The current study was carried out to investigate the consequences of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), a prebiotic, as feed supplement on biochemical parameters of Japanese quail breeders (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Twelve-week-old, 960 birds, belonging to 4 close-bred flocks (CBF), were randomly selected and divided into 4 treatment groups with 3 replicates according to pattern (4 strains × 4 treatment groups × 3 replicates). Birds were fed corn-based basal diet or the same diet supplemented with 0.25, 0.50, and 1.0% MOS for 15 wk. After termination of the experimental trial, samples of blood were taken from randomly selected 3 birds/replicate (1♂ and 2♀) and processed for serologic analysis. The statistical analysis was performed by applying 2-way analysis of variance. The serum concentrations of total proteins, globulin, high-density lipoprotein, and tri-iodothyronine (T3) of Japanese quail breeders were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in MOS-supplemented groups than that of control group; however, triglycerides were decreased significantly (P < 0.05) by MOS supplementation in female birds. Estrogen level in male birds was significantly (P < 0.05) different; however, non-significant differences were recorded in thyroxine (T4), progesterone, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, glucose, albumin, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein concentrations in all feeding groups. The significant differences in biochemical parameters by feeding MOS-supplemented diets strengthened our hypothesis that the use of MOS may positively affect the health of Japanese quail breeders.

The present study was conducted to find out the dietary effects of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) supplemented diets on the production performance of four close-bred flocks (CBFs) of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) breeders. A total of 960 twelve-week-old birds of four CBFs were randomly divided into four groups (n = 240) with 12 replicates (n = 20). Birds were fed a corn-based basal diet or the same diet supplemented with 0.25%, 0.50%, and 1.0% MOS for 15 weeks. The authors analysed the data by two-way ANOVA techniques using SAS (Statistical Analysis System). Birds fed MOS-supplemented diets had significantly higher body and egg weight, egg mass, and egg number than the control group. Similarly, the feed conversion ratio (FCR)/dozen eggs, FCR/kg egg mass, and mortality were significantly lower in MOS supplemented groups. However, no significant effect of MOS supplementation was recorded on feed intake and egg production of birds. None of the parameters differed significantly among CBFs. The results showed that feeding MOS as a replacement for antibiotic growth factor may positively influence the production performance and health of Japanese quail breeders. ______________________________________________________________________________________

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The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of mannan-oligosaccharides' (MOS) supplementation on hatching characteristics of four close-bred flocks (CBFs) of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) breeders. A total of 960 Japanese quail breeders, aged 12 weeks old, were randomly selected and divided into four groups (n = 240) with twelve replicates (n = 20) in a completely randomized design (15 ♂ : 5 ♀). The birds were a fed corn-based basal diet (group D) or basal diet supplemented with MOS at the levels of 0.25 % (group A), 0.5 % (group B) and 1.0 % (group C) for 15 weeks. The collected data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA techniques using Statistical Analysis System. The fertility and hatchability of 0.50 % MOS-supplemented group was significantly higher than other treatment groups. Similarly, fertility and hatchability percent of fertile eggs of Kaleem flock was significantly higher than other flocks, while dead in-shells were significantly lower in Sadat flock. Conclusively, MOS supplementation positively influences the fertility and hatchability of quail breeders.