Growth Performance and Intestinal Morphology of Growing Pullets Fed Diets Containing Single and Combined Levels of Turmeric and Clove

A total of 432, ISA Brown growing pullets were used to evaluate the effects of feeding diets containing Turmeric, Clove and Turmeric + Clove on growth performance and intestinal morphology. The birds were divided into 36 groups of 12 each weighed and allotted into experimental units. A total of nine experimental diets were formulated such that they contained 0, 1 and 2% turmeric, 0, 1 and 2% clove, and 0, 1 and 2% turmeric + clove combination on a 1:1 basis, respectively, in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement (turmeric × clove × turmeric + clove: 0 × 1 × 2), replicated four times. The birds were weighed weekly to determine their body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. At the end of the experiment, 27 birds were sacrificed, and the duodenum, jejunum and ileum segments of the gastro intestinal tract were removed for gut histo-morphometry. Results showed that level of inclusion of feed additives significantly influenced feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Birds fed 1 and 2% inclusion of feed additive had reduced feed intake and lower FCR value when compared to higher FI and FCR values recorded in birds fed 0% inclusion of additives. Duodenal, jejunal and ilea morphology were significantly influenced by turmeric, clove, turmeric + clove, inclusion levels and treatment interaction. Birds fed diet containing turmeric + clove have significantly longer duodenal and jejunal villi as well as best duodenal and jejunal villus height: crypt depth ratio. It was concluded that up to 2% turmeric and turmeric + clove can be included in growing pullet’s diet for improved performance. Inclusion of turmeric, clove and turmeric + clove improved morphological changes in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum of birds which might influence nutrient absorption and thus, improved FCR.