GROWTH RESPONSE AND BLOOD PROFILE OF PULLET FED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH TURMERIC

Abstract

Sixty-three Isa brown growing pullets of 11-weeks old with average weight of 849.44±2.16g were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the growth response and blood profile of pullet fed diets supplemented with turmeric. Three experimental diets were formulated and supplemented with turmeric powder at 0g/Kg in diet 1(control), 10g/Kg in diet 2, and 20g/Kg in diet 3. Data were collected on weight gain, feed intake, haematological and serum biochemical indices. There was no significant (P>0.05) differences in the growth parameters except in feed intake. The highest significant feed intake of 88.57g/bird/day was observed in diet 1 followed by 81.61g/bird/day in diet 2 and least in diet 3 80.89g/bird/day. Pullets fed 20g/kg turmeric had the highest weight gain of 5.03g/bird/day. Mean values of haematological parameters measured differed significantly except the Packed Cell Volume (PCV). The haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) of birds fed turmeric supplemented diets were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed the control diets. The serum biochemical indices were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the diets except for creatinine (CR mg/dl) but diet 1(control) was similar to diet 2 in all the parameters measured except for total protein (PRO) and cholesterol (CHOL). In conclusion, pullets’ diet can be supplemented with turmeric up to 10g/Kg without adverse effect on their growth performance and blood profile.