The use of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) in poultry feed

There is growing interest in developing natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in order to maintain both birds' performance and health. In the last decade, Turmeric has been extensively used in poultry diets. Turmeric is a natural herb of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. Wide range medicinal properties of this plant have been advocated. In poultry feed, Turmeric has been extensively used in different concentrations, dosages and durations. In this review, the beneficial effects of this plant on growth, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, ameliorative effect on liver health, immunomodulatory and antioxidative effects are reviewed.