The Effect of Supplementation of Enzyme on Laying and Reproductive Performance in Japanese Quail Hens Fed Nigella Seed Meal
2008
Attia, Y.A. | El-Razak, A. | El-Din, E.T. | Zeweil, H.S. | Hussein, A.S. | Qota, E.S.M. | Arafat, M.A.
The effect of dietary enzyme (Optizyme) on the performance of Japanese quail hens fed isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets containing 0, 10, 20 and 30% of Nigella seed meal (NSM) as a protein source was studied. A corn-soybean meal diet was used as a control diet. Eight groups of birds having 8 replicates consisting of 2 females and 1 male were used, and productive and reproductive traits and egg quality were measured. Hens fed 10% NSM produced significantly more eggs than those fed 0, 20 and 30% NSM diets. Shell thickness was also significantly higher in the 10% NSM group. Supplementation of enzyme significantly improved egg production and tended to improve shell thickness when a 20% NSM diet was fed, but not when 30% NSM was given. Furthermore, the enzyme significantly improved the fertility rate when fed a 20% NSM diet, but not in the groups fed a 30% NSM diet. From these observations, Japanese quail hens can be fed diet containing 10% NSM. Moreover, this level can be increased to 20% when supplemented with enzyme.
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