Evaluation of turmeric powder in diets based soybean oil on performance, energy and protein efficiency ratio and immune system of broiler chicks

Abstract

Abstracts :Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of turmeric powder in diets based on soybean oil, on performance, energy and protein efficiency ratio and immune system of broiler chicks.Methodology: Two hundred sixty-four one-day old broilers were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments containing 0, 0.4 and 0.8% turmeric powder (TP). Each dietary treatment was replicated 4 times with 22 broilers each. Feed and fresh water were supplied ad libitum. Body weight and feed consumption were measured weekly. At 28 days age of broilers, one bird from each replicate slaughtered and the relative weight of each organ were computed. Data were subjected to the analysis of variance using the General Linear Model of SAS. Results: As a result, dietary treatments did not affect (P >0.05) body weight gain, feed intake, and feed: gain ratio of broilers. The European production index increased in broilers fed diets contained 8 g TP /kg. Energy and protein efficiency ratio, were not statistically different among dietary treatments but broilers fed highest level of TP has numerically higher value. TP did not affect relative weight of organs except the relative weight of heart increased. The turmeric powder was not influenced on antibody response against SRBC, IgG and IgM. Conclusion: Supplementation of turmeric powder to diets based soybean oil could improve production index in broiler fed diets contained 8 g/kg.Key words: Tturmeric powder, soybean oil, energy and protein efficiency ratio, broiler