Studying the effect of different levels of Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) seed powder consumption on growth performance and health status of suckling Holstein calves

Authors

1 Department of Animal Science, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj

2 Department of Pathology and Experimental Animals, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.

3 Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Fishery, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran.

10.22069/ejrr.2025.23694.2011

Abstract

Abstract
Background and Objectives: The digestive and immune systems of calves are not fully developed during the suckling period, making them vulnerable to gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. Meanwhile, the use of antibiotics in feed is increasingly restricted due to health and legal concerns. Consequently, herbal alternatives with antimicrobial, immunostimulatory, and antioxidant properties have gained attention in recent years. Trachyspermum ammi (ajwain) is a medicinal plant known for its active compounds such as thymol, carvacrol, and other phenolics, which may offer antibacterial, digestive-stimulating, and antioxidant effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing Holstein calves’ liquid diet with ajwain seed powder during the pre-weaning period on growth performance, skeletal parameters, health status, and blood metabolite profiles.
Materials and Methods: Sixty-four healthy female Holstein calves were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups (n = 16 per group) from day 3 to day 58 of age. The treatment groups received different levels of ajwain seed powder (0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 g/day), mixed into milk or milk replacer. Body weight and skeletal measurements were taken at the start and every 10 days thereafter. Fecal scores, rectal temperature, and incidence of diarrhea and pneumonia were recorded daily.
Results: the results of the current study showed that feed intake, final body weight, diarrhea duration (Score >3) have been increased by consuming 5 g Ajwain seed powder compared to other treatments (quadratic effect, P<0.05). Also, different levels of Ajwain seed powder had no effect on skeletal growth parameters. Glucose levels were higher in calves consuming 2.5 g of ajwain seed powder compared to other treatments (quadratic effect, P<0.05) and no difference was observed among treatment for other blood parameters.
Conclusion: The results of this study have shown that liquid dietary supplementation with 5 g/day of ajwain seed powder in suckling Holstein calves can enhance feed intake, final weight, average daily gain, and diarrhea duration (Score >3) without adverse effect on skeletal development. These findings suggest that ajwain is a promising natural feed additive for improving growth and metabolic health in young calves.
Keywords: Ajwain; Calf health; Calves; Diarrhea; Medicinal plant; Respiratory disorders.
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Journal of Ruminant Research
Volume 14, Issue 1
June 2026
Pages 17-33

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