Effects of ginger and purslane supplemented diets on the production and physiology of Japanese quail

The Japanese quail is considered one of the most significant species in the poultry industry. Various dietary strategies aim to improve the quality of quails and reduce or eliminate the use of antibiotics. Therefore, depending on the use of herbal plants, a new trend exists to provide high-quality feed. This study aims to provide insight into the possible improvement effects of ginger and purslane powder concentrations (1% and 2%) on the growth performance and reproductive aspects of quail and to implement a completely randomized design (CRD) in triplicate. The results revealed that 1% ginger powder significantly influenced the final week of feed intake, resulting in minimum cholesterol and blood sugar levels in the blood. The data indicated that 1% purslane powder affected body weight and weight gain. It also has a positive effect on blood attributes, including PCV, Hb, amylase, and HDL, while the lowest LDL level is recorded. The application of 2% purslane resulted in the highest feed conversion ratio (FCR) and lipase blood parameters. The male quail presented the highest levels of PCV, Hb, and HDL but the lowest levels of blood sugar and TG. However, the female quail presented the lowest levels of cholesterol and LDL and the highest total protein. The findings of this study suggest that incorporating herbal plants like ginger and purslane into Japanese quail diets can enhance poultry quality. Such dietary supplements may offer natural, cost-effective alternatives for improving the health and productivity of quails, benefiting breeders and farmers in the poultry industry.