Black Seeds (Nigella sativa) and Ginger Powder (Zingiber officinale) Effect on Growth Performance and Immune Response of Broiler Chickens

Huthail Najib, Ibrahim Al-Homidan, Moataz M. Fathi and Abdulaziz A. Al-Suhim

Background and Objective: Antibiotic has been banned for animal use since 2006. Some studies provided evidences that some medicinal plants have antimicrobial properties and can replace antibiotics. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of adding 3 levels of black seeds and 3 levels of ginger root powder in broiler diets (starter and grower) on productive performance, immunity indicators and bacterial population of small intestine. Materials and Methods: A total of 700 day-old unsexed broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into 7 groups: A control group (corn-soybean basal diet with no supplement) and 6 dietary treatment groups receiving 10, 20 and 30 g kg^–1 of black seeds and 10, 20 and 30 g kg^–1 of ginger root powder. These chicks were distributed into 5 floor pens (replicates)/treatment (20 chicks each). Results: This study showed that black seed may play a potential role as an antioxidant in the components of blood more than ginger root powder does. Both black seed and ginger powder have a significant inhibitory effect on pathological bacteria in broiler's gut. Conclusion: Black seeds can be used as a feed additive to improve live body weight, antioxidant profile and gut microbiota of broilers. The recommended dosage of BS in the diets of broilers is 20 g kg^–1. Although, ginger powder did not affect growth performance and immune response, it can be used for improving antioxidant status and microbiota profile in broilers.

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