Effects of dietary supplementation of zeolite on performance, egg quality characteristics, and some blood parameters in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnixjaponica)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of zeolite-supplemented diets at different levels (2% and 4%) on performance, internal and external egg quality characteristics, and blood parameters in quails. A total of 90 sixty-day-old female Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were used. All birds were fed with a soybean-maize basal diet for 90 days. The experimental groups consisted of the control group (without zeolite supplement), group Z2 (with 2% zeolite supplement), and group Z4 (with 4% zeolite supplement). There were no significant differences between the groups in feed consumption, egg production and feed conversion ratio (P > 0.05), except for egg yield (P < 0.01). In the third month of zeolite supplementation, eggshell weights in groups C, Z2 and Z4 were determined to be 0.96, 1.05 and 1.03 g, respectively. Eggshell thickness was different between groups on day 60 (P < 0.01). Yolk height was significantly different in the first and second month (P < 0.01), while differences in yolk diameter were significant only in the third month of investigation (P < 0.05). The effects of different levels of zeolite added to the diets on serum Ca (P < 0.01), P and Mg (P < 0.05) levels were significantly different among the groups. According to these results, zeolite supplementation of quails diet positively affects egg production and shell weight, which is essential for sustainable and profitable breeding. It was also observed that zeolite increased serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. However, no significant effect was observed on other external and internal egg quality traits.