Abstract
This study investigated the effect of graded levels of Turmeric powder diet on physiological performance and haemato-biochemical parameters of West African Dwarf Buck (WAD). Thirty (30) WAD bucks were randomly assigned to five treatments (A, B, C, D and E) in a completely randomized design for a period of eight weeks. Animals were given diets containing 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8g turmeric powder/kg feed. Animals were weighed and blood samples collected at the beginning of the experiment and subsequently forth nightly before the end of the experiment for haematology and serum-biochemical assay. Other body parameters such as Body weight (BW), Height at Withers (HW), Body Length (BL) were measured. All data collected were analyzed using the General Linear Model procedure of Statistical Analysis software. Significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test of the same software. Results obtained showed significant (p<0.05) improvement in feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and weight gain. The nutrient digestibility test showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in crude fat, nitrogen free extract (NFE) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) with increase in turmeric powder levels in the diet. The blood parameters also showed significant improvement in red blood cells, albumins, white blood cells and a reduction in blood glucose, urea, calcium and sodium levels with continuous increase in turmeric supplementation while potassium increased. The liver enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were significantly reduced while aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased with increased supplementation with turmeric powder. It is concluded that turmeric powder should be supplemented at a moderate level as too high levels could lead to loss of other nutrients (glucose, calcium and sodium) while increasing others (potassium). It is therefore recommended that 6g of turmeric powder per kg basal feed should be incorporated for better performance of West African Dwarf Buck.