Dietary supplementation of cinnamon and turmeric powder enhances growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immune response, and renal function in broiler chickens

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of dietary cinnamon and turmeric powder supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, nutrient digestibility, immune response, and renal function in broiler chickens. A total of 300 ROSS 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments: control, 0.5 % cinnamon, 1.0 % cinnamon, 0.5 % turmeric, and 1.0 % turmeric powder, each with six replicates of 10 birds. Birds were reared from day 1 to 42 under standard management, with treatment diets offered from day 6 onwards. Results revealed that birds receiving 1.0 % cinnamon and 1.0 % turmeric exhibited significantly higher body weight gain, feed intake, and improved feed conversion ratio throughout the trial (P < 0.01). These groups also showed superior carcass traits, including higher dressing percentage and breast/thigh weights, along with reduced abdominal fat. Apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, fat, and fiber was markedly enhanced in the high-dose groups. Immune response, as assessed by antibody titers against infectious bursal disease (IBD), infectious bronchitis (IB), Newcastle disease (ND), and sheep red blood cells (SRBC), was significantly elevated in the 1.0 % cinnamon and turmeric groups. Additionally, these treatments resulted in significantly lower serum uric acid levels, indicating improved renal function. Overall, the inclusion of 1.0 % cinnamon or turmeric powder improved growth, health, and nutrient utilization in broilers.