EFFECTS OF TURMERIC RHIZOME POWDER AND CARRROT MEAL INCLUSION ON HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES, SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY, AND EGG FATTY ACID PROFILE OF ISA BROWN LAYING HENS

Prolonged use of synthetic feed additives has raised concerns about the health of laying hens and consumers. This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of turmeric rhizome powder (TM) and carrot meal (CM) on the health status and egg fatty acid profile of ISA Brown laying hens. A total of 150 ISA Brown hens (16 weeks old) were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments, with five replicates of five birds per treatment, in a completely randomized design. Diets comprised T1 (0 CM + 0 TM), T2 (0 CM + 1 TM), T3 (0.25 CM + 0.75 TM), T4 (0.50 CM + 0.50 TM), T5 (0.75 CM + 0.25 TM), and T6 (1 CM + 0 TM) g/kg. Blood samples were collected for haematological and serum biochemical analyses, while eggs were collected for fatty acid profiling after 6 months. Dietary treatments significantly (P < 0.05) influenced most proximate and phytochemical composition of the diets, except vitamin A. Dry matter ranged from 92.51% to 95.75%. Most haematological indices were significantly affected, except haemoglobin, packed cell volume, eosinophils and basophils. White blood cell count and lymphocyte percentage were highest in T3 (7.17 × 10⁹/L and 53.00%), respectively. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate declined from 60.00 mm/h in T1 to 5.00 mm/h in T4. Serum biochemical indices were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected. Palmitic acid and α-linolenic acid were highest in T4 (10.91 and 4.95 ppm), while linolenic acid and arachidonic acid were highest in T1 and T6 (12.99 and 3.69 ppm), respectively. Dietary inclusion of turmeric rhizome powder and carrot meal up to 1 g/kg, maintained physiological health while improving immune-related and nutritional parameters. Diet 4 (0.50 g/kg CM + 0.50 g/kg TM) could be adopted in layer production due to its comparative health benefits and effects on egg fatty acid profile.