Effects of graded levels of Curcuma longa Powder on in vivo digestibility in Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

peer reviewed ; The effect of the use of Curcuma longa powder as phytobiotic on feed intake and in viv digestibility of nutrients was studied in 40 guinea pigs of English breed. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of incorporating graded levels of Curcuma longa powder on feed intake and in vivo digestibility in Guinea pigs. Forty (40) Guinea pigs (20 males and 20 females) of English breed, mean weight 452 ± 75 g were allocated to four experimental treatments in a completely randomized design. Each treatment contains 10 Guinea pigs (5 males and 5 females). Three experimental rations were formulated from the basal diet (0%) by adding 0.25, 0.5 and 1% C. longa powder corresponding to R0%, R0.25%, R0.5% and R1% respectively. Digestibility test was carried out for a period of 17-days (10 days for adaptation and 7 days for data collection). The inclusion of Curcuma longa powder significantly improved (p <0.05) feed intake regardless of the level of inclusion in the diets. Dry matter (DM) digestibility of the ration containing 0.25% Curcuma longa was comparable to that of the rations with 0 and 1% C. longa. The digestibility of crude fiber (CF) of Guinea pigs fed with 0.25% C. longa was comparable to those fed with 0.5 and 1% C. longa, but significantly higher than control ration without C. longa. In conclusion the inclusion of Curcuma longa powder at 0.25% improved feed intake and digestibility in Guinea pigs ; 2. Zero hunger