Evaluation of Turmeric Powder Addition on In vitro Rumen Fermentation and Digestibility

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of adding turmeric powder on in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics and digestibility. The experimental diet comprised of 30% commercial concentrate and 70% Napier grass. The treatments were T0 (control) without turmeric powder and T1 with 2% turmeric powder inclusion. Each treatment was replicated six times. Parameters measured included rumen bacterial and protozoal populations, pH, volatile fatty acid (VFA) and ammonia (NH₃) concentrations, as well as the digestibility of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM). Statistical analyses were conducted using an independent sample t-test. The addition of 2% turmeric powder to the diet significantly elevated (P<0.05) the concentrations of total VFA and NH₃, as well as DM and OM digestibility. Conversely, the addition of 2% turmeric powder addition resulted in a significant decrease (P<0.05) in rumen pH but did not affect the total populations of rumen protozoa and bacteria. In conclusion, 2% turmeric powder could be an effective feed additive for enhancing rumen fermentation and digestibility.