Enhancing Growth Performance of New Zealand White Rabbits with Turmeric Flour Supplementation Ken Ratu Gharizah Alhuur, Sauland Sinaga
Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Universitas Padjadjaran
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of turmeric flour (Curcuma domestica) supplementation on the growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and carcass composition of New Zealand White rabbits. The experiment used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three treatments: 0.4% turmeric flour without powdered milk (P0), 0.4% turmeric flour with 5% powdered milk (P1), and 0.4% turmeric flour with 10% powdered milk (P2), each replicated six times. Results showed that the addition of turmeric flour, especially with 10% powdered milk, significantly increased body weight gain and feed consumption, with P2 achieving the highest growth rate (21.30 g/rabbit/day). Statistical analysis indicated significant differences (p<0.05) in body weight gain among treatments. Although feed conversion ratios (FCR) showed no significant differences, P2 demonstrated the best feed efficiency. The findings suggest that turmeric flour, particularly in combination with powdered milk, can enhance growth performance and feed efficiency in New Zealand White rabbits. This research highlights the potential for using natural feed additives in rabbit farming, offering a sustainable approach to improve productivity. Further studies should focus on the long-term effects and optimal dosage of turmeric flour supplementation.
Keywords: Turmeric flour supplementation in rabbit, Growth performance and feed efficiency, Curcuma domestica in animal feed, Carcass composition in New Zealand White rabbits, Natural feed additives for sustainable farming
