Assessment of Chia Seeds Supplementation on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Some Blood Metabolites of Japanese Quails

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the impacts of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds on growth performance, carcass characteristics and blood metabolites of Japanese quails. A total of 300 one-week-old male Japanese quails with initial body weight 31.31±0.34g were randomly distributed into 4 equal groups (75 birds into 5 replicates/group). The 1 st group (control) was fed a diet without any chia seeds, while chia seeds were added at levels of 300, 600, and 900 g per ton of feed, respectively at the 2 nd , 3 ed and 4 th groups. At the age of 5 wks, the best values of productive performance represented in body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were achieved in groups fed a diet supplemented with 600 g chia seeds/ton of diet. Feed consumption of Japanese quail is not affected by chia seeds supplementation levels up to 900g/ton of feed. No significant differences between all treatments for carcass characteristics were observed, except for the relative weight of carcass, gizzard and dressing which were improved by using chia seeds at the level of 600g/ton of feed. Additionally, dietary chia seeds at the level of 600 g/ton improved the concentration of plasma albumin, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL. It could be recommended that, a supplemented diet with chia seeds up to 600g/ton improved the productive performance traits, carcass characteristics and some blood biochemical of Japanese quails.