Effects of Organic Acids, Probiotics and Their Combination on Laying Performance and Blood Parameters in Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)

Several biotechnological approaches are currently being used to improve feed efficiency and promote safe poultry production. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of probiotics, organic acids, and their combination on laying performance and blood parameters in Japanese quails. A total of 120 Japanese quail chicks were randomly distributed into four treatment groups: (i) control diet (BD), (ii) BD supplemented with organic acids (BD+OA), (iii) BD supplemented with probiotics (BD+PB), and (iv) BD supplemented with organic acids and probiotics (BD+OA+PB), with three replicates per treatment. All birds were provided a balanced mash diet ad libitum. The results showed significantly higher egg production in the OA-supplemented group at eight weeks compared to the other groups. Peak hen-day egg production was recorded at 18 weeks, at 75.64%, 82.14%, 76.19%, and 82.14% in BD, BD+OA, BD+PB, and BD+OA+PB, respectively. Egg production significantly increased with the supplementation of OA and PB for up to 14 weeks; however, their effects were not observed thereafter. Egg weight increased with age, with higher egg weights recorded at 20 weeks of age. Although egg weights were slightly higher in the probiotic group, the differences were not significant among the dietary treatments. Hematological analysis showed no significant differences among the parameters, except for significantly lower white blood cell counts with supplementation of organic acids and probiotics, suggesting a reduction in infection. Overall, the improved laying performance indicated the potential role of these additives in the poultry industry.