Comparative Study of Herbal Feed Additives on Growth Performance and Haematology in Female Dairy Calves

Herbal feed additives, including turmeric (Curcuma longa), garlic (Allium sativum), and ginger (Zingiber officinale), are increasingly explored for their potential to enhance livestock performance. Objective: To evaluate the effects of Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Allium sativum (Garlic) and Zingiber officinale (Ginger) powder on the growth performance and hematological values of cross-bred female cow calves. Methods: Fifty calves were divided into ten groups: one control and nine experimental groups. The experimental groups were fed with standard rations and different concentrations of feed additives, i.e. 0.5 %, 1% and 1.5% of calf starter for sixteen weeks. An automated haematology analyzer was used to carry out haematological studies. Results: This study revealed a significant increase in weight gain along with PLT counts by the calves fed with Allium sativum (Garlic) powder at varying concentrations of 1.5 %, 0.5 % and 1.0 % calf starter, respectively. Haematological analysis showed substantial improvement in RBCs/WBCs/PLT counts and Hb/HCT levels in calves receiving 1.5% Curcuma longa (Turmeric) powder. No significant increase in growth rate was observed in any group fed with Zingiber officinale (Ginger) as a feed additive. Conclusions: On the basis of findings of this study, the use of 1.5 % Allium sativum (Garlic) as feed additive along with standard diet for increased weight gain in dairy calves is recommended. The addition of 1.5 % Curcuma longa (Turmeric) as feed additive in the diets of dairy calves also leads to increased count of RBCs, Hb, HCT, PLT and WBC’s values resulting into better immunity and resistance.