Effect of turmeric powder addition on in vitro rumen fermentation and digestibility

Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, Faculty of Animal Science, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: asudarman@apps.ipb.ac.id

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.