Effect of Turmeric Powder (Curcuma longa) as Growth Promoter in Cross Bred Hampshire Pigs

Background and Aim: The issue of drug resistance and search of alternative growth promoters has diverted many researchers to the use of herbal feed additives in feeding of livestock. The research is conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of turmeric as growth promoter on growth performance, feed conversion ratio and economics in cross bred Hampshire pigs. Materials and Methods: A total of twenty - four Hampshire (cross bred) male pigs about 3 months of age, were randomly divided into four groups; control and treatment groups E1, E2 and E3 with 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% respectively per 100 kg of feed. The study was conducted in AICRP ( All India Co – ordinated Research Project) farm, Khanapara, College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Guwahati – 22. Results: Body weight was measured every fortnightly. Digestibility was significantly lower in control groups and high in E2 group (1 %). The average daily gain in body weight and feed conversion efficiency of pigs were 369.44± 7.94, 441.67±9.38, 511.11±11.11 and 444.44±7.03 g; 4.01±0.26, 3.23±0.15, 3.03±0.04 and 3.4±0.16 in control, E1, E2 and E3 groups respectively. Significant (P<0.05) difference was observed between control and treatment groups in respect of average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency. Conclusion: The inclusion of the turmeric powder (Curcuma longa) into the diet of growing pigs as feed additive have a positive effect in growth of pigs. but best result was observed in E2 group which was given 1% turmeric powder.