Supplementation of Curcuma domestica and Curcuma zedoaria through Drinking Water on Productivity and Intestinal Microbiota Superior Native Chickens

The present study was conducted to assess the influence of turmeric (Curcuma domestica ) and white turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria) supplementation through drinking water on growth performance, carcass traits, and gut microbiota of superior native chickens. The experiment was carried out for eight weeks at Sesetan Farm, Faculty of Animal Science, Udayana University, involving 100 superior native chickens aged seven days with relatively homogeneous initial body weights. The study employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of four dietary treatments with five replications. The treatments included P0 (drinking water without supplementation), P1 (drinking water supplemented with 4% turmeric), P2 (drinking water supplemented with 4% white turmeric), and P3 (drinking water supplemented with a combination of 2% turmeric and 2% white turmeric). Parameters evaluated comprised production performance, carcass characteristics, and intestinal microbial populations, which were determined using the Total Plate Count (TPC) technique. The findings indicated that supplementation with turmeric and white turmeric did not significantly affect feed intake, water consumption, or feed conversion ratio. Nevertheless, birds receiving 4% turmeric supplementation exhibited higher body weight gain, final body weight, slaughter weight, and carcass weight. Furthermore, the inclusion of herbal supplements was associated with a reduction in pathogenic intestinal bacteria, particularly coliforms. In conclusion, turmeric demonstrates potential as a natural feed additive for improving productivity in superior native chicken production.