Effects of aromatic plant extract mixture on laying efficiency, egg quality and antioxidant status in laying quails

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of commercial plant extract mixture added to laying quail rations on performance, egg quality, plasma antioxidant and blood biochemical parameters. In this experiment, 160 Japanese quails aged twelve weeks were equally divided into four groups of 40 (five replicates of 8 quails each). The study included a control and three treatment groups. The treatment groups were as follows: (1) 100 mg/kg aromatic plant extract mixture-group 1; (2) 150 mg/kg aromatic plant extract mixture-group 2 (3) 200 mg/kg aromatic plant extract mixture-group 3, respectively. When we examined the egg parameters at the end of the study, significant differences (P<0.05) were found in the parameters of egg weight, Haugh unit (HU), albumen index, egg yolk color and eggshell thickness. Egg weight and eggshell thickness values were measured the highest (P<0.05) in group 1. HU, egg yellow color and albumen index values were found significantly higher (P<0.05) in all experimental groups compared to the control group. Significant differences (P<0.05) were determined in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) values of plasma antioxidant parameters in the study. In the study, High density lipoprotein (HDL) value, one of the blood (plasma) parameters, was found to be higher (P< 0.001) in the experimental groups.Consequently, we can say that the addition of herbal extract mixture to quail diets increases egg quality and has a positive effect on cholesterol and plasma antioxidant parameters.

Chaya Leaf Infusion (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) as a Phytogenic for Productivity and Egg Quality of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) 17-20 Weeks Old

“…Based on the analysis, supplementation chaya leaf infusion as phytogenic had no significant effect on eggshell thickness (P≥0.05). The thickness of the egg shells produced in this study was higher than the research conducted by Karakçi (22), the eggshell thickness in quail without any provision was 0.15 mm. Quail egg yolk color scores ranged from 4.17-4.46.…”

“…The HU is known as an indicator egg freshness and is associated with shelf life. Phytogenic is able to improve the egg quality (22). In conclusion, supplementation of 10% chaya leaf infusion in drinking water by giving it two times a week led to enhance productivity (increase QDP, egg mass, decrease FCR) and eggs quality (increase albumen index and yolk color) of laying quail 17-20 weeks old.…”

“…Based on the results of this analysis, although the administration of chaya leaf infusion had a significant effect on albumen index and egg yolk color (P≤0.05), it had no significant effect on albumen weight, yolk weight, eggshell weight, yolk proportion, albumen proportion, eggshell proportion, egg index, yolk index, eggshell thickness, and HU (P≥0.05). Karakçi (22) reported aromatic plant extract mixture as phytogenic to quail diet increased in terms of albumen index, egg yolk color, eggshell thickness, and HU. Egg index, yolk index, and albumen index ranged from 78.39-78.55, 47.07-48.68, and 11.16-12.17.…”