The Effect of Curcumin as A Natural Feed Additive on Productive Performance and Immune Response of Broiler Chicks

This research aimed to determine if broiler chick productivity improved by including curcumin in their diet as a feed additive. Three hundred and sixty-day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly split into six groups of three replicates, 20 chicks in each. For the first 14 days of life, birds fed on 3000 kcal ME/kg and 23% crude protein diet, then 3100 kcal ME/kg and 21% crude protein from days 14-28, and finally 3200 kcal ME/kg with 20% crude protein from days 28-85. This diet was used as a control for one of the six groups. Curcumin (at doses of 150, 200, 250, 300, and 350 mg/kg) was added to the diets of the remaining 5 groups. Body weights, weight gains, and feed conversion ratios of birds fed 250, 300, and 350 mg curcumin/kg diet were significantly higher than those of the control group. The percentage of surviving birds was also greater in the curcumin-fed group compared to the control. Lymphoid organ relative weights increased considerably in birds fed a curcumin diet. Serum total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were also significantly higher in the curcumin group than in the control. In contrast, serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, and total lipids were significantly lower. Hematological tests revealed an elevated percentage of packed cell volume in the blood and an elevated red and white blood cells count compared to the control group. In conclusion, 350 mg curcumin/ Kg of food kcan be safely utilized in broiler feeding with excellent effects on productive performance.