Influence of Improved Microclimate Conditions on Growth and Physiological Performance of Two Japanese Quail Lines

Abstract

Microclimate parameters (ammonia, ambient temperature, heat index, and relative humidity) surrounding birds affect the production and health status of poultry. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of adding natural zeolite to the litter of Japanese quail on improving microclimate parameters and its reflection in growth performance, blood gases, and blood biochemical parameters. A total of 1152 chicks were obtained from the same hatch at the 20th selection generation. Chicks were allocated into two groups based on the litter composition: Group 1: wheat straw as litter (untreated group); Group 2: 80% wheat straw + 20% zeolite (treated group). Each group consisted of 576 chicks: 410 selected line chicks and 166 control line chicks. Significant and favorable effects of the treatment on microclimate parameters during tested periods were found to favor the treated group. Either the treated group or the selected line had significantly better growth performance than the untreated group and control line. Zeolite-treated quails had significantly desirable blood gases and lower blood acidity and serum total iron binding capacity compared to the untreated group. Thus, adding natural zeolite to the litter enhanced the microclimate parameters that improved growth performance, blood gases, and blood biochemical parameters and reduced ammonia emission.

The use of Astragalus membranaceus as an eco-friendly alternative for antibiotics in diets of Japanese quail breeders

“…The alteration of physiological indices can affect characteristics related to the health of birds ( Emam et al, 2023 ). As reported in Table 6 , dietary supplementation of AM significantly (linear and quadratic) influenced hepatic and renal functions (total protein, albumin, and albumin/globulin ratio, ALT, AST, creatinine, and urea, P < 0.05).…”

Dietary supplementation with a mixture of Dunaliella salina and Spirulina enhances broiler performance by improving growth, immunity, digestive enzymes and gut microbiota

“…Alterations in metabolic and physiological processes may have an impact on aspects of avian health ( Emam et al, 2023 ). Dietary (D + S) supplementation increased the serum biochemical indices of broiler chicks.…”

“…For these reasons, D + S can be used as a prebiotic to improve the health of birds because of its affirmative influence on biochemical parameters such as the antioxidative components. Emam et al (2023) showed that physiological changes and metabolic processes can impact characteristics concerning the health of chicks. AL Suwaiegh (2023) reported that using green microalgae in feeding leads to enhanced hepatic function activity, resulting in higher albumin levels, as shown in the present work.…”

“…Recently, there has been a significant demand for feed additives that can be used safely to produce health-promoting diets ( Reuben et al, 2021 ; Emam et al, 2023 ). Since then, the use of natural feed additives in poultry diets has resulted in better health and production ( Abd El-Hack et al, 2020 ; Rafeeq et al, 2022 ).…”

Positive effects of rutin on egg quality, lipid peroxidation and metabolism in post-peak laying hens

“…Normally, variations in metabolic and physiological processes tend to affect relevant aspects of animal health ( 30 ). When liver cells are damaged by inflammation, toxicity, necrosis, etc., transaminases are released into the bloodstream and serum transaminases are elevated ( 31 ).…”