The Effects of Diet Supplemented with the Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) upon Immune Potential and Antioxidant Marker Enzymes and Lipid Peroxidation in Broiler Chicks

This study was carried out to investigate whether Nigella saliva (NS) could decrease the lipid peroxidation [Malondialdehyde = MDA], increase the anti-oxidant defence system [Reduced Glutathione (GSH), Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione-S-Tranferase (GST)] and also posses the immunopttential [Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) and Myeloperoxidase (MPO)]. Totally, 100 Ross 308 birds, I day old, were used. Chicks were divided into 4 experimental groups, (control, 3, 5 and 7% containing Nigella saliva) each containing 25 broiler chicks. While, the control group received normal broiler fattening feed, the treatments groups were fed with the feed containing 3, 5 and 7% grinded Nigella saliva seed and all groups fed and watered ad libitum for 6 weeks during experiment. At the end of the 6 weeks experiment, liver samples were taken to measure MDA, GSH, CAT, GST, ADA and MPO. While, treatment with N. saliva decreased the liver MDA content, increased the activities of CAT, GST, ADA and MPO significantly, but increased the level of GSH lightly in comparison to control. It was concluded that N. saliva might be used to potent of antioxidant and immune system and also prevent liver from oxidative stress resulting lipidperoxidation.