Effects Of Turmeric Powder (Curcuma longa L.) As A Feed Additive On Slaughter Performance And Fatty Acid Profile In Japanese Quails

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of using Turmeric Powder (Curcuma longa L.) as a dietary supplement on slaughter performance and fatty acid profile in Japanese quails. To assess its effects, quails were fed diets containing various amounts of turmeric powder, a spice store commodity. The trial consisted of six repeated trials, where quails were divided into four experimental groups receiving diets supplemented with 0 g/kg (Control), 0.5 g/kg (T1), 2.5 g/kg (T2), and 5 g/kg (T3) of turmeric powder, respectively, for six weeks. At the end of the six-week feeding period, a total of 96 quails (24 per group, approximately equal to the group average) were selected for the study. Results showed a significant increase in wing weight and wing ratio in the T2 and T3 groups compared to the control group, while the thigh ratio was significantly lower in the T3 group. The T3 group exhibited the lowest saturated fatty acids (SFA) levels, whereas the T3 and T2 groups displayed the lowest monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) levels. All levels of turmeric supplementation led to a noteworthy increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content. The lowest cholesterol content in breast meat was observed in the T3 group. In conclusion, the consumption of turmeric positively influenced the fatty acid profile of the breast meat, especially the incorporation of 5 g/kg turmeric resulted in reduced breast meat cholesterol content and improved product quality. This suggests that turmeric supplementation can enhance functional food production, contributing to human and animal health.