Possible effects of supplementation with Nigella sativa cake on reproductive performance, ovarian response, and embryo recovery of female baladi goats

ABSTRACT

This study is one of many recent attempts that search for economic feed resources with the aim to improve reproductive efficiency of the local breeds of farm animals in Egypt. Thirty female Baladi goats were used in two experiments. In experiment 1, 12 immature females weighed 8-11 kg and aged 4-5 months were allotted into two groups Control [n=4] fed on basal control ration and NSc group [n=8] fed on the same basal ration supplemented with 100 g Nigella sativa cake. All females were fed till maturity and run continuously with fertile bucks. Jagular blood samples were collected twice weekly for progesterone assay to detect sexual maturity, ovarian cyclicity, conception and pregnancy. The parameters of the reproductive characteristics in the pattern of continuous/total, lambed/continuous, conception, fertility and prolificacy were calculated. Initial and final body weights were individually recorded and body weight gain was calculated