European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety

The present study was conducted to examine the effect of dietary supplementation with turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder on the blood parameters of Giriraja birds. One hundred and twenty 14-week-old Giriraja birds were randomly divided into four treatment groups, viz. T₁ [Control (Grower-Layer Mash)], T₂ [Basal Diet + 1% Turmeric powder (10 gm/kg)], T₃ [Basal Diet + 1.5% Turmeric powder (15 gm/kg)] and T₄ [Basal Diet + 2% Turmeric powder (20 gm/kg)]. Experimental data were collected, compiled and analysed using a randomised block design.

In the present study, haemoglobin (g/dl) during the early (10.26), peak (10.35) and late (9.68) phases was higher in T₃ than in the other treatment groups. Haemoglobin (g/dl) varied significantly in hens treated with different levels of turmeric powder during the early, peak and late laying phases. The RBC count during the early (3.16), peak (3.14) and late (3.08) phases was higher in T₃ than in the other treatment groups, followed by T₄ and T_2, while treatment group T₁ had the lowest RBC count. The RBC count (cells/cumm) varied significantly in hens treated with different levels of turmeric powder during the early, peak and late laying phases. The WBC count during the early phase (20.62) was higher in T₃ than in the other treatment groups. The WBC count during the peak (20.36) and late (20.62) phases was higher in T₄ than in the other treatment groups. Serum protein (g/dl) during the early (5.82), peak (5.92) and late (6.08) phases was higher in T₄ than in the other treatment groups, followed by T₃ and T_2, while treatment group T₁ had the lowest serum protein. Serum cholesterol (mg/dl) during the early (163.78), peak (172.48) and late (177.22) phases was higher in T₁ than in the other treatment groups, followed by T₂ and T_3, while treatment group T₄ had the lowest serum cholesterol. This indicated that supplementation with turmeric powder markedly decreased the cholesterol level of laying birds. The haemato-biochemical parameters, viz., haemoglobin, RBC count, WBC count, serum protein and serum cholesterol, were also favourably influenced, which could, in turn, reduce the effects of stress factors.