Abstract

Aim: The study was aimed to evaluate comparative effects of black cumin oil and multivitamin supplementation on the immune response of cockerel chicks vaccinated with live attenuated Newcastle Disease (ND) 'LaSota' vaccine.

Method and materials: Sixty one-day-old cockerel chicks (Gallus domesticus) were randomly divided into five groups (A-E) and housed separately. Groups A and B received Black Cumin Oil, while Groups C and D received multivitamins at different pre- and post-vaccination intervals. Group E1 served as the positive control (vaccinated without treatment), and Group E2 as the negative control (unvaccinated and untreated). Over 12 weeks, blood samples were collected at intervals to measure Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI) antibody titers, using standard serological methods. The antibody titers were analyzed statistically to assess the immune response.

Results: Results indicated that Group A (Black Cumin Oil administered 7 days before and 7 days after vaccination) exhibited the highest HI titers across all time points, peaking at 7.2 ± 0.3 by Day 42. Group C (multivitamin administered 7 days before and 7 days after vaccination) also showed a robust immune response, with titers reaching 7.0 ± 0.5 by Day 42. Both treatments were significantly more effective than vaccination alone (Group E1) and no treatment (Group E2). Red Blood Cell (RBC) counts remained stable across all groups, indicating no adverse hematologic effects. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between treated and control groups, confirming the efficacy of both Black Cumin Oil and multivitamin in enhancing immune response to ND vaccination.

Conclusion: It was concluded that strategic supplementation with black cumin oil or multivitamins can significantly boost the immune response in cockerel chicks, optimizing vaccine efficacy and promoting poultry health.

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