Synergistic Effects of Black Seed and Fenugreek Seed on Growth Performance and Blood Profile of Broiler Chickens

Background and Objective: The overuse of synthetic feed additives in poultry production raises concerns due to their residual effects on broilers and potential risks to consumers. Phytobiotics such as black seed (Nigella sativa) and fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum) offer natural alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of black and fenugreek seed blends on growth performance, carcass yield, hematology, serum biochemistry, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: A total of 160 unsexed day-old broiler chicks (Abor-acre) were randomly allotted into four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design, with 40 birds per treatment and four replicates of 10 birds each. The treatments included T1 (control, 0 g), T2 (20 g/kg, 1:1 FS:BPS), T3 (30 g/kg, 1:2 FS:BPS), and T4 (30 g/kg, 2:1 FS:BPS). Data on performance, carcass traits, organ weights, hematology, and serum biochemistry were collected and analyzed using ANOVA (p = 0.5). Results: Dietary treatments significantly (p<0.05) influenced growth, carcass yield, and blood profile. Birds on T3 (1:2) had the highest final weight gain (2390 g) and weight gain per day (75.75 g), while T2 (1:1) showed the lowest values (2208 g; 44.07 g/day). The T3-fed birds also recorded superior carcass traits with higher live (2370 g), bled (2332.5 g), defeathered (2239.5 g), and eviscerated (1994.5 g) weights, compared to the lowest values in T4 (2:1). Hematology revealed higher packed cell volume, hemoglobin, and RBC in T2, while T3 showed higher WBC counts. Serum biochemistry indicated higher total protein in T2 and the lowest in T4. Conclusion: A blend of 10 g of fenugreek seed and 20 g black seed (1:2 ratio) improved growth performance, carcass yield, feed conversion ratio, hematology, and serum biochemistry in broilers, supporting its use as a natural alternative to synthetic feed additives.