Immune responsiveness, serum lipid profile, intestinal microflora and egg sensory attributes of Japanese quails fed with black cumin (Nigella sativa L) and fenugreek seed powder (Trigonellafoenum graecum L)

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of various levels of black cumin seeds (BCS) and fenugreek seeds on immunity, serum lipid profile, liver cholesterol, population of intestinal microflora and egg sensory attributes in Japanese quails. One hundred eighty white feathered laying quails were randomly assigned into nine treatment groups with five replicates of four birds each wherein two spices (black cumin seed and fenugreek seed) were fed for six weeks at three dietary levels (0, 1.5 and 3.0% of each spices) in combination. Birds fed 3% black cumin had lowest liver and serum cholesterol of 4.63 mg/g of liver and 166.26mg/dl of total serum cholesterol and highest HDL value of 41.83 mg/dl as compared to control group. Lowest liver cholesterol of 4.17mg/g of liver and highest HDL cholesterol (44.98mg/dl) were observed in Japanese quail fed 3% fenugreek and also showed lowest value of total serum cholesterol (159.19mg/dl), serum triglyceride (370.11mg/dl), serum LDL cholesterol (40.19mg/dl) and VLDL cholesterol (74.02) at this level of fenugreek. The CMI did not differ significantly. HA titre in dietary black cumin and fenugreek at 3% level was significantly (P<0.001) higher as compared to the other level of addition and control group. Japanese quails fed black cumin at 1.5 and 3% level had shown lowest TVC, Coliform and E.coli growth. No significant change in lactobacillus growth by feeding of black cumin. Fenugreek had highly significant (P<0.01) influenced on total viable count of laying Japanese quails but not on Coliform, E. coli and Lactobacillus. Birds receiving 1.5 and 3% black cumin showed better flavor and overall acceptability as compared to control group. Fenugreek had no effect on egg sensory attributes. Interaction of black cumin and fenugreek showed a non significant differences in CMI buthighly significant (P<0.001) variation in HA titre with highest value in T9 group. The results revealed that black cumin and fenugreek had a positive effect on lowering the liver and serum cholesterol, stimulate immunity and possessed antibacterial property against pathogenic cecalmicro organism in Japanese quails.