Differentiation of Growth, Inner Organ Development, Gut Microbiota, Gut Histology and Meat Quality of Japanese Quails Fed Diets Containing Varying Amounts of Satureja spicigera (K. Koch) Boiss Leaf Powder

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of varying amounts of Satureja spicigera leaf powder (SLP) (the creeping savory) on the growth, inner organ development, gut microbiota, meat quality, and gut histology of quails. The trial included five treatment groups: SLP0 (control, 0%), SLP1 (0.25%), SLP2 (0.5%), SLP3 (0.75%) and SLP4 (1%). The quails were housed in floor pens with 20 chicks per replicate, and there were 4 replicates for each group, leading to a total of 400 quails. At the end of the study, 1 male and 1 female quails from each replicate (a total of 40 quails) were slaughtered, and samples were collected for analysis. Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and visceral organ weights did not change between the groups (P>0.05). Meat quality characteristics (such as sensory criteria) and gut microbiota did not differ between treatment groups. However, a significant reduction in the MDA (Malondialdehyde) level in the breast meat was observed in the SLP1 and SLP2 groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). The breast meat color of the SLP1 and SLP4 groups was significantly lighter than the control group (P<0.05). Villi length (VL) and crypt depth (CD) were greater in the SLP1 group compared to SLP0 and SLP4 groups in the duodenum (P<0.05). The SLP3 group had the highest VL (P<0.01), and the SLP4 group had the lowest CD (P<0.01). Villi length and crypt depth (VL/CD) ratio in SLP3 and SLP4 groups was higher than in SLP0 and SLP1 groups in the jejunum (P<0.05). While no differences in villi length were noted, crypt depth was higher in the SLP3 and SLP4 groups compared to the other groups (P<0.01). The lamina muscularis mucosa (LMM) thickness was lower in the SLP0 group, and VL/CD was lower in the SLP3 group in the ileum (P<0.01). The supplementation of SLP in the diet of Japanese quails enhanced gut health by elevating VL in the duodenum and jejunum, which could enhance digestion. The antioxidant effect of SLP was also evident in the reduction of MDA levels in breast meat. To conclude, Satureja spicigera leaf powder can be considered a useful feed additive in quail breeding, particularly for improving intestinal health and for suppressing MDA formation in quail meats.

Keywords

• Satureja spicigera
• MDA
• Histomorphology
• Quail

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