Effect of Black Cumin ( Nigella sativa) and Neem Leaves (Azadirachta indica) on Growth Performance of Broiler Chicken

Abstract

Natural additives like black cumin and neem leaves could serve as growth promoters in broiler chickens. This study explored the effect of black cumin (Nigella sativa) and neem leaves (Azadirachta indica) on the growth performance of broiler chickens. The study was conducted over a 28-day period with 42-day-old chicks divided into seven groups, receiving varying levels of black cumin and neem leaf powder (1%, 1.5%, and 2% each) in their feed. The control group received no supplements. Feed intake, body weight, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured to assess the impact of these dietary treatments. The results showed that black cumin had a significant positive effect on growth and FCR during the first seven days of the experiment. Birds fed with 1% black cumin powder exhibited better average daily gain compared to other concentrations and the control group. However, after the initial seven days, there was no significant improvement in growth performance across the remaining days, indicating that the effects of black cumin are most pronounced during the early growth phase (starter phase). Similarly, neem leaves (1.5%) positively influenced growth during the first 14 days, with birds showing improved FCR and weight gain during this period. The findings suggest that both black cumin and neem leaves can be valuable as natural growth promoters during the early stages of broiler development, contributing to better growth performance and more efficient feed utilization. But, further research is needed to assess their long-term effects and potential benefits when used throughout the entire broiler growth cycle. The study concludes that black cumin and neem leaves are promising natural alternatives to conventional feed additives for enhancing early growth performance in broilers, but they do not offer significant benefits during the finisher phase. Incorporating these natural supplements into broiler diets may be a cost-effective strategy for improving feed efficiency and growth performance is subjected to further research.