Growth Performance, Gut Microbiota and Haemato-Biochemical Profile of Quails Fed Diet Supplemented with Graded Levels of D. glomerata Fruit Powder

As a consequence of the antibiotics growth promoters restriction in livestock farming, there is a growing interest in plant feed additives. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of supplementing D. glomerata fruit powder on growth performance of Japanese quails. A total of 200 two weeks-old Japanese quail were randomly allocated to five experimental treatment groups. Experimental diets consisted of incorporating D. glomerata powder in the control ration (T0) at 2g (T1), 4g (T2) and 6g/kg (T3) of feed. Quails fed with D. glomerata supplemented diets were compared to quails fed on diet without any supplement (T0) and an antibiotic (1g/kg) medicated diet (T0+). Throughout the production period feed intake was not significantly affected by the experimental rations. Weight gain was significantly higher ( p<0.05) with 4g/kg and 6g/kg D. glomerata, while feed conversion ratio was significantly lower ( p<0.05) when compared to the control groups. Carcass yield of quails fed on antibiotic and 4g/kg D. glomerata were statistically higher (p<0.05) compared to the negative control diet. However, dietary treatments had no significant effect ( p> 0.05) on the relative weight of organs when compared to the control diets. WBC, MCV, MCH, and MCHC were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by this spice. RBC significantly increased ( p<0.05) with 6g/kg D. glomerata compared to the negative control diet, while Hgb and PCV decreased ( p<0.05) compared to the positive control diet for the same treatment. Serum content in triglycerides was significantly higher ( p<0.05) with 6g/kg D. glomerata compared to all other treatments. ASAT, ALAT, creatinine, total protein, albumin, urea, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL were not significantly affected by the inclusion of D. glomerata in the ration. Irrespective of the level of incorporation of D. glomerata, lactic acid bacteria count significantly increased as compared to Escherichia coli, Samonella and Staphylococcus spp. In conclusion, D. glomerata can be used up to 4g/kg as substitutes for infeed antibiotics for gut microbiota modulation and better weight gain without any adverse effects on the haemato-biochemical parameters of quail