Effect of turmeric and baical skullcap-based feed additive on amino acid digestibility, energy metabolisation and performance of broiler chickens

This preliminary study aimed to evaluate the effect of blending Baical Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa) extracts as feed additives on nutrient digestibility, metabolisable energy, and broiler chickens’ performance. A phytogenic additive containing a blend of Curcuma longa and hydrosoluble flavonoid extract from Scutellaria baicalensis (CURBAI) at a concentration of 0.1% in the feed was used across two studies. The first study assessed the apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein, amino acids, and metabolisable energy. In the second study, CURBAI was added to the grower diet for broilers from 21 to 28 days old to evaluate performance. The apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids and metabolisable energy were significantly higher in the CURBAI-supplemented group (p < 0.05). Additionally, energy utilisation increased by over 1 MJ/kg after CURBAI supplementation (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the addition of CURBAI had no effect on performance parameters of the chickens from 21 to 28 days of age. CURBAI supplementation could be an effective method for enhanced nutrient digestibility and metabolisable energy. However, large-scale experiments must be conducted to confirm the effect of improved digestibility on FCR.