Growth performance and carcass characteristics of broilers as affected by herbal decoction (Curcuma longa)

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the growth performance and carcass characteristics of broilers as affected by turmeric decoction at different levels in the drinking water. Two hundred forty-day-old chicks were distributed in five treatments and replicated six times following the Randomized Complete Block Design. The different treatments used were: T0: 2.5 ml of commercial antibiotic per liter of water (Control); T1: 2.5 ml, T2: 5 ml, T3: 7.5 ml, and T4: 10 ml of turmeric decoction per liter of water. The study showed that broilers supplemented with 5 ml to 10 ml decocted turmeric significantly reduced the percent fat, however, comparable performance was noted with the birds given commercial antibiotics in terms of final weight, gain in weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, water consumption, survival rate, dressing percentage, and profit. Turmeric decoction can be used as a substitute for commercial antibiotics in drinking water for broilers.