Author(s): Gagandeep Kour, Nazam Khan, RK Sharma, Vikas Mahajan and JS Sassan

Abstract: In order to evaluate the effect of supplementation of different phytoadditives over nutrient intake and metabolizability of layer quails, 360 birds of same hatch (6 weeks old) were randomly distributed into eight groups (n = 45), having three replicas of fifteen quail layers per replica. These eight dietary groups were: Negative control (NC; maize-soya based diet with no additive), positive control (PC; herbal growth promoter- Reproforte plus™ was supplemented @ 500 gm per ton feed), whereas T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄, T₅ and T₆ groups were supplemented with 1% dietary additive namely turmeric, garlic, fenugreek, cumin, aloe vera and oregano powder, respectively. These additives were fed consecutively for 22 weeks and a metabolisability trial was conducted at 20th week of trial. Also, at end of trial, representative sample of duodenum, jejunum and ileum was evaluated for villi length to crypt depth ratio and gland diameter. Results of nutrient intake showed no difference (p>0.05) amongst different dietary groups and was similar in all the treatment groups. The metabolizability of DM, CP, EE, CF, TA, OM and NFE also revealed non-significant differences (p>0.05) on phytoadditive supplementation. Also, villi length to crypt depth ratio was significantly higher (p<0.05) in duodenum for T₂, T₃ and T₄ group in comparison to the NC group, but statistically (p>0.05) similar values was observed for jejunum and ileum. Also, gland diameter (μm) showed no difference in all the three segments of intestine. It may be inferred that 1% phytoadditives supplementation has no effect on nutrient intake and metabolizability in layer quail, but there is improvement in villi length to crypt depth in 1% garlic, fenugreek and cumin supplemented groups.

DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i2b.563