Mechanistic Insights into the Physiological and Meat Quality Responses of Broiler Chickens Fed Incremental Turmeric Rhizome Meal

Simple Summary Raising chickens without antibiotics is a major challenge for farmers, as antibiotics are often used to promote growth and prevent disease. However, indiscriminate antibiotic usage leads to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study investigated whether adding turmeric root powder to chicken feed could be a safe and effective natural alternative. We fed varying small amounts of turmeric root powder to broiler chickens and measured its effects on their performance, physiology, and meat quality. We found that chickens fed turmeric root powder had better feed efficiency, stronger immune systems, and guts with more good bacteria. The meat from these chickens also had less fat damage and contained more beneficial nutrients. We conclude that supplementing turmeric root powder in poultry diets can help farmers raise healthier birds without antibiotics, ultimately providing consumers with a higher quality and safer meat.