Desempenho de bezerros em aleitamento suplementados com açafrão-da-terra (Curcuma longa L.)

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate whether supplementation with Turmeric in milk or feed for suckling calves contributes to growth promotion and reduced disease incidence. Weight gain, body measurements, body score, milk consumption, feed consumption, and disease incidence were monitored. Used 15 newborn calves of the Jersolando, with an experimental design in randomized blocks, the animals were allocated in the blocks according to the date of birth. Three treatments were studied: C = control, without the addition of Turmeric; AL = with the addition of Turmeric in the milk; AR = with the addition of Turmeric in the feed. Turmeric was offered in the amount of 600 mg/animal/day. The experiment lasted 35 days, calves received 4 liters of milk/day and 0.5 kg of concentrate until 35 days of age. Calves were housed in individual tropical hutches, with individual control of feed and water intake. Performance data were collected at the beginning (0), 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 experimental days and feed intake daily. Disease incidence was monitored daily through Nasal Runny, Eye, Ear and Feces scores. The use of turmeric as a supplement for suckling calves showed no performance advantage at 600 mg/day for the first 30 days of age. But it was promising, increasing the days that animals had normal stool consistency.