2025, Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part C
Comparative effects of Nigella sativa and Ocimum basilicum supplementation on growth performance, hepatic enzymes, and antioxidant status in broiler chickens
Author(s): Gheyath Hadi Ameen, Tharaa Kamel Abadi and Mansoor Hasan Hassoon
Abstract: This study investigated the comparative effects of Nigella sativa seed powder and Ocimum basilicum aqueous extract individually and in combination on growth performance, hepatic enzyme activity, and antioxidant status in broiler chickens. A total of 120 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks (40±2 g) were randomly assigned to four groups (30 birds each): a control group fed a basal diet, a group receiving Nigella sativa powder (0.5 g/kg feed), a group supplemented with Ocimum basilicum extract (300 mg/L drinking water), and a combination group receiving both supplements. Birds were reared under identical environmental and nutritional conditions for 30 days. Growth performance was assessed by measuring final body weight, whereas physiological and biochemical responses were evaluated through serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. The results showed that all supplemented groups exhibited significant improvements compared with the control, with the combination treatment producing the highest final body weight (p<0.01). Both N. sativa and O. basilicum significantly reduced AST and ALT activities (p<0.05), indicating enhanced hepatic integrity. TAC increased markedly across all treated groups (p<0.01), while MDA levels decreased significantly, reflecting reduced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. The combined supplementation demonstrated the strongest synergistic effects on performance and antioxidant status. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of Nigella sativa and Ocimum basilicum, particularly in combination, effectively improved growth, strengthened hepatic function, and enhanced antioxidant defense mechanisms in broiler chickens, suggesting their potential use as natural phytogenic alternatives to conventional growth promoters.
DOI: 10.22271/letters.2025.v5.i2c.156
Pages: 216-220 | Views: 136 | Downloads: 56
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How to cite this article:
Gheyath Hadi Ameen, Tharaa Kamel Abadi, Mansoor Hasan Hassoon. Comparative effects of Nigella sativa and Ocimum basilicum supplementation on growth performance, hepatic enzymes, and antioxidant status in broiler chickens. Zool Entomol Lett 2025;5(2):216-220. DOI: 10.22271/letters.2025.v5.i2c.156
