Influence of Black Cumin Seed (Nigella sativa L.) and Seed Extract on Broilers Performance and Total Coliform Bacteria Count

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of black cumin seed (Nigella sativa L.) and seed extract inclusion on the performance, some carcass characteristics, total caecal coliform bacteria count. A total of 360 one-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were allocated to three treatment groups with four replicates each of 30 chicks till 42 days of age. Treatments were prepared by mixing the black cumin seed and/or seed extract into the basal diet at the rate of 0 g kg-1 (control, C), 10 g kg-1 (BCS) or 1 g kg-1 (BCSE). The BCS diet increased (p<0.05) the body weight gain compared to BCSE and C diets at the age of 42. The BCS and BCSE in the broiler diets increased (p<0.05) feed intake compared to C diet. Birds on BCS diet had higher feed efficiency compared to those on BCSE and C diets. Dietary BCS increased (p<0.05) the carcass weight compared to the C diet. No significant effects of dietary BCS and BCSE were observed on the dressing percentage, edible inner organs, abdominal fat, full gut weight, gut length and the total coliform bacteria counts of broilers. Results of the present study indicated that BCS supplementation to the broiler diet have a beneficial effect on body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass weight by increasing feed intake. This diet also showed a decrease tendency in total coliform bacteria counts in the caecal intestine in broilers. © 2010 Academic Journals Inc.