Immunomodulating effects of black seed and oxytetracycline in pigeons

Chronic administration of oxytetracycline (OXT) (incorporated at a level of 0.05 g per kg of feed for 50 days) to pigeons, significantly decreased total leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, increased heterophil:lymphocyte ratio and lysosomal enzyme activity, and decreased reticuloendothelial system function compared with controls. Coadministration of black seed (BS) at a level of 2.5% with OXT completely blocked the effects elicited by OXT and produced immunostimulant effects in pigeons. The addition of BS to feed of pigeons could act as an immunoprotective agent when chronic administration of antibiotics are considered.