Impact of dietary turmeric and ginger powder on performance, serum chemistry and gut microbiota in laying hens

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with turmeric and ginger on the performance of laying hens. A total of 160 commercial Hi-Sex White caged laying hens were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments, each consisting of five replicates of eight birds, using a completely randomized design (CRD). Group T₁ served as the control and received only the basal diet, while groups T₂, T₃, and T₄ were supplemented with 1.0 % turmeric + 0.5 % ginger, 0.5 % turmeric + 1.0 % ginger, and 0.75 % turmeric + 0.75 % ginger, respectively. The experiment lasted for 10 weeks, from 45 to 54 weeks of age. The results demonstrated that the T₄ group (0.75 % turmeric + 0.75 % ginger) exhibited reduced feed intake, enhanced egg production, and an improved feed conversion ratio compared to the other groups (P < 0.0001). All supplemented groups produced significantly heavier eggs than the control (P < 0.0001). Hematological analysis revealed elevated red blood cell counts (P = 0.001) and hemoglobin levels (P = 0.037) in the T₄ group, along with increased white blood cell counts in the T₂, T₃, and T₄ groups (P = 0.003). Biochemical analysis indicated a significant reduction in blood urea nitrogen across all supplemented groups (P = 0.001), with a marked decrease in total cholesterol observed only in the T₄ group (P = 0.001). Although the Escherichia coli count in the T₄ group was slightly higher (P = 0.001) than in the T₂ and T₃ groups, this did not negatively affect the birds’ health or performance. Overall, the T₄ diet supported superior productivity, favorable physiological responses, and an improved serum lipid profile. These findings suggest that a balanced dietary inclusion of turmeric and ginger at 0.75 % each may be an effective strategy to enhance the performance and health of laying hens.