In ovo injection of black cumin (Nigella sativa) extract on hatching and post hatch performance of thermally challenged broiler chickens during incubation

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects in ovo injection of black cumin (BC) extract on chick's quality and response of thermally challenged broiler chickens. A total of 700 hatching eggs of broiler chickens (Marshall) were assigned to 7 treatments of 100 eggs each and incubated using the conventional protocol (37.8°C) for the first 10 d and then exposed to a high temperature (39.6°C) for 6 h daily from day 10 until day 18 of the incubation. At embryonic day 17.5, the eggs were randomly allotted to 7 treatment groups, viz.: eggs without in ovo injection (WA), eggs injected with 0.9% saline solution (SA), 3 mg ascorbic acid (AA), 2 mg BC (TB), 4 mg BC (FB), 6 mg BC (SB), and 8 mg BC (EB) extracts. Experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design. After hatching, the chicks were reared separately according to in ovo treatments for 8 wk. Data were collected on hatchability, chick quality, internal organs, growth performance, plasma superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and triiodothyronine (T 3 ). The results showed that the hatchability of the eggs in the AA group was similar to that of SB eggs and higher than that of the other treatment groups. The intestinal weights of SB and EB birds were significantly higher ( P < 0.05) than those of TB, SA, and WA. The final weights of the birds of SB and AA were higher ( P < 0.05) than those of other treatments. The feed conversion ratio of the birds of TB and FB was comparable to that of EB and WA but higher than that of SB and AA. At hatch, the creatinine of the birds in SA and WA was similar to that of EB, FB, and TB but higher ( P < 0.05) than that of AA and SB. Also, the plasma malondialdehyde, T 3 , and superoxide dismutase of SB and AA birds were better ( P < 0.05) than those of the control groups. Overall, it was concluded that 6 mg of BC extract improved the antioxidant status and posthatch performance of thermally challenged broiler chickens.

Phytogenic Feed Additives in Poultry: Achievements, Prospective and Challenges

“…However, the adverse effects caused by heat stress on broiler growth performance have been shown to be alleviated by the supplementation of turmeric rhizome powder [ 68 ], enzymatically treated Artemisia annua [ 69 ], ginger [ 70 ] and curcumin [ 71 ]. In ovo injection of black cumin ( Nigella sativa ) extract improved post-hatch performance of thermally challenged broiler chickens during incubation [ 72 ]. Similarly, 59-week-old cold-stressed laying hens supplemented with oregano EO showed improved FCR and egg production from week 9 to 12 of a 12-week feeding trial [ 73 ].…”

Research Note: Responses of broiler chickens to in ovo feeding with clove and cinnamon extract under hot-humid environments

“…As a result, a dietary intervention that is affordable and available within the reach of farmers could be a viable option for mitigating the impact of elevated ambient temperature in poultry production in tropical environments. In this regard, there has been a growing interest in the use of phytogenic feed additives that are high in antioxidants ( Oke et al., 2017 ; He et al., 2018 ; Oke, 2018 ; Oke et al., 2021b ). He et al.…”

Chicken Incubation Conditions: Role in Embryo Development, Physiology and Adaptation to the Post-Hatch Environment

“…In contrast, extract from plants like Moringa oleifera, Nigella sativa, etc . are rich in carotenoids, an antioxidant naturally present in eggs, increase significantly hatchability ( N’nanle et al, 2017 ; Oke et al, 2021 ). The advantage of some plant extract use is to concentrate different nutrients like vitamins and trace minerals (selenium, copper, zin, and iron) that act as co-factor of many enzymes involves in hatching success ( Malheiros et al, 2012 ).…”