The effects of black cumin (Nigella sativa l..) seed on carcass characteristics, kidney oxidant antioxidant levels and ileum histomorphology in Japanese quails: Effects of black cumin seed on Japanese quails

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effects of supplementation of different doses of black cumin seeds (NS) to quail feeds on carcass characteristics, kidney oxidant antioxidant levels, and ileum histomorphology. A total of 432 mixed-sex three days old Japanese quails were randomly divided into four groups. The groups were fed on either a basal diet alone (Control Group) or a basal diet supplemented with NS at rates of 0.5% (NS-0.5 Group), 1% (NS-1 Group), and 2% (NS-2 Group). It was determined that the back+neck weight in the NS-2 group and head weight and ratio in the NS-1 and NS-2 groups decreased. The thigh rate increased in the NS-0.5 group compared to the control and other NS groups. Kidney glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and male quails' catalase values were increased in NS groups compared to the control group. The kidney vitamin C increased only in the NS-2 group compared to the control. In the NS-2 group, the villus height decreased both on a group basis and in female quails, while the villus width decreased only in female quails. Consequently, it was determined that dietary supplementation of NS at rates of 0.5% increased the thigh rate, dietary supplementation at three different doses of NS were effective in maintaining the kidney oxidant-antioxidant balance, and the ileum histomorphology did not change except for dietary supplementation of NS at rates of 2%. Therefore, it can be stated that black cumin seeds can be used as a natural antioxidant source in the quail diet.