Comparative study on evaluating effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) supplementation on growth performance of broiler chickens

Abstract

Using natural products is now more popular among the poultry industry to help broilers do better and stay healthy. This study aims to measure FI, BWG and FCR to see how turmeric and thyme supplementation affects the growth of broiler chickens. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) were tested to see how they affected body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR).  This study evaluates the effects of turmeric and thyme supplementation on feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio in broiler chickens. Twenty-four day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four treatment groups : Control (P0), Turmeric (P1: 6 g/kg), Thyme (P2: 6 g/kg), and Turmeric + Thyme (P3: 3 g/kg each). Growth parameters were recorded weekly over five weeks. Results showed that the Thyme Group exhibited the highest improvements in FI, BWG, and FCR, followed by the Turmeric + Thyme and Turmeric Group. Statistical analysis was initially conducted using ANOVA and Duncan’s Test with a significance level of 5%. Based on the results, supplementation with turmeric, thyme; and their combination resulted in enhancements in body FI, BWG, FCR when compared to Control Group. Thyme supplementation demonstrated the most pronounced effects on every growth parameter.