PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF LAYING HENS FED NIGELLA SATIVA MEAL UNDER HOT CONDITIONS

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of Nigella Sativa meal (NSM) on productive performance and some hematological parameters of laying hens under hot conditions. A total number of 120 laying hens (34 weeks old – Commercial Browne Lohmann LSL) and body weight of 1996.90±18.75 g were used in this study. Chickens were randomly divided into four equal treatments (30 chickens of each). Each treatment was randomly divided into 3 equal replicates (10 chickens of each).The 1 st treatment, chickens fed basal diet and considered as control group (C). The 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th treatments, chickens were fed diets supplemented with 5, 10 and 15 % NSM, respectively). The results showed that egg weight, egg number and feed conversion were improved (P<0.05) in the laying hens fed 10 and 15 % NSM compared with other groups. However, egg shell thickness was increased (P<0.05) in the hens fed 5, 10 and 15 % NSM compared to control group. Red blood cells and hemoglobin concentration were increased (P<0.05) in the hens fed high level of NSM (15 %) compared to hens in control group. Adding NSM at level 15 % led to significantly decreased in serum total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose and cholesterol when compared with control group. While, creatinine level was significantly increased at level 5 % of NSM compared with other levels of NSM and control group. Using NSM by rate 5, 10 and 15 % in the chicken diets led to a decrease in the cost of feed and this in turn contributed to the improvement of net income/hen. In conclusion, under hot conditions, use Nigella Sativa meal up to level 15 % as a source of alternative feed resources enhancement the productive performance and physiological responses of laying hens.