Comparative efficacy of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) crude powder and salinomycin sodium on the occurrence of
coccidiosis and growth performance of broiler was evaluated. A total of 90, day-old chicks were randomly divided
into six groups. From first day onward, ration was supplemented with 1, 2 and 3 % turmeric powder in groups 2, 3
and 4, respectively, group 1 received salinomycin sodium @ 12 g 50 kg-1 feed while groups 5 and 6 were kept as
infected un-medicated and uninfected un-medicated controls. First five groups were infected with Eimeria tenella
sporulated oocysts @ 1,00,000/chick at the age of 20 days. Body weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion
ratio were investigated throughout the experimental period, and bloody diarrhea and oocysts excretions were
investigated at the first and the second week after infection. Maximum coccidiostatic effect was observed with
turmeric (3%) showing mild bloody diarrhea as compared to other infected groups receiving turmeric containing
rations. This effect was comparable with a standard coccidiostat i.e., salinomycin sodium. Similarly, the weight gain
in the groups treated with salinomycin sodium (2280g) and 3% turmeric (2293g) were also significantly higher (p ≤
0.05) than that of infected control group (1955g). In the groups treated with ration supplemented with 3% turmeric
powder and salinomycin sodium, the peak excretion of oocysts was delayed about 1 or 2 days relative to the control
infected group. Concentration-dependent coccidiostatic effect of turmeric suggested that further studies should be
carried out to determine the possible maximum safe levels of turmeric with least toxic effects to be used as
coccidiostat.
