Phytotherapeutics and Probiotics as an Alternative to the Use of Antimicrobials in the Diets of Laying Quails

This study evaluated the substitution of commercial antibiotics with phytotherapeutics and probiotics in Japanese quail diets during the rearing phase, and their effects on performance, serum metabolites, organ weight and size, and egg quality in the initial laying phase. Conducted over 42 days with 300 quails, starting at 21 days of age and an average weight of 87 ± 3.5 g, the quails were divided into five groups: negative control (no additives), commercial antibiotics, probiotics (BS Gold®), essential oils (Phyto 100®), and natural pollen. The experiment was analyzed using variance analysis and Tukey’s test with a 5% significance level. Feed conversion differed significantly in the periods between 28-35 and 35-42 days. Egg quality showed variations, with higher albumen height in the probiotic group, better yolk height and luminosity with pollen, increased luminosity in the control group, and a larger yolk diameter with phytotherapeutics. The findings indicated that essential oils, probiotics, and pollen effectively replaced antibiotics without negatively affecting zootechnical performance, serum metabolites, or organ weight and size. Additionally, egg performance and quality were maintained during the initial laying phase.

Keywords:
Blend of essential oils; quail farming; reproductive performance; propolis