Antioxidant Status of Broiler Chickens Supplemented with Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Powder in Ilorin, Kwara State

Oxidative stress in commercial poultry production, driven by high metabolic rates, heat exposure, and disease challenges, negatively affects growth performance and meat quality. Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory spice widely cultivated in Nigeria's North Central and South West zones, and its active compound curcumin has demonstrated significant antioxidant capacity in multiple biological systems. This study evaluated the effects of dietary turmeric powder supplementation on antioxidant status and performance indices of broiler chickens raised in Ilorin, Kwara State. One hundred and twenty Arbor Acres broiler chicks were allocated to four groups receiving 0, 2, 4, and 6 grams per kilogram of feed turmeric inclusion. At day 42, blood was collected and serum assessed for superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde as a marker of lipid peroxidation. Liver samples were also analysed for antioxidant enzyme activities. Turmeric supplementation at 4 and 6 g/kg significantly increased serum superoxide dismutase and catalase activities compared with controls. Malondialdehyde concentrations were significantly reduced at the same inclusion levels, indicating reduced oxidative stress. Liver enzyme activities followed similar trends. Body weight gain was numerically higher in supplemented groups but did not achieve statistical significance. Feed conversion ratio was significantly improved in the 4 g/kg group. These findings support the use of dietary turmeric as an affordable oxidative stress management strategy in Nigerian broiler production. Keywords: turmeric, Curcuma longa, antioxidant, broiler, oxidative stress.