Growth Response of Broiler Chickens to Diets Containing Graded Levels of Datura stramonium and Curcuma longa Blend

Background and Objective: The use of medicinal plants in poultry diets is gaining attention as a natural alternative to synthetic additives. Datura stramonium (thorn apple) and Curcuma longa (turmeric) possess antimicrobial and growth-promoting properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of graded levels of a Datura-turmeric blend on the growth performance and health status of broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 Abor acres of day-old broiler chickens were used to evaluate the impact of thorn apple and turmeric blend on performance, haematology, and serum biochemistry of broiler chicken. They were divided into five dietary groups of T₁-0 g, T₂-2 g/kg, T₃-4 g/kg, T₄-6 g/kg, and T₅-8 g/kg inclusion of the blend at the ratio of 1:1 thorn apple and turmeric. Each group contained 40 birds, which were divided into 4 replicates of 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Data were collected on growth, carcass, haematology, and serum biochemistry, and they were analysed using ANOVA (p<0.05). Results: Highest (p<0.05) weight gain (2573.53 g) was recorded with broiler birds fed a diet containing (2 g/kg) of thorn apple and turmeric blend, while broiler birds fed a diet containing 6 g/kg had the least (2146.13 g). The highest (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (2.20 g) was recorded with broiler birds fed a diet containing (6 g/kg) of thorn apple and turmeric blend, while broiler birds fed a diet containing 2 g/kg had the least (1.97 g). The highest (p<0.05) cost/kg meat (1951.83 g) was recorded with the broiler bird fed diet containing (6 g/kg) of thorn apple and turmeric blend, while the broiler fed diet containing 2 g/kg had the least (1762.63 g). The highest (p<0.05) carcass weight (2254.00 g) was recorded with broiler birds fed a diet containing (2 g/kg) of thorn apple and turmeric blend, while broiler birds fed the control diet had the least (1908.70 g). Highest (p<0.05) kidney (0.42 g) was recorded with broiler birds fed a diet containing (2 g/kg) of thorn apple and turmeric blend, while broiler birds fed the control diet had the least (0.34 g). The highest (p<0.05) lungs (0.63 g) were recorded with broiler birds fed a diet containing (8 g/kg) of thorn apple and turmeric blend, while broiler birds fed the control diet had the least (0.44 g). Highest (p<0.05) total protein (38.50 g/L) recorded on broiler fed diet containing 2 g/kg thorn apple and turmeric blend, while broiler fed diet containing 8 g/kg had the least value (27.50 g/L). Conclusion: The inclusion of thorn apple and turmeric blend at 2 g/kg helps improve growth performance, carcass, cost/kg meat, and health status of broiler chicken.