Nigella sativa as an antibiotic alternative to promote growth and enhance health of broilers challenged with Eimeria maxima and Clostridium perfringens

• DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102831
• Publication Date: 2023-06-03T05:54:29Z
• Authors: Vishal Manjunatha; Julian E. Nixon; Greg F. Mathis; Brett S. Lumpkins; Zeynep B. Güzel-S...; Atif C. Seydim; Annel K. Greene; Xiuping Jiang
• Keywords: Clostridium perfringens; Eimeria maxima; Nigella sativa; Thymol; Carvacrol; Thymoquinone; Salinomycin; Clostridium butyricum

The poultry industry has significant coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis (NE) challenges, leading to high mortality unacceptable growth without antibiotic treatment. This research explored supplementing Nigella sativa (black cumin) seed oil in feed mitigate prevent or lessen NE broilers. In vivo studies consisted of 384 320 Cobb 500 male broiler chicks distributed a randomized complete block experimental design for trials 1 2, respectively. first trial compared 3 concentrations (1, 5 mL/kg) black cumin (BCSO), 2 (2 BCSO, with birds challenged Eimeria maxima Clostridium perfringens (Cp) strains Cp#6 Cp#4, Broiler live performance, disease outcomes, Cp populations were measured both trials. A commercially available BCSO product, determined preliminary vitro study have the highest anti-Cp activity, was selected studies. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis indicated major bioactive compounds p-cymene, thymoquinone, carvacrol, thymol present BCSO. strain Cp#6, mL/kg reduced lesion score rate 1.6% 7.8% positive control, no adverse impact on performance. scores 35.9% 51.6% control also improved weight gain when there infection chickens. current broilers different producing levels NE. Following infection, population vegetative cells spores cecal contents decreased all treatments 2. conclusion, at enhanced performance alleviated potential as natural, non-medication antimicrobial nutritional supplement use additive