Impact of Nigella sativa on Growth performance and Hematological parameters of Broiler chickens

This study examined the impact of adding ground black seed to the diet to affect Nigella sativa on the growth performance and hematological parameters of broiler chickens. It was carried out on a private farm in Bani Walid, Libya, from March to mid-April in 2024. From a nearby hatchery, 240 one-day-old broiler chicks were acquired. Using a completely randomized design, the birds were weighed upon arrival and then randomly assigned to one of five treatments, each consisting of four repetitions of twelve birds. The dietary treatments included adding 1, 1.5, 3, and 5% black seed to the base diet, while the control treatment was the basal diet. Obtained result showed that, increasing level of Nigella sativa up to 5% recorded the higher weight gain after 3 and 6 weeks, followed by 3%, as compared to control treatment which recorded the lower value weight gain, while, control treatment recorded the higher feed: gain ratio, also, control treatment recorded the higher percentage of mortality, as compared to all levels of Nigella sativa. Also, Nigella sativa up to 5% followed by 3% recorded the higher values of RBC, WBC, Hb, PCV, MCH, MCV and MCHC, as compared to control treatment which recorded the lower value of RBC, WBC, Hb, PCV, MCH, MCV and MCHC. Nigella sativa up to 5% recorded the higher values of serum protein, followed by 3%, while control treatment recorded the higher values of serum cholesterol, tissue cholesterol, SGOT, SGPT and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as compared to other treatments. Chickens fed with a 1.5% inclusion of black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) demonstrated higher live body weight, greater weight gain, and a better feed conversion ratio compared to both the control group and the other dietary treatments. Meanwhile, Nigella sativa at 5 % had higher total feed consumption and conversion feed ratio (FCR), followed by 3%, as compared to other treatments.