EFFECTS OF TURMERIC (CURCUMA LONGA) AND QUANTUM BLUE® AS PHYTOGENIC AND EXOGENOUS ENZYME SUPPLEMENTS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

The effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Quantum Blue® as phytogenic and exogenous enzyme supplements on the performance parameters of broiler chickens were studied using one hundred and eighty (n= 180) day old chicks in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement at both the starter and finisher levels as thus; T1 (0g Turmeric; 0ppm Enzyme), T2 (5g Turmeric; 0ppm Enzyme), T3 (0g Turmeric; 0.05ppm Enzyme) and T4 (5g Turmeric, 0.05ppm Enzyme). Feed and water were provided ad libitum during the 7 weeks period. Parameters measured were final weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, performance index, protein intake, protein efficiency ratio, survival percentage. In the finisher phase, all parameters showed no significant (P>0.05) difference except protein intake (values and units of the PI) and protein efficiency ratio (values and units of the PER).For the enzyme all parameters showed no significant (P>0.05) difference except survival percentage (values and units of the SP) and protein efficiency ratio (values and units of thePER). Enzyme addition decreased feed conversion ratio. It is therefore concluded that T4 presented better performance and therefore 5g Turmeric and 0.05ppm Enzyme is recommended for broiler feeding.