Protective effect of Nigella sativa and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on zootechnical characteristics, fecal Escherichia coli and hematopoietic potential in broiler infected with experimental Colibacillosis

No study has compared the effect of Nigella sativa and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on performance, fecal E. coli and heamatopoitic potential of broiler under experimental condition of Colibacillosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the protective effect of N. sativa and S. cerevisiae on zootechnical characteristics, fecal microbial load and hematopoietic potential in broiler infected with Escherichia coli. A total of 400 birds (Ross 500) were randomly divided into five groups and five replicates as follow: T1, negative control; T2, positive control (infected with E. coli); T3, infected + 2% N. sativa seed powder; T4, infected + S. cerevisiae; T5, infected + antibiotic (Enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg). At the end of the experimental period, feed intake was lower (P<0.05) in T3 (2644.01 +/- 39.8g), T4 (2585.01 +/- 51.2g) and T5 (2663.85 +/- 32.0g) compared to all other treatments. Weight gain was higher (P>0.05) in T3 (1856.60 +/- 59.1g) and T1 (1857.08 +/- 48.4g) compared to other treatments. On the basis of overall period, T5 (1.49 +/- 0.04) showed higher (P<0.05) FCR as compared to group T1 (1.41 +/- 0.01) followed by T3 (1.38 +/- 0.02) and T4 (1.37 +/- 0.03) but no significant difference (P>0.05) with T2 (1.44 +/- 0.02). On day 35 of the trial, T2 (2.69 x 10(8) +/- 0.54 CFU) showed higher (P<0.05) fecal E. coli population as compared to other treatments. At the end of the trial, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in red and white blood cells count and hemoglobin concentration among the groups. Results of the present study indicated that supplementation of S. cerevisiae and N. sativa attenuated E. coli infection in broilers.