Background: The Japanese quail is a key species in sustainable poultry production, yet optimal feeding strategies are still being explored. This study investigated the combined effects of different feeding regimens and dietary supplementation with Spirulina platensis on growth performance, blood biochemistry, and intestinal microbial capacity in Japanese quails.

Methods: A total of 240 one-day-old Japanese quails were assigned to a 2×3 factorial design, with factors being feeding regimen (ad libitum vs. quantitative feed restriction) and Spirulina supplementation (0%, 1%, 2%). The trial lasted for 42 days. Data on growth performance, serum biochemistry (glucose, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides), stress markers (heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), and digestive tract microbial counts (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, E. coli) were collected and analyzed using a two-way ANOVA.

Results: Feed restriction was associated with an improved feed conversion ratio (p<0.05) without negatively impacting final body weight, while Spirulina supplementation at the 2% level was associated with enhanced growth performance metrics and beneficially altered blood parameters, including a reduction in cholesterol and an increase in total protein. The heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was significantly lower in quails fed with 2% Spirulina, which is associated with reduced stress. Furthermore, dietary Spirulina was associated with a significant increase in beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and a decrease in E. coli counts in the ceca. The combination of feed restriction and 2% Spirulina was associated with the most favorable outcomes in terms of feed efficiency and gut health.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that strategic feed restriction can improve feed efficiency in Japanese quails, and dietary supplementation with Spirulina platensis at 2% is a highly effective method for enhancing growth, physiological health, and the microbial balance in the gut. These results provide valuable insights for developing sustainable and efficient feeding protocols in the quail industry.

Japanese quail, Spirulina platensis, Feed restriction, Growth performance

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2019.111992