Effects of Nigella sativa and amino acids on growth performance and haematological parameters of broiler

Abstract

Background: Recently, the use of antibiotic growth promoters has been banned in many countries due to cross-resistance among pathogens and residues in tissues, which led to search for the alternative feed additives in animal production. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of “Kalo jeera” (Nigella sativa) powder and amino acids supplementation on the growth of broiler chicks and their blood parameters. Methods: A total of 100 day-old (Cobb® 500) chicks were randomly divided into four groups such as T0, T1, T2, T3, and each group contained 25 chicks. The group T0 was used as control and groups T1, T2 and T3 were treated group. Chicks of control group were fed with only basal diet and no supplements were supplied, and chicks of treatment group including T1, T2 and T3 were supplemented with amino acids, Nigella sativa powder and combination of Nigella sativa and amino acids, respectively. Body weight was recorded on 7th, 14th, 21th, 28th and 35th day of age. Haematological tests were performed at 15th, 25th and 35th day of age. Results: The results showed that net weight gain and feed conversion ratio were improved in the treated groups than that of the control group. Among the treated groups, the significant level of improvement was achieved in the T3 group followed by T1 and then T2. Total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration were significant (p<0.01) in the treated groups as compared to control. Conclusions: The results suggest that better growth performance could be achieved in broilers supplemented with Nigella sativa and amino acids in combination and those can be used as growth promoters.