Effect of Garlic Powder (Allium sativum) and Black Seed (Nigella sativa) on Broiler Growth Performance and Intestinal Morphology

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of garlic powder (GP) black seed (BS) and plant premix (GP and BS) in the diet on broiler growth performance and intestinal morphology. included 480 Hubbard broiler chicks(day-old). There were 4 treatment groups each consisting of 3 replicates. The four dietary treatments consisted of a control (basal diet), basal diet +0.5% GP, basal diet +0.5% BS and basal diet +0.5% (GP and BS), to the starter and finisher diet. The experiment lasted 42 days. Body weight , body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were determined weekly and intestinal morphology was determined at the end of the study (42 day). The addition of GP and BS plant premix (GP and BS) to the diet resulted in significantly higher body weight, body weight gain and feed intake than control group. However, feed conversion ratio was not influenced by dietary treatment (P>0.05). The villus height,crypt depth and crypt depth to villus height ratio was significantly higher in Black seed and plant premix (GP and BS) than other groups. While villus height, crypt depth and crypt depth to villus height ratio were lower in the control group compared to the other groups (P-value). It was found that the goblet cells were not affected by any treatment. Based on the results of this study it could be suggested to supplement broiler feed with 0.5% GP.