Phytobiotic Supplementation Research Articles

Enhancing broiler chicken health and performance: the impact of phytobiotics on growth, gut microbiota, antioxidants, and immunity

AbstractThe total ban on antibiotics as growth promoters in livestock nutrition, introduced in EU (European Union) countries on 1 January 2006, presented animal nutritionists with a considerable challenge in finding alternatives. First, the additives had to protect animals’ digestive tracts from pathogenic bacteria, and second, they should be inert in relation to the animals’ bodies. After many experiments, phytobiotics seem like they may be an effective alternative. This article aims to review key scientific articles relating to the use of phytobiotics of various origins in the feeding of chickens for fattening. The review of the available literature brings together the most important research findings on the effects of phytobiotic supplementation on growth performance, gut microbiota, antioxidant status and immune system of broiler chickens. Phytobiotics are natural plant substances produced to protect plants against pathogenic microorganisms. Phytobiotics are classified as a group of biologically active compounds with a broad chemical diversity and may include terpenes, triterpenes and flavonoids. Based on the collected information, it can be concluded that the use of phytobiotics in appropriate quantities and proportions in feed for broiler chickens influences the proper functioning of the digestive tract by, among other things, stimulating beneficial microbiota and secretion of digestive enzymes. In addition, the introduction of such feed additives has an impact on the alleviation of inflammation, supports the functioning of the immune system and has a positive influence on production results.

Hematological Profile of Silver Pompano (Trachinotus blochii) Broodstock with Hormonal Induction and Phytobiotic Supplementation in Feed

This study evaluates the hematological profile of potential broodstock silver pompano (Trachinotus blochii) through hormonal induction and phyto-biotic supplementation via feed. An experimental trial was conducted for 30 days to assess the hematological profile of potential broodstock Trachinotus blochii. This study employed a completely randomized design (CRD) in two research experiments. The first experiment utilized hormonal induction with estradiol-17β hormone on female silver pompano broodstock, consisting of 3 treatments: E1 (0 mg/kg), E2 (20 mg/kg), and E3 (60 mg/kg), whereas the second experiment employed phyto-biotic induction using Tribulus terrestris extract (ETT) and gonadotropin hormone, consisting of 5 treatments: T1: ETT 0 mg/kg feed, T2: ETT 50 mg/kg feed, T3: ETT 250 mg/kg feed, T4: ETT 50 mg/kg feed + gonadotropin 1000 IU/kg body weight, and T5: ETT 250 mg/kg feed + gonadotropin 500 IU/kg body weight, both experiments used 8 individuals as replicate per treatment. The results of the study indicated that all major hematological indices such as total erythrocytes, total leukocytes, and hematocrit levels were higher in male silver pompano broodstock supplemented with Tribulus terrestris extract compared to female silver pompano broodstock induced hormonally with estradiol-17β hormone.

Effect of phytobiotic supplementation on growth performance, blood profile and immunity of broiler chicks

Effect of phytobiotic supplementation on growth performance, blood profile and immunity of broiler chicks

Analysis of evolutionary imprints among the gut bacteria in phytobiotic supplemented Gallus gallus domesticus

The gut microbiota is an essential part of metabolism, assists in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, proteins and lipids that enter into the digestive tract. Numerous microbial metabolites thus produced can have local and systemic effects which may influence health positively or negatively. The microbial population's dominance in the gut depends on the number of compounds present in the organ. Hence we have focused on analyzing the role of Moringa oleifera as phytobiotic supplementation in enhancing the beneficial gut microbiota in chicken models. Probiotics improve gut health in chickens through several mechanisms, including tight junction enhancement, nutrient uptake, niche colonization and co-aggregation with enteropathogens. The bacteria from the gut samples obtained from M.oleifera treated chickens were analyzed for various standard morphological and biochemical tests, genotypic classification using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and evaluation of evolutionary marks among the gut bacteria to determine whether they fit the criteria for probiotic traits. A variety of the consequences of beneficial gut microorganisms for hosts could attribute to bacterial communities' processes and the host's capacity for influencing the same processes. According to our study, phylogenetic analysis and taxonomy of the host significantly shape the intestinal flora across a range of host taxonomic levels. However, host ecology (i.e., diet) can further alter these gut flora, particularly in the case of many closely related host species.

Effect of Brachiaria decumbens as a novel supplementation on the production performance of broiler chickens.

The primary goal of this research was to elucidate the novel influence of Brachiaria decumbens supplementation on broiler chicken growth performance, nutritional digestibility, cecal microbiota, intestinal histomorphology, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. A total of 300 male day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly subjected to six different treatment groups having five replicates per treatment with 10 birds in each replicate. In treatment 1, broiler chickens were fed commercial diets with no added additives; in treatment 2, broiler chickens were offered commercial diets containing 100mg/kg of the antibiotic oxytetracycline. However, in treatments 3, 4, 5, and 6, broiler chickens received similar commercial diets supplemented with 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg, 75mg/kg, and 100mg/kg of B. decumbens ground leaf powder, respectively, without antibiotics. Throughout the 42-day trial, the body weight gain and total feed intake for each replicate were recorded every week to determine the growth performance. Then, on 21th and 42nd day, ten broilers from each treatment (two in each replicate) were randomly selected and slaughtered to assess the digestibility of nutrients, histomorphology of the small intestine, the population of the cecal microbiota, carcass characteristics, as well as quality of both breast and drumstick muscle. There were differences (p < 0.05) in the growth performance, apparent ileal nutrient digestibility, intestinal histomorphology, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Animals supplemented with 25mg/kg of B. decumbens had higher growth performance and better ileal nutrient digestibility of protein, fiber, and ether extract, as well as higher villi height and carcass percentage with superior meat quality. Besides, the growth of E. faecalis during the starter phase was inhibited. In summary, B. decumbens supplementation at 25mg/kg may be suggested as an optimal dose of as a prophylactic as well as an alternative for antibiotic growth promoter in stimulating the productivity of commercial broilers. This unconventional phytobiotic supplementation could be the key to replacing unnecessary antibiotics used in poultry feed.

Can Yucca schidigera Be Used to Enhance the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Gut Histomorphology, Cecal Microflora, Carcass Characteristic, and Meat Quality of Commercial Broilers Raised under Tropical Conditions?

Simple SummaryThe broiler industry is a rapidly growing industry, particularly in developing countries, which provides a cheap source of protein via short production cycles. Despite improvements in the broiler industry, it faces several challenges such as high feed production cost, land availability, disease outbreaks, coping with rapid technology advancements, and adherence to continuous government policy change. The conditions often worsen in the tropical regions as high temperatures cause heat stress in broilers leading to negative effects on feed consumption, feed efficiency, growth rate, and mortality, resulting in a large economical loss in commercial poultry farms. As a result, any disruptions such as poor growth rate and disease outbreak could potentially harm the supply and demand, which will ultimately affect the food security of a country. Therefore, the use of antibiotics in feed has been found to increase feed efficiency and growth performance significantly in the poultry industry. Owing to the development of antimicrobial resistance in humans and livestock, the interest in using phytobiotics in veterinary medicine as an alternative to antibiotic feed additives in poultry diets is increasing.This study aims to study the effect of Yucca shidigera as a phytobiotic supplementation in enhancing the production performance of commercial broilers reared under tropical environments. A total of 300 male day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated into six treatment groups. Treatment 1 broilers were fed with commercial diets without antibiotics. Treatment 2 broilers were fed with commercial diets added with 100 mg/kg oxytetracycline antibiotic. Treatment 3, 4, 5, and 6 were fed with the same commercial diets added with 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg Y. shidigera, respectively, without antibiotic. Throughout the six weeks study period, body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly for each replicate to calculate the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. In addition, the nutrient digestibility, gut histomorphology, cecal microflora population, carcass characteristics, and meat quality were determined. The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the growth performance, apparent ileal nutrient digestibility, gut histomorphology, carcass traits, and meat quality. Overall, T6 broilers supplemented with 100 mg/kg Y. shidigera demonstrated the best production performances as compared to the other treatment broilers. In summary, information from this study will be valuable for the usability of Y. schidigera, which could be developed as a feed additive to replace antibiotics in the poultry sector in the tropics.

Influence of sanguinarine-based phytobiotic supplementation on post necrotic enteritis challenge recovery

In the animal production industry, plant-derived antimicrobial phytobiotics are used as an alternative to antibiotics. Here we investigated the role sanguinarine-based phytobiotic in broiler recovery from Necrotic Enteritis (NE) infection. A total of 100 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to four treatments: negative control CTR (no challenge, no phytobiotic supplementation); positive control NE (NE challenged); phytobiotic SG (sanguinarine phytobiotic, 0.12 g/kg); and SG + NE, (sanguinarine phytobiotic, 0.12 g/kg and NE challenge). Sanguinarine-based phytobiotic supplementation caused significant changes between the groups in performance, livability and histological measurements, however, these changes were not significantly different between SG + NE and NE groups. Significant improvement was detected in NE lesion score of the duodenum and ileum of SG + NE birds compared to NE challenged birds at the end of the production cycle at 40 days old, indicating improved post-NE recovery with the addition of phytobiotic. Sanguinarine-based phytobiotic supplementation in NE challenged birds significantly compensated for a NE associated reduction of Firmicutes and an increase in Bacteroidetes. Functional profile of sanguinarine-based phytobiotic supplemented birds microbiota was distinct from CTR functional profile. NE challenge was associated with a significant increase in cecal propionic acid, while sanguinarine-based phytobiotic supplementation resulted in an increase in cecal acetic acid.

Effects of phytobiotic feed additives on growth traits, blood biochemistry, and meat characteristics of broiler chickens exposed to Salmonella typhimurium

Because of concerns over the use of antibiotics in poultry feed, this study was designed to determine the effectiveness of phytobiotic supplementation as an alternative to antibiotic use based on growth performance and meat characteristics of broilers exposed to Salmonella typhimurium. The effects of an antibiotic and 3 phytobiotic feed additives (PFA), Mix-Oil Mint (MOmint), Mix-Oil Liquid (MOliq), and Sangrovit Extra (Sangext), were compared. At day of age, 280 Ross chicks were randomly allocated into 6 treatments. At 15 d, all chicks except negative control were exposed to S. typhimurium. The offered 6 diets were as follows: T1, negative control; T2, infected with S. typhimurium; T3, infected + avilamycin (0.1 g/kg); T4, infected + MOmint (0.2 g/kg); T5, infected + plant extract in liquid form MOliq (0.25 mL/L); and T6, infected + Sangext (0.15 g/kg). During the cumulative starter period, PFA improved performance over that of the control, and the food conversion ratio (FCR) was lower for T3 and T5 compared with T1 (P < 0.05). During the cumulative finisher period (15–35 d), a lower body weight gain (P < 0.01) was observed in T2. T1 had the best FCR and production efficiency factor, but they were not significantly different from those of T3, T4, and T6 (P < 0.001). At 35 d, T1 and T4 had a higher breast percentage as compared with those of T2 (P < 0.05). Blood glucose decreased significantly (P > 0.05) in T2 and T5 compared with that in T1 and T4. Alanine transaminase concentration decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in T4 and T5 compared with that in T1, T2, and T3. Treatments had significant effects on breast temperature and pH (P < 0.001). A significant decrease in the myofibril fragmentation index occurred in T1 and T6. Hardness and chewiness were influenced by treatments (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PFA could effectively compare with that of antibiotic avilamycin in the maintenance of growth performance and improvement in meat characteristics of broilers challenged with S. typhimurium.

Meta-analysis of the influence of phytobiotic (pepper) supplementation in broiler chicken performance

The aim of the study is to use meta-analytical procedure to resolve uncertainty, identify knowledge gaps, and create new insights using published data on the phytobiotic effect of dietary pepper intervention on daily feed intake (DFI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in broiler chickens. The authors accessed AGORA, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases for primary studies published between 2011 and 2018 using combinations of different search terms. Fifteen studies were included to assess phytobiotic effect of pepper on DFI, FCR, and ADG in broiler chickens. Random-effects model (REM) was used to generate pooled effect estimates at 95% confidence intervals (CI). Analysis was performed using Open Meta-analyst for Ecology and Evolution (OpenMEE) software, while publication bias and source of heterogeneity were assessed using standard methods. Dietary pepper supplementation enhanced ADG (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.576, 95% CI 0.444 to 0.707, p < 0.001) and FCR (SMD = 0.325, 95% CI - 0.453 to - 0.196, p < 0.001) considering the presence of heterogeneity and publication bias. DFI (SMD = 0.052, 95%CI - 0.069 to 0.173, p = 0.403) was not significantly influenced by dietary pepper supplementation. Restricted subgroup analysis revealed that both black and red pepper increased ADG (p < 0.001). Broilers on black pepper intervention had better FCR (p = 0.002) than broilers on red pepper treatment. Higher (p < 0.05) DFI was obtained on broilers fed pepper-based diet at the rate of > 6 g/kg feed for 35 days. There was no association between DFI and explanatory variables (broiler strain used and number of broilers used), whereas study country influenced DFI (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was an association between outcome of interests (ADG and FCR) and explanatory variables (supplementation level, study country, number of broilers used per treatment group, and broiler strain used). Broilers on dietary pepper intervention for 42 days had higher ADG (SMD = 62.2 g/bird/day, p < 0.001) than those on dietary pepper intervention for 56 days (SMD = 35.7 g/bird/day, p = 0.002). There is evidence of heterogeneity, and meta-regression analysis showed that study country, supplementation level, and broiler strain used explained most of the sources of heterogeneity. The results of the present study revealed the potential of dietary pepper intervention to improve production efficiency in broiler chickens. The current meta-analysis also set the steps for standardized experimental designs on the use of dietary pepper intervention in broiler feeding trials in the future.

Effect of Coordinated Probiotic/Prebiotic/Phytobiotic Supplementation on Microbiome Balance and Psychological Mood State in Healthy Stressed Adults

Background: Interest in and knowledge of the gut microbiome has increased exponentially in the past decade. This once overlooked component of the gastrointestinal tract is now implicated in multiple aspects of human health, including mental (e.g. depression, anxiety, stress), metabolic (e.g. diabetes/obesity), neurological (e.g. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Autism Spectrum Disorder), gastrointestinal (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s), and immunological (e.g. inflammation, cancer) wellness, among others. Previous research has demonstrated the “strain specificity” of probiotic therapy (e.g. Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 for serotonin/depression; Bifidobacterium longum R0175 for GABA/anxiety; Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011 for cortisol/stress). Similarly, probiotic bacteria demonstrate different growth trajectories based on availability of preferred fiber substrates (e.g. prebiotics) and phytonutrients such as flavonoids/polyphenols (e.g. phytobiotics). Thus, our objective was two-fold: to determine the change in microbiome ecology/balance and to evaluate the psychological mood state following a coordinated pro-/pre-/phyto-biotic supplementation regimen.Methods: Thirty-two healthy subjects screened for “moderate” levels of psychological stress were randomly assigned to 1-month of Supplement (Amare Fundamentals, N=21) or matching Placebo (N=11). Microbiome balance was assessed in fecal samples using a PCR-based analysis (BiomeTracker) that has previously compared favorably to 16S sequencing for abundance quantification for major phyla/families of bacteria. Psychological mood state parameters were assessed using the validated Profile of Mood States survey (POMS) to generate scores for Global Mood State, and six sub-scales (Depression, Tension, Fatigue, Anger, Confusion, and Vigor).Results: Following supplementation, there was a significant increase in populations of “good” bacteria in the Supplement group (+28% Lactobacillus; +30% Bifidobacterium) and overall composite score (+17%) versus Placebo (p&lt;0.05). Psychological indices were significantly improved in the Supplement group for both positive (+25% Global Mood; +44% Vigor) and negative (-64% Fatigue; -55% Depression; -54% Anger; -45% Tension; -43% Confusion) mood state parameters versus Placebo (p&lt;0.05).Conclusion: The World Health Organization has identified mental wellness issues as the leading contributor to global health burden – highlighting the urgency to develop lifestyle interventions to effectively manage depression, anxiety, and stress. These results demonstrate the close relationship between microbiome balance and psychological parameters – and the utility of targeted supplementation to positively influence the gut-brain-axis for improved mental wellness.Keywords: Lactobacillus helveticus, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, depression, anxiety, stress, vigor, mood state, mental wellness

Serum biochemical changes and growth response study following probiotic and phytobiotic supplementation in broiler chickens

Many alternative substances have been investigated for their potential to replace antibiotics as growth promoters. Probiotics and phytobiotics are some of the products that can be used as growth promoters in broiler. The present study was designed to investigate either single or combined effect of a probiotic and phytobiotic on serum bio-chemistry and growth performances in broilers. A total of 50 Cobb-500 day old chicks were divided into five groups (10 birds each). The birds of Group A were offered a basal diet (corn-soya based), Group B basal diet + 0.10% Renamycin 100®, Group C basal diet + 0.15% probiotic (Bio-Top®), Group D basal diet + 0.10% phytobiotic (Galibiotic) and Group E basal diet + 0.15% Bio-Top® + 0.10% Galibiotic. Body weight, feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and serum bio-chemistry (Triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, ALT, AST, creatinine) were recorded. Serum biochemical values differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) among the groups. The average final live weight gain was 665grams, 686grams, 1095grams, 780grams and 1065grams in groups A, B, C, D and E, respectively. The feed conversion ratio was 2.1, 1.96, 1.72, 1.83, and 1.75 in A, B, C, D and E group, respectively. The present study revealed that supplementation of probiotic and phytobiotic in feed significantly reduced triglyceride, cholesterol and HDL values compared to value of control group (P&lt;0.05). Probiotic or its’ combination with phytobiotic has the potential to be exemplary alternatives to antibiotic as growth promoters.&#x0D; Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2019, 4 (1), 1-6

Dose-dependent response to phytobiotic supplementation in feed on growth, hematology, intestinal pH, and gut bacterial load in broiler chicken.

Objective:The present study was aimed to evaluate dose-dependent effects of phytobiotic (Galibiotic) supplements in feed on growth performance, hematological parameters, intestinal pH, and gut bacterial population in broiler chick.Materials and Methods:A total of 50 ten day old broiler chicks were divided into five groups, namely, Group A as control (without galibiotic), Group B (galibiotic at 1 gm/kg feed), Group C (galibiotic at 2 gm/kg feed), Group D (galibiotic at 5 gm/kg feed), and Group E (galibiotic at 10 gm/kg feed). All the birds were reared for 42 days and samples were collected before and after sacrifice.Results:Live body weights showed no significant differences between the groups but overall feed conversion ratios (FCRs) of treatment groups were significantly low in Group E having the lowest. Blood samples collected for hematology differed significantly (p < 0.01) among the different groups. Intestinal pH was lower in treatment groups with Group E having the lowest. Cecal total viable count was highest in Group A and lowest in Group E. The cecal coliform count was low in all the treatment groups.Conclusion:Along with previously published report, it may conclude that the phytobiotic could be used as an alternative to antibiotics due to positive growth performance, lower FCR, carcass quality, and improved gut health of broiler chicks.

Effect of Coordinated Probiotic/Prebiotic/Phytobiotic Supplementation on Microbiome Balance and Psychological Mood State in Healthy Stressed Adults

BackgroundInterest in and knowledge of the gut microbiome has increased exponentially in the past decade. This once overlooked component of the gastrointestinal tract is now implicated in multiple aspects of human health, including mental wellness (e.g. depression, anxiety, stress), metabolic (e.g. diabetes, obesity), neurologic (e.g. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Autism Spectrum Disorder), gastrointestinal (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's), and immunologic (e.g. inflammation, cancer), among others.Purpose/ObjectivesPrevious research has demonstrated the “strain specificity” of probiotic therapy – elucidating that targeted health benefits are related to the specific strain of bacteria (e.g. Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 for serotonin/depression; Bifidobacterium longum R0175 for GABA/anxiety; Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011 for cortisol/stress). Similarly, probiotic bacteria demonstrate different growth trajectories based on availability of preferred fiber substrates (e.g. prebiotics) and phytonutrients such as flavonoids/polyphenols (e.g. phytobiotics). Thus, our objective was two‐fold: to determine the change in microbiome ecology/balance; and to assess the change in psychological mood state (e.g. depression/anxiety/vigor) following a coordinated pro‐/pre‐/phyto‐biotic supplementation regimen.MethodsThirty‐two healthy subjects screened for “moderate” levels of psychological stress were randomly assigned to 30‐days of Supplement (Amare Fundamentals containing specific strains of probiotic bacteria, prebiotic fibers, and phytobiotic plant extracts, N=21) or look‐alike Placebo (N=11). Microbiome balance was assessed in fecal samples using a PCR‐based analysis (BiomeTracker) that has previously compared favorably to 16S sequencing (ACN 2017) for abundance quantification for major phyla/families of bacteria. Psychological mood state parameters were assessed using the validated Profile of Mood States survey (POMS) to generate scores for Global Mood State, and six sub‐scales (Depression, Tension, Fatigue, Anger, Confusion, and Vigor).ResultsFollowing 30‐days of supplementation, there was a significant increase in populations of “good” bacteria in the Supplement group (+28% Lactobacillus; +30% Bifidobacterium) and overall composite score (+17%) versus Placebo (p&lt;0.05). Psychological indices were significantly improved in the Supplement group for both positive (+25% Global Mood; +25% Vigor) and negative (−60% Depression; −54% Tension; −52% Fatigue; −42% Confusion; −39% Anger) parameters versus Placebo (p&lt;0.05).ConclusionsThe World Health Organization has identified mental wellness issues as the leading contributor to global health burden – highlighting the urgency to develop lifestyle interventions to effectively manage depression, anxiety, and stress. These results demonstrate the close relationship between microbiome balance and psychological parameters – and the utility of targeted supplementation to positively influence the gut‐brain‐axis for improved mental wellness.Support or Funding InformationThis trial was funded by Amare Global and conducted jointly by EQQIL and Wasatch ScientificThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

The effect of phytogenic feed additives on the performance, meat quality and coccidial infection rates of rabbits

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of herbal supplementation on rabbits’ health and production parameters. In experiment with herbal food additives, at 90 days of age animals fed with phytogenic additives (oregano, garlic and rosemary) had higher body weight compared to the group fed with coccidiostat. In experiment with herbal water additives (garlic extract or oregano) the phytobiotic supplementation had no effect on weight gains of animals. The highest body weight on slaughter day was obtained by rabbits drank water with garlic extract. Parasitological tests performed at 91 days of age showed that lowest average number of coccidia oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG) in “garlic” group (48.0 OPG) and the highest in control group (308.6 OPG). The research showed that feed with herbal supplementation is willingly eaten by rabbits, contributes to faster weight gains and has a positive effect on meat quality.

Effect of phytobiotic (turmeric) supplementation on semen and blood characteristics of rabbits

The study aimed to examine the effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder supplemented diets on semen and blood characteristics of rabbits. A total of 27, 9-month-old New Zealand white male rabbits were assigned randomly into 3 groups with 3 replicates of 3 rabbits. Each group was assigned to one of the experimental diet containing turmeric powder at 0 (control), 2 and 4 g/kg feed for 84 days in a completely randomized design. Blood and semen samples for analysis were obtained from each replicate and data obtained analysed statistically. Results revealed that there are significant (p < 0.05) variation in feed conversion ratio (FCR) and daily weight gain (DWG) among the groups. Turmeric powder (TP) supplementation at 2 and 4 g/kg feed increased (p < 0.05) the number of abnormal sperm on both treatments when compared with the control. The concentrations of seminal potassium, sodium, chloride, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were increased (p < 0.05) by TP supplementation at 4 g/kg feed group. Seminal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was reduced (p < 0.05) by TP at 2 g/kg feed while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was reduced (p < 0.05) by TP in both treatment groups compared to control. Serum sodium value was significantly increased (p < 0.05) at 4 g/kg feed while AST level was reduced (p < 0.05) by TP supplementation at 2 g/kg feed compared to control. There was significant (p < 0.01) regression effect on serum chloride value of rabbits fed diets supplemented with turmeric powder. The results indicated that turmeric powder had mild contraceptive effect in male rabbits without deleterious effect on blood characteristics.