Comparative effects of using black seed (Nigella sativa), cumin seed (Cuminum cyminum), probiotic or prebiotic on growth performance, blood haematology and serum biochemistry of broiler chicks

Abstract

A 42-day trial was conducted to compare the effects of the following seven experimental diets, which varied in black seed, cumin seed, probiotic or prebiotic concentrations, on the broiler chicks: control (no additives), diet BS1 (4 g/kg black seed), diet BS2 (8 g/kg black seed), diet CS1 (4 g/kg cumin seed), diet CS2 (8 g/kg cumin seed), diet Pro (1 g/kg probiotic Primalac(®)) and diet Pre (2 g/kg prebiotic Fermacto(®)). A total of 420 1-day-old male broiler chicks, initially weighing an average of 43 g, were distributed into 28 floor pens at a stocking density of 15 birds per pen. At 28 day of age, the body weight in the birds fed diets BS2, CS2 and Pro was significantly higher than in the control group, but final body weight was not affected. Additionally, the birds fed diets BS2, Pro and Pre exhibited better feed conversion ratio than control birds from 0 to 42 day of age. Diets BS2, CS2 and Pro also statistically increased the relative weight of thymus and bursa of Fabricius, whereas only diet Pro decreased the abdominal fat percentage compared with control diet. Regarding the haematological parameters, feeding diet BS2 yielded a significant increase in red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit percentage compared with control diet. Serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the birds fed diets BS2, Pro and Pre were also significantly lower than in the birds fed the control diet. Without exception, no diets affected feed intake, internal organs weights, carcass characteristics, antibody titres against Newcastle and influenza viruses and leucocyte subsets. In general, current study showed promising results regarding the use of spice additives as growth and health promoters, especially at higher levels of their incorporation in the diets, which were comparable to the probiotic- or prebiotic-containing diets.

Effect of dietary supplementation of whey powder and Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, gut and hepatic function, and muscle antioxidant capacity of Japanese quail

“…There were no changes in H/L ratio in response to the experimental diets in our study, meaning that the additives had no impact on the stress level of quails. These results are in accordance with the study of Alimohamadi, Taherpour, Ghasemi, and Fatahnia (), who reported that adding prebiotics and probiotics to broiler diets did not alter the H/L ratio.…”

Evaluation of Aloe vera and synbiotic as antibiotic growth promoter substitutions on performance, gut morphology, immune responses and blood constitutes of broiler chickens

“…In addition, the improvements were of similar magnitude to the ones determined for treatment VM containing virginiamycin, known as a well-documented AGP in broiler diets (Rostami et al 2015). Similar to the finding of the current study, an improvement in FCR in broilers when fed herbal supplements comes as a result of higher BWG at a largely unchanged feed intake (Alimohamadi et al 2014;Ghasemi et al 2014;Omidi et al 2015). AV constituents (anthraquinones and pyrocatechol) have antimicrobial and antiviral activity against a wide range of pathogens (Yun et al 2009;Radha & Laxmipriya 2015).…”

“…Similar to the finding of the current study, an improvement in FCR in broilers when fed herbal supplements comes as a result of higher BWG at a largely unchanged feed intake (Alimohamadi et al . ; Ghasemi et al . ; Omidi et al .…”

Effects of Nigella sativa Extracts on the Lipid Profile and Uncoupling Protein-1 Gene Expression in Brown Adipose Tissue of Mice

“…The most abundant compound in N. sativa is TQ that possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiobesity properties; it was also revealed that N. sativa decreases LDL, total cholesterol, and TG levels. [10111213] In 2013, Ahmad S. et al . showed that treatment with TQ decreased the lipid peroxidation marker, MDA in the serum, and increased the TAC of the plasma to a normal level.…”

“…The major compound in N. sativa is thymoquinone (TQ), having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiobesity effects. [510111213] Because of the high prevalence of obesity and its side effects, as well as people's inclination to lose weight without using chemical drugs, utilization of herbal plants can be beneficial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of TQ, hydroalcoholic, and hexane extracts of N. sativa on the lipid profile, serum antioxidant capacity, and UCP-1 gene expression in the BAT of mice.…”