Juvenile growth, thermotolerance and gut histomorphology of broiler chickens fed Curcuma longa under hot-humid environments

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted to assess the juvenile development, thermotolerance, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens fed Curcuma longa in a hot-humid environment. Methods: In a Completely Randomized Design, 240 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four nutritional treatments of baseline diets supplemented with 0 (CN), 4 (FG), 8 (EG), and 12 g (TT) of turmeric powder/Kg of feed, with four replicates of fifteen birds each. Data on feed consumption and body weights were evaluated weekly during the juvenile growth phase. The physiological indicators of the birds were assessed on day 56 of their lives. The birds were subjected to thermal challenge and data were collected on their physiological traits. Eight birds were randomly selected, euthanized and dissected in each treatment, and 2 cm segments of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were sampled for villi width, villi height, crypt depth, and the villi height: crypt depth ratio measurements. Results: It was revealed that the weight gain of the birds in EG was significantly greater (p TT > FG > CN. Conclusions: To conclude, dietary supplementation of Curcuma longa powder, notably the 8 g/kg diet improved the antioxidant status, thermotolerance, and nutrient absorption by improving intestinal morphology in broiler chickens in a hot-humid environment.

Keywords

• Thermotolerance
• Morphology
• Juvenile growth
• Broiler