Black seed (Nigella sativa ) used as a natural immuno- stimulant in the feed of various farmed animals. In present experiment, effect of three dietary inclusion levels of Nigella sativa was assessed on growth and immune response of Oreochromis niloticus for 8 weeks . Experimental groups received three different levels of Nigella sativa i.e. 2, 3, and 4 % in feed while control group received feed without Nigella sativa. Growth parameters (weight (g), length (cm), feed conversion ratio and specific growth rate) and immunity response (white blood cells, lysozyme activity, and globulins protein) were investigated . All the recorded growth and immunity parameters of Oreochromis niloticus showed a significantly different outcome at the end of trial. Among the immunity parameters, group of fish received 4% black seed in diet showed statistically higher increase in white blood cell count (198 103/μL ±3.78) , globulin protein (23.66 mg/dl ±1.21) and lysozyme activity (60.66 µl/ml ±1.20) followed by 3% and then 2% supplemented groups . Group fed by 4% black seed showed statistically highest increase in weight gain (2.05 gm±0.37), gain in length (0.32 cm ±0.16) specific growth rate (1.34±0.45) and best value of feed conversion ratio (2.27±0.56) followed by 3% and then 2% supplemented groups . Results of present study reveals that Nigella sativa improves the growth and immunity of Oreochromis niloticus significantly at 4 % inclusion level in feed.
Keywords: Black seed, Oreochromis niloticus, immunity parameters, growth parameters