Effects of Dietary Turmeric Powder Supplementation on Nutrient Digestibility and Haemato-biochemical Parameters in Konkan Kanyal Goats

Abstract

A 90-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) powder supplementation on nutrient digestibility, feed utilization and haemato-biochemical parameters in Konkan Kanyal kids. Twenty weaned kids were randomly divided into five treatment groups: T₁ (control, no turmeric), T₂ (3 g/day), T₃ (6 g/day), T₄ (9 g/day) and T₅ (12 g/day). Nutrient digestibility improved progressively with increasing turmeric levels, with dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract and ash digestibility rising from 81.37%, 74.17%, 77.51%, 77.58%, 61.02% and 71.22% in T₁ to 84.96%, 78.74%, 80.67%, 81.85%, 64.13% and 77.23% in T₅, respectively. Feed conversion efficiency was highest in T₄ (FCR: 9.68), indicating efficient nutrient utilization. Haemato-biochemical observations revealed improved haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell counts, along with a dose-dependent reduction in serum cholesterol, with the most pronounced effects observed in T5 (12 g turmeric powder supplementation), without any adverse impact on immune status. Overall, turmeric supplementation enhanced digestibility, feed efficiency and metabolic health, confirming its potential as a safe phytogenic feed additive in goats.