Effect of Adding Curcuma Longa L Powder on the Biochemical Characteristics and Growth of New-borns in Awassi ewe

Abstract

In this study, 18 pregnant Awassi ewes were used to study the effect of different levels of turmeric on physiological performance. The ewes were divided into three equal groups. The three groups were fed 6 weeks before birth until weaning on a basic diet containing protein 14.46 and energy 2583 kcal/kg. The first group was fed without an additive (control), While turmeric powder was added to feed the second and third groups at the rate of 5 and 10 g/day/ewe, respectively. The results indicated that the use of turmeric powder led to a significant increase in the weights of lambs during the eighth, tenth and twelfth weeks in favor of the second treatment, and there was a significant increase in glucose concentration in the first month. And the third in the second group, and in the concentration of cholesterol, a significant improvement was observed in the second and third groups in the first month, and a significant improvement in the second group only in the second month, while the third group had a significant improvement in the third month only. In triglycerides, a significant improvement was observed in the first month only in the second and third groups. In total protein, a significant increase was observed in the first month only in the third group. In the ALT enzyme, a significant improvement was observed in the second group for the second month, while in the third month a significant improvement was seen in the AST and ALT enzymes of the third group. As for blood images, a significant superiority was observed in the number of white blood cells in the second treatment, while no significant differences were found between the treatments in the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and packed blood cells, while turmeric powder did not affect the average weights of ewes.