The effect of black seed oil on performance and blood parameters of suckling holstein calves during the first three weeks of life and weaning period

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of black seed (Nigella sativa) oil administration on performance and blood parameters during the first 3 weeks and weaning period, which is critical in the nutrition of suckling calves. Material and Methods: A total of 64 newborn colostrum-fed Holstein calves (32 females, 32 males) were selected from multiparous cows (Holstein Fresian breed). The calves were housed individually throughout the research. The study, which was carried out on suckling calves in two different periods (first 3 weeks of life and weaning period), was conducted in two groups, group 1 as a control (16 males + 16 females) and group 2 as a trial (16 males + 16 females). Black seed oil was given to the calves orally in Trial 1 (between 4th – 21st days) 5 ml/day and Trial 2 (60th-70th days) 10 ml/day. Results: When the performance values in our study were examined, the differences in dry matter consumption, live weight gain, feed efficiency were found to be insignificant between the groups in Trial 1 and Trial 2. When the biochemical parameters examined in Trial 1 were evaluated, ALB, TG, HDL, P, ALT (P<0.001); GLB, CHOL, LDL, AMY (P<0.01); AST, UA (P<0.05) were different in black seed (Nigella sativa) oil fed group but no difference was observed in other parameters (GLU, TP, BUN, GGT, ALP, LPZ). No difference was found in Trial 2 in terms of biochemical parameters, (GLU, TCHOL, HDL, LDL, MDA, SOD and cortisol). Regarding to complete blood count parameters, no difference (P>0.05) was obtained also in Trial 1 and Trial 2. Conclusion: During critical feeding periods of calf life, it has been determined that oral administration of black seed oil may cause differences in some biochemical parameters. However, it was concluded that there was no effect on dry matter consumption, live weight gain, feed efficiency and complete blood count parameters