Growth promoters are feed additives used to improve the rate and uniformity of broiler growth whilst increasing feed efficiency. Low, prophylactic doses of antibiotics have been standard practice. The development of direct antibiotic resistance of pathogens in the species receiving the feed, as well as the indirect resistance to similar antibiotics used in human medicine as the result of food chain residues, led to the suspension of the licenses for several major antibiotics in the European Union since 1971, and in 2006 licenses for all sub-therapeutic levels for growth promotion were withdrawn. Therefore, there is great interest in developing natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in order to maintain both bird performance and health. Nigella sativa (black cumin) has been used – in herbal medicine- for centuries for treatment of various disorders including infections. The following review details recent studies on the potential benefits of black cumin in broilers and laying hens performance.
