Effect of supplementation of Nigella sativa seeds to the broiler chicks diet on the performance and carcass quality

Talha E. E. Abbas¹*, Mohamed E. Ahmed^2
1Department of Poultry Production and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology and Fish Science, University of Elneelain, Khartoum, Sudan. P.O. Box: 12702, Postal code 11121
²Department of Poultry Production and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology and Fish Science, University of Elneelain, Khartoum, Sudan. P.O. Box: 12702, Postal code 11121
* Corresponding Author : talhabbs@yahoo.com

Received : -     Accepted : -     Published : 21-12-2010
Volume : 2     Issue : 2       Pages : 9 - 13
Int J Agr Sci 2.2 (2010):9-13
DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.9735/0975-3710.2.2.9-13

Keywords : Fenugreek, Seed, Soaking, Broilers, Carcass.
Conflict of Interest : None declared
Acknowledgements/Funding : The authors wish to thanks Mesaa Taha, Walaa Ahmed, Samah Abdelraheem and Reem Isameldeen for their appreciated help in data collection

The research was conducted to examine the effects of supplementation of Nigella sativa seeds to the broiler chicks’ diet on the performance and carcass quality. A total of 96 one – day – old unsexed broiler chicks (Hubbard) were used. The experiment lasted 5 weeks (8 – 42 day). Three experimental diets were supplied ad – libitum. 1% whole crushed Nigella sativa seeds (WCNSS) were added to the first experimental diet. To the second diet 2% Nigella sativa seeds was added. The third one which is the control was free of whole crushed Nigella sativa seeds (WCNSS). Supplementation of ground black seeds to the broilers chicks diet resulted in a significant (P< 0.01) decreased in feed consumption, body weight gain and live body weight. Birds fed on diet supplemented with 1% whole crushed Nigella sativa seeds showed a significant (P< 0.05) reduction in dressing % when compared to those fed on control or 2% supplemented diets. Addition of ground black seeds had no significant effect on feed conversion ratio liver, gizzard, heart and abdominal fat %. It was concluded that addition of 1% or 2% whole crushed Nigella sativa seeds to the broiler chicks diet produces adverse effects on the performance and carcass quality.

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