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Review
. 2023 Nov 30;7(1):txad133.
doi: 10.1093/tas/txad133. eCollection 2023.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): an alternative to antibiotics in poultry nutrition

Foluke Abimbola Aderemi  1 , Olufemi Mobolaji Alabi  1
Affiliations
Review

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): an alternative to antibiotics in poultry nutrition

Foluke Abimbola Aderemi et al. Transl Anim Sci. .

Abstract

Turmeric, a common spice in many countries has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial properties. Recent research has shown that turmeric can be a viable alternative to antibiotics in poultry production. Antibiotic overuse in poultry has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which poses a threat to both animal and human health. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics. In addition, turmeric has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which can help boost the immune system of poultry and reduce the need for antibiotics. Studies have shown that turmeric can improve growth performance, and gut health, and reduce the incidence of disease in poultry. Therefore, the use of turmeric as an alternative to antibiotics in poultry production has the potential to not only improve animal health and welfare but also contribute to the fight against antibiotic resistance. This review aims to provide an overview of the recent knowledge on the use of these plant extracts in poultry feeds as feed additives and their effects on poultry performance.

Keywords: antibiotics; health; immunity; nutrition; poultry; turmeric.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report that there are no competing interests to declare.

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