villus width was also significantly increased in duodenum and jejunum (42 d). While, there was no significant difference in ileum villus width. Furthermore, villus height to crypt depth ratio was significantly increased in all segments (except jejunum 42 d) of small intestine in CRM200 group; however, the intestinal crypt depth was lowered in curcumin supplemented broilers. In conclusion, supplementation of curcumin at 200 mg/kg feed enhanced the growth performance and fat metabolism, and increased villus absorptive area of small intestine, resulting in improved nutrients absorption in CRM200 group.

Effect of decocted turmeric on performance, hematological parameters and carcass traits of broiler chickens

“…This present results were different from Rajput et al (2013) reporting the enhancing effect of curcumin on broiler chickens. Indeed, our data were in accordance with Samarasinghe et al (2003) showing the absence effect of turmeric root powder on weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of broilers.…”

Antimicrobial Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Turmeric Powder in Intestine of Broilers

“…The findings of present study are in accordance with findings of Akbarian et al, (2012) who recorded that feed intake of broilers during different weeks were not influenced by turmeric powder supplementation. Consistent with results of present study, Rajput et al, (2013) recorded that the feed intake of birds fed diet containing curcumin @ 100 mg/kg (4.38 kg), 150 mg/kg (4.45 kg) and 200 mg/kg (4.42 kg) did not differ significantly as compared to the control group (4.41 kg). In agreement with findings, Naderi et al, (2014) also recorded no significant effect of turmeric supplementation on feed intake in broilers.…”

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): An Underutilized Phytogenic Additive in Poultry Nutrition

“…He further opined that dietary feeding of essential oils extracted from turmeric potentially improve the secretion of digestive enzymes and consequently improve the digestibility of the feeds and enhance the performance of broilers. Another study also supported that turmeric has the ability to stimulate the digestive system, increase the secretion of intestinal lipases, amylase, trypsin and Chymotrypsin enzymes hence enhancing digestibility (Rajput et al, 2012). Furthermore, increased weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) with significant reduction in feed intake were recorded by Durrani et al (2006) when broilers were fed turmeric at 0.5% inclusion rate as against that of the control group.…”