The effect of using acidified turmeric on some productive parameters and intestinal bacterial counts in broilers at high stocking density pens.

OBJECTIVE

This work investigated the impact of acidified turmeric on growth, blood profile, and gut bacterial counts of broiler chickens stocked in an overcrowding stress condition.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 285 14-day-old Lohmann broiler strains were distributed to T0 (chicks receiving basal feed raised at a density of 9 chicks/m2), T1 (chicks receiving basal feed raised at 16 chicks/m2), T2 (chicks receiving 1% turmeric powder raised at 16 chicks/m2), and T3 (chicks receiving 1% acidified turmeric powder raised at 16 chicks/m2). Body weight and feed intake were determined weekly. On day 37, blood and intestinal content were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Body weight was higher while feed conversion ratio was lower in T0 than in other groups. Compared to T0, T1 had a lower thymus weight. Erythrocytes and hematocrits were greater in T0 than in T2 and T3. Hemoglobin was higher in T0 than in T3. Serum superoxide dismutase differed as T0 < T1 < T2. Ileal coliform was higher in T0 than in T1 and T3. Lactic acid bacteria counts were higher in T0 and T1 than in T2 and T3.

CONCLUSIONS

Acidified turmeric was capable of maintaining the relative weight of the immune organ and ameliorating the oxidative stress of the broiler during overcrowding stress.