Effect of added punica granatum peel fruits and nigella sativa seeds on immunology and performance of suckling buffalo calves

Abstract: The use of feed additives is considered as a good source to improve the immunity status of newborn calves instead of chemical products because the residuals of chemical products may have side effects on human health on the long-run. Punica granatum fruits peel (Pg-p) has been shown to possess a significant, antioxidant activity also valued for their therapeutic properties and used to remove intestinal tapeworm. On the other hand, seeds or Nigella sativa (NS) arc rich in fatty acids (Linoleic and Linolenic acid), essential fatty acids and non-starch polysaccharide. Recently, clinical and animal studies have shown that extract or the NS seeds have many therapeutic effects such as immunomodilative, antibacterial, hypotensive, hypotensive , hepatoprotective and antidiabetic effects.
Thirty-six suckling buffalo claves (18 males and 18 females) were used in this study with average live body weight 38.44 + 0.62 kg. The calves were divided into 3 groups, each group allotted to receive one of 3 tested starters throughout 105 d. The starter was offered without additive in the control group (G1), while it was mixed with 2% pg-p in group (G2) and with 2% Pg-p plus 3% NS in group (G3). Weekly faecal swabs were collected from the experimental animal for bacteriological examination. Imunoglobulins (Ig) and blood metabolites were determined in blood serum. Three sets of digestion trials were carried out using 3 male calves of each group that fed the same tested rations.
Milk consumption was not significantly different among groups while, starter and clover hay intake was significantly (p< 0.05) higher in G3 than those in groups (G1 and G2. The total weight gain achieved by group G3 was greater than that of G1 and G2 groups by 25.60% and 7.80% respectively. Blood Tp was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in G3 than that in G1. An albumin value was relatively higher in G1 compared with the treated G2 and G3. Meanwhile, blood urea nitrogen was significantly greater in G2 in comparison with G1 and G3. Concentration or creatinine was relatively less in the treated groups G2 nnd G3 than G1. Group 3 possessed greater IgG content than that in G2 and G3 serum. Addition of' Pg-p and NS in ration limited the number or calves having symptoms of diarrhea due to increased level of antibodies and antibacterial effect. The effect of Pg-p and NS in decreasing the number of diseased calves may be due to increase the level of antibodies and anti bacterial effect. The action of tannins against bacteria and yeasts can be established by a relation between their molecular structure and their toxicity, astringent properties or other mechanism .
Digestibility of DM, CF and EE were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in G3 compared with G1 and G2. The improved nutrients digestibility with added NS seeds might be due to the role of medical plant as inhibits of gram positive bacteria and improved ruminal fermentation by increasing bacterial activity, which in turn increase digestibility .
The Present results arc revealing dietary supplementation of Pg-p in starter of' buffallo calves was successful in improving growth rate of the animal. Moreover, Pg-p reduce the number or cases affected by microorganisms into the half number. Those effects were augmented by adding NS seeds in G3 as evidenced by improved immunity in treated animals hence achievement of better growth performance.

Publication year

2009

Pages

180-181

Availability location

معهد بحوث الانتاج الحيوانى- شارع نادى الصيد- الدقى - الجيزة

Availability number

Organization Name

Animal Production Research Institute (APRI)

City

فيينا

serial title