Influences of stocking density and dietary probiotic supplementation on growing Japanese quail performance

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of stocking density and dietary supplementation of probiotic (Lactobacillus) on growth, traits of carcass, lymphoid organs and intestinal microbial count of Japanese quail. Quail chicks (one week old) were randomly allotted to 6 groups in a 2×3 factorial experiment included 2 levels of stocking density (100, and 75 cm2/bird) and 3 levels of probiotic (0.00, 0.02 and 0.04 g/kg diet). Quail reared at 100 cm2/ bird showed significantly the highest body weight and daily gain. Quail reared at 75 cm2/ bird had significantly the lower average of feed consumption and the best ratio of feed conversion. Increasing level of probiotic up to 0.04 g/kg led to a significant decrease in dressing percentage by about 2.7 % compared to the control. Interaction effect was insignificant on carcass traits studied except for liver percentage which was significantly higher for birds fed diet supplemented with probiotic at 0.04 g/kg of diet and reared at 100 cm2/bird. Rearing quail at 100 cm2/bird stocking density significantly increased bursa weight. Birds fed diet supplemented with probiotic at 0.02 g/kg of diet and reared at 100 cm2/bird showed significantly the highest (p = 0.043) spleen weight when compared with the other groups. In conclusion, the low (100 cm2/bird) stocking density was sufficient to give better performance of Japanese quail than the other group. Probiotic supplementation diminished the stressful effect of crowding on growing Japanese quail.

Detoxification Impacts of Ascorbic Acid and Clay on Laying Japanese Quail Fed Diets Polluted by Various Levels of Cadmium

“…For commercial use, domestic quails are available in both laying and meat strains [1][2][3]. The reproductive performance of Japanese quail is important in the overall management of the flock [4].…”

Probiotics in poultry feed: A comprehensive review

“…There are a number of feed additives used in poultry feed, such as antibiotics, probiotics, oligosaccharides, enzymes and organic acids (Bin‐Jumah et al., 2020; Elgeddawy et al., 2020; Hussein et al., 2020; Windisch et al., 2008). They are included in the diet of poultry and animals for promoting growth through their potential effect in increasing feed intake (FI; Demir et al, 2003; Mahrose et al., 2019; Wang et al., 2019; Yatoo et al., 2017). Also, low levels of additives in poultry feed can contribute to an increase in the production of poultry protein for human consumption, which in some instances can decrease the cost of animal and poultry production (Alagawany et al., 2016; El‐Kholy et al., 2018; Ismail, Alagawany, et al, 2020; Ismail, Farag, et al, 2020; Johnson et al., 2019; Reda, Alagawany, et al, 2020; Reda, El‐Kholy, et al, 2020; Reda, Reda, El‐Saadony, et al, 2020; Walsh et al, 1993).…”

Seaweeds, Intact and Processed, as a Valuable Component of Poultry Feeds

“…Eggs and poultry meat are beginning to make a substantial contribution to relieving the protein insufficiency in many countries [6,7]. In today's poultry industry, practices regarding management and feeding (composition, systems) are among the most important factors [8][9][10][11][12][13][14].…”