Effect of black seed oil on rabbits infected with some intestinal eimeria species

ABSTRACT

Black seed [Nigella sativa] is a herb used on large scale in veterinary practice for many purposes. The protective effect of black seed oil was studied on rabbits experimentally infected with some field strains of intestinal Eimeria species. For this purpose, 30 New-Zealand rabbits, 28 days old were divided into 6 groups. Group [1] was used as prophylactic, given N. sativa oil at a dose of 2.5 ml/ kg body weight orally for 3 weeks daily, then challenged with 6 x 104 Eimeria oocysts. Group [2] was treated with sulphadimidine 33% after being infected. Group [3] was treated as group [2], in addition to N.sativa oil for 2 weeks. Group [4] was as infected control one, while group [5]] was given N. sativa oil only. Group [6] was non infected and non treated. The results revealed a significant decrease of Eimeria oocysts in faeces of both prophylactic and treated groups. However, there were increase in phago-cytic activities of neutrophils expressed in phago-cytic percent and phagocytic index. Furthermore, N. sativa oil improved body weight gain and increased serum total protein, albumin and Albumin /Globulin ratio in treated rabbits. So, it was concluded that, N. saliva seeds which is cheap local plant, can be used as immune enhancing factor and growth stimulant in ration of animal