Med. Weter. 81 (4), 173-184, 2025
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| MEHMET SARAÇOĞLU, SABRİ YURTSEVEN, HAMZA YALÇİN, ÖZLEM DURĞUN |
| Effects of pepper waste and capsaıcın-based commercıal feed addıtıves on growth performance, egg productıon, and qualıty ın japanese quaıls |
| This study aimed to investigate the effects of diets containing different levels of hot pepper waste and capsaicin-based commercial feed additives (ID Phyt Capcin) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, and egg production of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). The research lasted for a total of 9 weeks, consisting of a 6-week feeding period and a 3-week laying period. The subjects were divided into seven groups, including a control group. Hot pepper waste (HPW) and ID phyt capcin (ID) groups were supplemented with feed additives at levels of 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5%, respectively. The results showed that at the end of the first 3 weeks, the 7.5% HPW group exhibited the highest live weight (BW) (P < 0.05), indicating a positive effect on growth. However, at week 6, no significant difference in BW was observed among the groups (P > 0.05). Body weight gain (BWG) was highest in the 7.5% HPW group during the T1 period (P < 0.05), but in the T2 period, the 2.5% ID and 5% ID groups demonstrated superior BWG (P < 0.05). Daily feed intake (DFI) results revealed that the highest consumption occurred in the 5% and 7.5% HPW groups during the T1 period (P < 0.05), while the lowest consumption was recorded in the 5% ID group. However, no significant differences in DFI were found among the groups during the T2 and T3 periods (P > 0.05). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) results showed significant differences between groups in all periods (P < 0.05). The 5% ID groups consistently exhibited the best feed efficiency (P < 0.05), while the 7.5% HPW group demonstrated lower feed efficiency in the T2 and T3 periods. Carcass and internal organ measurements indicated that HPW increased the gizzard weight (P < 0.05) but significantly reduced heart and spleen weights (P < 0.05). Blood parameters showed that triglyceride (TG) levels decreased in the HPW groups (P < 0.05), while these levels remained higher in the ID groups (P < 0.05). Regarding egg production, the highest production rate was recorded in the 7.5% ID group (P < 0.05), while egg yolk color was significantly superior in the HPW groups (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found among the groups for other egg quality parameters, such as shell thickness, Haugh unit, and hatchability (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that the type and dosage of feed additives can lead to varying effects. HPW positively influenced yolk color and feed intake, while ID enhanced feed conversion efficiency. The study emphasizes that the optimal use of capsaicin-based additives can improve performance and quality, although their long-term effects require further investigation. |
| Keywords: Capsaicin, Performance, Egg quality, Quails, Pepper waste. |