Effect of Black Seed Extract (Nigella sativa) on Growth Performance, Blood Parameters, Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage of Partridges

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different doses of black seed extract on fattening performance, some blood parameters, oxidative stress and DNA damage of partridges. Chicks were divided in four groups: I group (control) received 0.1% flavomycin, treatment groups II, III and IV received 2.5, 5 and 7.5 ml/kg black seed extract, respectively. Feed consumption was reduced linearly by increasing doses of black seed extract in 0 to 12 weeks of age (P<0.01). Mortality rates of the treatment groups were lower than control group (P<0.05). Alkaline phosphate levels (ALP) was affected by black seed extract (P<0.05). The results also showed that black seed extract decreased DNA damage linearly and significantly (P<0.01).