Influence of Dietary Turmeric Powder Supplementation on Different Nutritional Parameters in the Poultry Sector

In India, the majority of the population of the country is still dependent on agriculture and allied activities. Hence, there is huge scope for the poultry industry to expand in the coming years. Poultry farming has become an organized industry with the introduction of improved breeds, nutritional interventions and scientific management. Antibiotic feed additives are used as growth promoters in antibiotic-resistant poultry feeds to prevent intestinal pathogens. These antibiotics have been banned due to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the alteration of the natural gut microflora of birds. Turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn), a plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, has long been used to colour and flavour food as well as to treat many inflammatory diseases and other illnesses. Turmeric supplementation may be advantageous for the growth, development, and output of poultry. According to Zava [1], Turmeric can alter lipid profiles and cholesterol levels. According to Kohli [2], curcumin, the active ingredient, affects lipid metabolism, inhibits peroxidation, and increases the formation of bile, which is necessary for the emulsification of lipids Seo [3]. Turmeric powder supplementation can enhance liver metabolism and increase the production of vitellogenin. The developing follicles get vitellogenin through the blood, which is then delivered there and deposited on the yolk. Turmeric has a wide spectrum of biological actions including antioxidative, anticarcinogenic, antihepatotoxic, anti-inflammatory and hypocholesterolemic. Various research findings with the use of Turmeric powder as a feed additive have been summarized under the following heads:

Feed intake

Yarru [4] recorded increased feed intake of chicks fed Turmeric powder (0.5%). Al-Kassie [5] fed five levels of a mixture cumin and Turmeric at the rate of 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1% and observed significantly higher feed intake for all treatments as compared to the control group. Akbarian [6] recorded that feed intake of male broiler chicks during different weeks was not influenced by Turmeric rhizome powder, black pepper or their interactions. Sadeghi [7] observed that in comparison to the control group, Turmeric fed group resulted in increased average daily feed intake between 7-14 days of age. Rajput [8] observed no significant effect of dietary supplementation of curcumin on feed intake throughout the trial. Abou-Elkhair [9] observed that feed intake of broiler chicks during different weeks was not influenced by black pepper, Turmeric powder, coriander seeds or their combinations. Mondal [10] observed significantly lower feed intake of broilers in treatment receiving 0.5% Turmeric of feed from 1 to 14 days of age as compared to the control. There was no significant difference in feed intake value among different Turmeric fed treatments as compared to the control Al-Mashhadani [11], Qasem [12] recorded no significant increase in daily feed intake with addition of Turmeric powder as compared to the control groups. The broilers receiving 20g/kg of Turmeric powder had significantly lower daily feed intake as compared to the control group. Fallah & Mirzaei [13]. recorded significantly higher feed intake at 42 days of age in broilers receiving different levels of Turmeric + thyme powders as compared to the control group.

Body weight gain

Al-Sultan [14] recorded higher body gain in birds fed diet containing Turmeric at 0.5% level as compared to the control group. Samarasinghe [15] recorded that supplementation of Turmeric (1g/ kg), MOS (Mannonoligosaccharide) and virginiamycin increased the weight gain of broilers by 5.3, 3.4 and 6.2% respectively. Durrani [16] observed significantly higher body weight in birds fed diet containing Turmeric at 0.5% of the diet as compared to control and other treatment groups. Yarru [4] recorded that addition of 0.5% Turmeric powder to the diet significantly (P<0.05) improved body weight gain of chicks. Al-Kassie [5] fed five levels of a mixture cumin and Turmeric at the rate of 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1% and observed significant effects (P<0.05) on chicks for all treatments as compared to the control. Akbarian [6] recorded that body weight gain of broilers during different weeks were not influenced by Turmeric rhizome powder, black pepper or their combinations. Sadeghi [7] observed that infusion of cinnamon, thyme and Turmeric alone or its combination did not influence live body weight, average daily gain in comparison to the control group. Rajput [8] recorded non-significant effect on live body weight at starter period (21d), however, during finisher period (42d), live body weight was significantly improved in birds fed diet containing Turmeric at 200mg/kg dietary level as compared to control and other groups [16]. Naderi [17] recorded that addition of 2.5g Turmeric powder per kg feed significantly increased body weight gain during starter (0 to 21d) period as compared to control group. Mondal [10] observed highest body weight gain in broilers receiving Turmeric powder at 0.5% dietary level as compared to the control. Al-Mashhadani [11] observed significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight gain in birds supplemented with 0.2 and 0.4% Turmeric powder as compared to the control group. Qasem [12] observed no significant increase in body weight and daily weight gain with addition of Turmeric powder as compared to the control group. The broilers receiving 20g/kg of Turmeric powder resulted in significantly (P<0.05) lower body weight and daily weight gain as compared to the control.

Feed Conversion Efficiency

Al-Sultan [14] reported that feed conversion efficiency of birds receiving 0.5% Turmeric in their diets were the best as compared to the control group. Al-Kassie [5] fed five levels of a mixture cumin and Turmeric at the rate of 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1% and observed significantly better feed FCR in 0.50, 0.75 and 1% treatment groups as compared to the control group. Akbarian [6] showed no significant effect on FCR by dietary supplementation of Turmeric rhizome powder and its combination with black pepper as compared to the control group. Sadeghi [7] recorded a significantly higher FCR in Turmeric-supplemented birds in comparison to control group during the period of 1-7 days of age. Rajput [8] observed no significant effect on FCR at starter period (21d); however, during finisher period (42d), feed conversion ratio was significantly improved in broilers receiving 200mg/kg Turmeric as compared to control. A significant improvement in FCR was seen on addition of 2.5g/kg Turmeric powder as compared to the control group Naderi [17]. Abou-Elkhair [9] found that dietary inclusion of black pepper, coriander seeds, Turmeric powder and their combinations improved the cumulative feed conversion ratio during the whole period of 5 weeks as compared to the control group. Qasem [12] recorded no significant difference in the FCR between the Turmeric supplemented and control groups. Mondal [10] observed significantly lowest FCR in treatment group (0.5% Turmeric powder) as compared to control and other treatment groups. Fallah and Mirzaei [13]. did not observe significant differences in FCR among control and other Turmeric supplemented groups.

Samarasinghe [15] observed increased energy metabolizability and Net Protein Utilization (NPU) by supplementing virginiamycin, mannonoligosaccharides and Turmeric (1g/kg level). Higher levels (2 and 3g/kg) of Turmeric reduced the NPU and energy metabolizability. Rajput [8] observed improved utilization of fat with dietary supplementation of 200mg curcumin/kg of feed, higher utilization of ME with supplementation of 150mg curcumin/ kg of feed.

Al-Sultan [14] observed non-significant difference in protein percent of breast and thigh, lower fat percentage (1.0%) in carcasses of birds receiving 1.0% Turmeric and higher bursa and thymus weight in birds receiving diet containing 0.5% Turmeric. Durrani [16] observed non-significant difference in mean weight of liver, heart and gizzard weight in Turmeric fed group as compared to the control. There was reduction in liver weights of chicks fed Turmeric powder diet as compared to the control group Yarru [4]. Al-Kassie [5] fed five levels of a mixture cumin and Turmeric at the rate of 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1% and observed no significant difference between treatments and control group in dressing and edible giblets percentage. Daneshyar [18] observed non-significant differences between the treatments for pH, concentrations of fat, DM and ash of the thigh meat. Furthermore, as compared to the control diet, Turmeric rhizome powder supplementation consumption did not change the pH, fat or ash content but decreased the DM and triglyceride and increased the protein content of thigh meat. Al- Jaleel [19] revealed no significant differences in giblets of Turmeric fed group as compared to the control group. Decrease in dressing percentage, increase in liver weight in control group as compared to the treated group was also recorded. Sadeghi [7] observed significantly (P<0.05) decreased weight of ready-to-cook poultry in diet supplemented with thyme, Turmeric and cinnamon.

None of the treatments significantly affected the relative weights of the liver, pancreas, heart, abdominal fat, spleen, cecum and bursa. Abou-Elkhair. Recorded no differences in carcass yield across the groups. Higher values of liver (% body weight) were obtained in birds fed T6 (mixture of 0.5% black pepper, 0.5% coriander seeds and 0.5%Turmeric powder) as compared to the control group. The broilers also had a relatively higher weight of proventriculus as compared to the control group. There was significant decrease in fat content of broiler with supplementation of Turmeric powder in diet Mondal [10]. Among different dietary treatments, amount of abdominal fat was lowest in 0.5% Turmeric powder diet compared to control diet. There was non-significant effect of Turmeric powder on the weight of internal organs (Heart, Liver and Gizzard) of broilers fed experimental rations. The highest dressing yield was found in 0.5% Turmeric powder supplemented diets as compared to the control diet. Al-Mashhadani [11] observed that carcass yield was not influenced by the dietary supplementation of Turmeric. Organ’s weight was not statistically influenced by Turmeric supplementation. However, inclusion of Turmeric powder at level of 0.4 % causes a significant increase in gizzard weight as compared to the other treatment groups.

Sadeghi [7] observed that thyme and Turmeric significantly (P<0.05) increased entire small intestine weight in comparison to the control birds. Turmeric fed group resulted in significantly (P<0.05) increased ileum weight. None of the other treatments significantly influenced the relative weights and lengths of the duodenum, jejunum or entire small intestine. Rajput [8] observed significantly higher duodenal villus heights at 21 and 42 days, jejunum villus heights at 21 day and greater ileum villus heights in birds receiving Turmeric supplemented diet in comparison to the control. The duodenal villus width was significantly greater in group supplemented with 200mg Turmeric per kg of feed at 21 d while at 42 d, control and group supplemented with 150mg Turmeric per kg of feed exhibited more width. Furthermore, at 42nd day jejunum villus width was significantly more in Turmeric fed group as compared to the control. The intestinal crypt depth in curcumin supplemented groups was significantly less for all segents of small intestine, as compared to those of control group. Likewise, the duodenum (21 and 42 d), jejunum (21 d) and ileum (21 and 42 d), villus height to crypt depth ratios were higher in curcumin fed groups as compared to the control. They observed a significantly higher villus height of ileum in Turmeric fed group as compared to the control. Turmeric along with bioflavonoid also resulted in significantly higher villus width, crypt depth and surface area of the ileum portion of intestine in Turmeric supplemented group as compared to the control.

Al-Sultan [14] observed that the higher levels of Turmeric inclusion (0.5 and 1.0%) increased both erythrocytic and total leukocytic count. Sadeghi [7] showed that none of the herbal infusions (Cinnamon, Thyme, Turmeric and their combination, 5g/L) significantly affected the hematocrit value relative to the control group. Al-Jaleel [19] observed non-significant differences among blood characteristics of broiler (PCV, RBC, Hb, WBC, H/L Ratio) and albumin globulin traits. H/L ratio, level of albumin was significantly lower in Turmeric treated group as compared to the control group. He also observed significantly higher level of globulin in Turmeric supplemented groups as compared to the control group. The Hb concentration in neem fed group (10.5g/ dL) was significantly (P<0.05) higher when compared to Turmeric fed group (9.85g/dL) Nayaka [20]. Feeding of Neem alone and its combination with Turmeric and Vitamin E increased PCV values significantly as compared to control. The supplementation of Turmeric or Vitamin E alone to basal diet did not change PCV values significantly. Naderi [17] observed significantly increased lymphocytes percentage with Turmeric powder supplementation at the levels of 2.5g/kg and 7.5g/kg of the diet as compared to the control group. The percentage of heterophils was significantly reduced by Turmeric powder at the level of 2.5g/kg of the diet. In addition, supplementation also reduced the ratio of heterophils/ lymphocytes as compared with the control group.

Daneshyar [18] observed lower plasma triglyceride concentrations and lower total cholesterol concentration in serum of Turmeric fed group as compared to the control. There were no significant differences in plasma LDL concentration between the treatments Furthermore, lower concentrations of plasma triglyceride and higher concentrations of HDL were evident with Turmeric rhizome powder supplementation as compared to the control. Al-Kassie [5] fed five levels of a mixture Cumin and Turmeric @ 0.00, 0.25, 0.50%, 0.75 and 1% and observed a depression in cholesterol level in groups 4 (0.75%) and 5 (1%) as compared to other groups. Akbarian [6] revealed that the Turmeric rhizome powder, black pepper and their combination did not have a significant effect on LDL, HDL and Cholesterol in serum of chicks. Chloride concentration and total electrolytes balance of serum were significantly decreased by Turmeric rhizome powder. Sodium and potassium concentrations of serum were not influenced by Turmeric rhizome powder, black pepper or their combination. Rajput [8] recorded that the concentrations of plasma cholesterol were significantly reduced in dose dependent manner throughout the trial. Plasma T4 level was significantly higher (44.39nmol/L) in birds receiving Turmeric supplemented diet (200mg/kg) as compared to control; However, concentrations of T3 and TSH were not significantly affected by the supplementation of curcumin throughout the trial. Abou-Elkhair [9] revealed that the concentration of serum albumin, cholesterol and GOT (Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase) were non-significantly different as compared to those of the control group. Serum globulin concentration was significantly higher (P<0.01) in T6 (mixture of 0.5 % black pepper, 0.5% coriander seeds and 0.5% Turmeric powder) than the control and other treatment groups. There was no significant difference in the serum cholesterol concentrations among treatments and the control group. Serum concentrations of GPT (Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase) and ALKP (Alkaline Phosphatase) enzyme activities decreased (P<0.01) in T6 (mixture of 0.5 % black pepper, 0.5% coriander seeds and 0.5% Turmeric powder) as compared to control. Hosseini-Vashan [21] observed decreased blood cholesterol in birds fed 8g Turmeric rhizome powder per kg of diet. Concentrations of LDL and triglyceride were not affected by Turmeric rhizome powder. The birds fed Turmeric rhizome powder had significantly higher blood high density lipoproteins as compared to the control. Fallah & Mirzaei [13] recorded highest triglycerides in control group and the lowest triglycerides in Turmeric + thyme fed groups. There were no significant differences in blood glucose, total protein, uric acid and triglycerides concentrations among different treatment groups. There was significant effect on total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins and low-density lipoproteins concentrations in Turmeric fed group as compared to the control group.

Yarru [4] conducted an experiment on hepatic gene expression and recorded non-significant difference in gene expression among the 4 treatment groups for CAT. Turmeric alone in the diet increased (P<0.05) the expression of hepatic SOD and GPx. Turmeric alone in the diet also increased the expression of EH genes (P<0.05) and decreased the expression of CYP1A1 genes. There was nonsignificant difference in gene expression among the 4 treatment groups for IL-2 genes. Turmeric alone in the diet decreased the expression of IL-6.

Sadeghi [7] observed that the cinnamon and herbal mix infusions significantly improved the immune response to the NDV vaccine in comparison to the control group and those that received only the Turmeric infusion. Naderi [17] recorded that effects of dietary supplementation of Turmeric powder and cinnamon powder on antibody titers to IBD and NDV vaccines were nonsignificant. However, supplementation of the diet with Turmeric powder at the level of 2.5g/kg of the diet caused a significant increase in anti-IBV titer compared to the control group. Akhavan- Salamat & Ghasemi [22] recorded higher serum secondary total and IgG anti-SRBC titers in Turmeric fed groups as compared to the control. Qasem [12] found highly significant differences in antibody titre between the unvaccinated chickens (negative control) and the vaccinated chickens at 2-, 5- and 6-weeks post vaccination. However, the different level of Turmeric did not have any significant effects on the titers of antibodies specific for NDV compared with positive controls. The antibody titer showed significant differences between the positive control and other dietary groups at 3rd and 4th weeks except in group that received 20g/kg Turmeric for which the positive control was lower than for other treatments groups. Highly significant differences in antibody titer to IBV were observed between all groups treated with Turmeric powder and negative control groups at 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks. The antibody titer to IBDV was not significantly different between treated and positive control group on 4th and 5th weeks. At 6th week, groups fed 14 and 16g/kg Turmeric had high antibody titer than positive control and other treated groups. However highly significant differences were observed between all groups and negative control at 4, 5, and 6 weeks. Hosseini-Vashan [21] observed that the titer of antibody production against ND was not affected by the type of oil or Turmeric rhizome powder concentration in the either before or after heat stress. Fallah & Mirzaei [13] recorded that the highest anti body Newcastle titres at 18 and 28 days were observed in chicks receiving Turmeric + thyme powders in diet and the lowest values were observed in control group. However, there was nonsignificant difference in anti-body Newcastle titres between control and other groups at 18 and 28 days. Birds receiving Turmeric + thyme powders had the highest anti body influenza titres at 18 and 28 days compared to the other groups, and the lowest anti body Influenza titres was observed in control group.

According to the current review, Turmeric may improve the immunological profile and gut morphology of chicken, among other production characteristics. The Haematological and Biochemical profile of the fowl may exhibit increased diversity as a result of supplementation, enhancing the nutritious value of goods like eggs for customers. In order to standardise the use of Turmeric in the diets and enable more accurate results, more specific information regarding the source, form, and dose level of Turmeric in feed is required. However, the data are very diverse in terms of responses in poultry.

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