Effect of Feeding Soymilk Blended with Turmeric (Curcuma longa. L) Powder on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Feeding Cost in Osmanabadi Kids

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the impact of supplementing soymilk blended with turmeric powder on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and feeding cost in Osmanabadi kids. The trial was carried out over 180 days at the Goat Unit, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, VNMKV, Parbhani. A total of 20 kids, aged between 3 to 6 months and of similar body conformation, were randomly divided into four dietary groups (T1 to T4) with five animals in each. All groups received a standard concentrate mixture with 50 ml of soymilk, while groups T2, T3, and T4 were additionally supplemented with 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0% turmeric powder, respectively (% of turmeric powder based on concentrate mixture). Green and dry fodder were offered freely throughout the experiment. Weekly records of growth performance i.e body weight, body length, chest girth and height were maintained. The results indicated that kids in the T4 group showed significantly higher gains in body weight and body measurements compared to the other groups. Final body weight and average daily weight gain were highest in T4, with an 18.29% improvement over the control (T1). Dry matter intake (687.40 g/day), digestibility of crude protein (73.96%), ether extract (64.04%) and NFE (65.07%) were also highest in T4 and feeding cost per kg weight gain was lowest in T4 (Rs.184.98). The findings highlight the potential benefits of using 1.0 % turmeric powder in soymilk as a natural growth promoter and also improves feed utilization and profitability in Osmanabadi kids.