ABSTRACT

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Nigella sativa oil (NS) in broiler chicks as a natural feed additive on some hematological and biochemical parameters as well as histopathological examination. The study was conducted on a total sixty, day old (Cobb strain) broiler chicks that were randomly divided into 3 equals groups (each of 20) as follow, 1st group (control) non-supplemented, 2nd group (NS2) supplemented with Nigella sativa oil 2g /kg diet and 3rd group (NS4) supplemented with Nigella sativa oil 4g /kg diet daily for three weeks. Whole blood, serum samples and tissue specimens were collected at the end of 3rdweek post supplementation for hematological, some serum biochemical analysis and histopathological examination respectively Dietary supplementation with Nigella sativa oil had in significant effects on the hematological parameters except total leukocytic and lymphocytic counts were markedly increased. Moreover, the serum levels of CHO, TG and LDL-C were significantly declined, while the level of HDL-C was markedly elevated in NS2 and NS4. In conclusion, it was cleared that Nigella sativa had an immunomodulating, hepatorenal protective and hypolipidimic effects in broilers.

Keywords: Nigella sativa; hematological parameters; hepatorenal; lipid profile; histopathological examination.