Growth performance serum biochemical and hematological parameters of lambs fed with ration containing nigella sativa meal in different feed forms

Abstract

Nigella Sativa Meal (NSM) as a byproduct from Nigella sativa oil production contains high crude protein, but it is easily converts into ammonia (NH3-N) in the rumen. The processing of feed containing NSM into mash, pellet and wafer forms is expected to optimize the use of NSM as a protein source in feed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feed containing Nigella Sativa Meal (NSM) feeding in three different form song rowth performance, serum biochemical and hematological parameters of lamb. This study used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 3 treatments of feed forms: Mash (M), Pellet (P) and Wafer (W)and 5 replications. The concentrations of NSM in the rations were 20% with the same formulation in all treatments. The forage to concentrate ratio was 30:70. The results showed that different forms of feed has significant effect on crude protein and crude fiber intake, blood triglycerides and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) concentration (p<0.05). Feed in mash form resulted in higher body weight gain compared to other treatments with the average daily weight gain of mash (120.96 g), pellet (117.23 g) and wafer (119.80 g). Feed in pellet form produced better feed efficiency compared to other treatments, with an average efficiency of pellet (9.89%), wafer (9.46%) and mash (8.71%).