Effect of Turmeric (Curcuma domestica) Powder and Multi-Enzyme Supplementation on Intestinal Villus Morphology in Broiler Chickens

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of turmeric powder (Curcuma domestica Val.) and multi-enzyme supplementation on intestinal villus morphology, particularly villus height, surface area, and number, in broiler chickens. Study Design: The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five dietary treatments and six replications per treatment. Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out at the Poultry Production Laboratory, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia, over a period of 6 weeks. Methodology: This study employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments and five replications. A total of 300 day-old Lohmann broiler chickens were randomly allocated into five treatment groups: P0 (Control): Without feed additive supplementation, P1: 0.3% turmeric flour + 0.01% multienzyme, P2: 0.6% turmeric flour + 0.01% multienzyme, P3: 0.9% turmeric flour + 0.01% multienzyme, P4: 1.2% turmeric flour + 0.01% multienzyme. Each experimental unit consisted of 12 birds per pen, resulting in 60 birds per treatment group. At day 35, jejunum samples were collected from one bird per replicate (n=5 per treatment) for histological examination. Tissue sections were prepared using standard paraffin embedding and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E). Villus height, surface area, and number were measured under 40× magnification using image analysis software. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test at P<0.05 significance level. Results: There were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in villus height, surface area, or number among treatment groups. However, descriptively, treatment P4 (1.2% turmeric + enzyme) showed the highest average values for villus height (673.76 µm), surface area (1056.16 µm²), and number (9.12 per transverse cut), compared to the control group. Conclusion: Although statistical significance was not observed, the combination of turmeric powder and multi-enzyme supplementation showed a positive numerical trend in improving the morphology of intestinal villi in broiler chickens. This suggests potential benefits in gut health and nutrient absorption efficiency.