The aim of this review paper is to explore the available information from research findings on the use of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) as a reliable phytogenic antibiotic for poultry production in the tropics especially in Nigeria and other countries. A wide range of phytogenic additives has found a growing interest in fortification of poultry diets. Supplementation of natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in order to maintain both birds’ performance and health in the tropics will be a welcome development. Turmeric has reportedly been widely supplemented in poultry diets as natural alternative antibiotics in several studies with outstanding performances. The nutritional, medicinal, haematological and phyto-toxicological effects of turmeric were reviewed in this paper. Hence, turmeric supplementation at recommended inclusion rate in poultry feeds without posing any deleterious effects to the birds’ performances as well as the consumers of the products, and ultimately, leading to better profitability on the part of the farmers, will be a nutritional breakthrough for the farmers in the tropics.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) is widely recognized for its medicinal properties; however, the potential of Nepalese turmeric varieties, specifically Kapurkot Haledo 1 (KK1), Kapurkot Haledo-2 (KK2), and Sugandha, remains underexplored, particularly in relation to their processing outcomes and quality characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different blanching methods on these varieties' quality traits. Using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), the experiment tested three blanching treatments: distilled water boiling (DWB), alkaline water boiling (AWB), and a control, with nine treatment combinations, each replicated four times. Statistical analysis showed that KK2 had the highest dry recovery percentage (23.51%), with DWB proving more effective than AWB. KK1 exhibited the most significant length shrinkage, whereas KK2 treated with AWB showed the least. In terms of diameter, KK1 and Sugandha showed the highest shrinkage, while KK2 treated with AWB demonstrated minimal shrinkage. For color quality, KK1 received the highest color score (6.75), followed by Sugandha and KK2, with AWB generally enhancing color ratings across the varieties. Significant interactions between turmeric variety and blanching method were observed. Specifically, KK1 with DWB achieved the highest dry recovery, similar to KK2 under AWB treatment. Additionally, Sugandha treated with AWB showed the least length shrinkage, and KK2 exhibited the lowest diameter shrinkage under both control and AWB treatments. Regarding oil content, KK1 and Sugandha retained the highest levels under control conditions, while KK2 with AWB showed the lowest ash content and the highest curcumin concentration in the control group. In summary, the findings suggest that the combination of KK2 with AWB or DWB yields optimal outcomes across multiple quality parameters, underscoring the effectiveness of these blanching methods as post-harvest processing techniques for enhancing the quality of Nepalese turmeric.

The aim of this review paper is to explore the available information from research findings on the use of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) as a reliable phytogenic antibiotic for poultry production in the tropics especially in Nigeria and other countries. A wide range of phytogenic additives has found a growing interest in fortification of poultry diets. Supplementation of natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in order to maintain both birds’ performance and health in the tropics will be a welcome development. Turmeric has reportedly been widely supplemented in poultry diets as natural alternative antibiotics in several studies with outstanding performances. The nutritional, medicinal, haematological and phyto-toxicological effects of turmeric were reviewed in this paper. Hence, turmeric supplementation at recommended inclusion rate in poultry feeds without posing any deleterious effects to the birds’ performances as well as the consumers of the products, and ultimately, leading to better profitability on the part of the farmers, will be a nutritional breakthrough for the farmers in the tropics.