Effects of dietary turmeric powder on performance and antioxidant system of broiler chicks

This study was carried out to determine the effects of turmeric powder (Cur-cuma longa L.) on broiler rations on performance and antioxidant system. In the five-week trial, 80 male broiler chickens (ROSS 308) from the newly hatched were divided into four feeding groups of 20 animals each with a similar live weight (47.62 g). The animals were fed for five weeks with basal rations (control group), rations with 2, 4 and 8 g / kg of Turmeric powder added to the basal ration. Feed and water are given freely. Daily feed consumption, weekly live weight gain, carcass, liver and abdominal fat weights were determined. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken from the animals and TAS, TOS, ALT and AST concentrations were examined. The results showed that, turmeric powder supplementation did not have significant effects on feed intake, live weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, hot and cold carcass weights, liver and abdominal fat weight. However, dietary supplemental 8 g/kg turmeric powder increased carcass yield (P<0.02). The supplementation of turmeric powder to the ration affected the serum concentration of the TOS (quadratic effect) or ALT; particularly, this reduction was linearly decreased by the addition of 4 ve 8 g/kg of turmeric powder supplementation. In addition, serum AST and TAS concentrations and oxidative stress index (OSI) status of blood metabolites were not influenced by turmeric powder supplementation. The results suggest that carcasses yield and serum ALT concentration were significant-ly improved by increased turmeric powder supplementation. Turmeric powder may have the potential to improve the oxidative status of broilers.