EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTING GROWING SHEEP RATIONS WITH BLACK CUMIN SEEDS (Nigel/a sativa). | ||||
Journal of Animal and Poultry Production | ||||
Article 9, Volume 28, Issue 1, January 2003, Page 185-194 PDF (2.59 MB) | ||||
Document Type: Original Article | ||||
DOI: 10.21608/jappmu.2003.242185 | ||||
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Authors | ||||
I. M. Awadalla,; A. E. Gehad | ||||
Department of Animal Production, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt. | ||||
Abstract | ||||
A growth trial that lasted 18 weeks was carried out to assess the effects of supplementing lambs' rations with black cumin seeds (BCS) (Nigella sativa) .. Twenty one male Rahmani lambs weighing 33.72:0.85 kg, and aged 6 to 7 months were divided into 3 equal groups according to their body weight. The first group (control) was fed a complete feed mixture, while the second and third groups were fed the same mixture supplemented with 1% and 2% BCS, respectively. Feed for all groups was individually offered ad libitum. Supplementation with BCS significantly improved (P<O.05) average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio as kg OM intake/kg gain. A metabolism trial that followed the growth trial showed a significantly higher (P<O.05) nutrients digestibility and nitrogen utilization for the BCS supplemented rations over the control. Black cumin seeds supplemented rations significantly increased (P<O.05) ruminal ammonia 3 h post feeding compared to the control ration. Blood total protein and globulin were significantly higher (P<O.05) for lambs fed the 2% BCS supplemented ration compared to the 1 % BCS supplemented and control rations. Carcass characteristics showed a significantly higher (P<O.05) carcass weight, hot carcass weight, and meat weight for animals fed the BCS supplemented rations. Supplementation 0 f growing sheep rations with BCS can improve growth, nutrients digestibility, and enhance the immune status. | ||||
Keywords | ||||
Black cumin seeds; Rahmani sheep; Growth Performance; Digestibility; Carcass characteristics | ||||
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