Curcuma sp. Supplementation on Feed Efficiency and Rumen Microbiome in Small Ruminants

Tatik Suteky (Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu,)
Dwatmadji Dwatmadji (Departement of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu, Bengkulu, Indonesia)
Sipriyadi Sipriyadi (Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Nature, University of Bengkulu, Indonesia.)

Jurnal Sain Peternakan Indonesia
Vol 21 No 3 (2026)

The effects of Curcuma sp. supplementation on rumen microbiota dynamics and feed efficiency in small ruminants are summarised in this review. Along with archaea, protozoa, and fungi, the rumen contains a diverse ecosystem dominated by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. These organisms work together to digest fibre and produce microbial protein. Growing evidence suggests that curcumin and turmeric-derived compounds can selectively alter rumen microbial populations. Supplementation may have dose-dependent effects by increasing helpful bacteria while decreasing methanogens and certain fibrolytic bacteria. Furthermore, our group's initial investigation assessed dietary Curcuma-rich herbal waste (CR-HW, 0.5%) in crossbred and local sheep. Results showed significant breed-dependent differences: local sheep had the lowest feed efficiency (4.1), while cross-Dorper sheep had the best FCR (5.8), the highest average daily growth (209 g/d), and the best feed conversion ratio (5.8). Residual feed intake (RFI) results showed breed-specific reactions to supplementation, ranging from -0.0104 (cross-Awassi) to +0.0138 (cross-Texel). Although the effects vary by breed, our results indicate that Curcuma sp. can serve as a natural phytobiotic to enhance rumen health and production efficiency. effects of Curcuma sp. supplementation on rumen microbiota dynamics and feed efficiency in small ruminants are summarised in this mini-review. Together with archaea, protozoa, and fungi, the rumen contains a diverse ecosystem that is dominated by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. These organisms work together to digest fibre and produce microbial protein. There is growing evidence that rumen microbial populations can be selectively altered by curcumin and chemicals derived from turmeric. Supplementation may have dose-dependent effects by increasing helpful bacteria while decreasing methanogens and certain fibrolytic bacteria. Furthermore, our group's initial investigation assessed dietary Curcuma sp. herbal waste (0.5%) in crossbred and local sheep. Significant breed-dependent changes were found in the results: Local sheep had the lowest feed efficiency (4.1%), while cross-Dorper sheep had the best FCR (5.8) and the highest average daily growth (209 g/d). Local sheep showed the lowest feed efficiency (4.1%), while daily gain (209 g/d) and the best feed conversion ratio (5.8). Residual feed intake (RFI) results showed breed-specific reactions to supplementation, ranging from -0.0104 (cross-Awassi) to +0.0138 (cross-Texel). Although the effects vary by breed, our results indicate that Curcuma sp. can serve as a natural phytobiotic to enhance rumen health and production efficiency.