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The effects of supplementation of zinc sulfate and prebiotic on production performance, cecal microbial population, immune response and hematological parameters in laying Japanese quails
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Nazanin Rahbar   , Mohammad Taher Mirakzehi * , Hassan Saleh |
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Abstract: (872 Views) |
Introduction: Zinc is incorporated in various organic and mineral forms to improve its absorption and utilization in the diets of poultry. Prebiotics are also used as potential alternatives to antibiotics in poultry diets, reducing the pH of the intestine and thereby decreasing the population of pathogenic bacteria, improving gastrointestinal health, and enhancing nutrient utilization efficiency. The aim of this experiment is to investigate the effects of zinc and prebiotic inulin on production performance, cecal microbial population, and immune response in laying Japanese quails.
Materials & Methods: This experiment was conducted in a 2×2 factorial arrangements using 240 laying Japanese quail chicks at 48 days of age. The study included 4 treatments, each with 6 replicates and 10 birds per replicate. The factors were zinc in the form of zinc sulfate (0 and 100 mg/kg) and inulin (0 and 10 g/kg). The experiment lasted 7 weeks, during which the birds had ad libitum access to water and feed. Daily egg production (number and weight) was recorded, and weekly feed intake was calculated. At the end of the experiment, eggs were collected for quantitative and qualitative assessments. On the last day of the trial, one bird per replicate was randomly selected, blood samples were taken, and then the birds were slaughtered. The contents of the cecum were taken to assess the microbial population. To evaluate humoral immunity, the SRBC test was used. Therefore, two injections were administered on days 29 and 36 of the experimental period to determine the primary and secondary antibody responses.
Results: The results showed that supplementation of either zinc sulfate or inulin led to an increase in egg weight, egg production, egg mass, and improved feed conversion ratio. Supplementation of inulin resulted in increased egg weight and shell thickness. Additionally, it led to an increase in the population of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while reducing the population of harmful bacteria like Clostridium and Coliform. Zinc sulfate supplementation enhanced the antibody response against SRBC. Adding inulin to the diet also led to a reduction in cholesterol and an increase in serum HDL levels.
Conclusion: The results indicate that supplementation with Zinc sulfate and inulin, without imposing any negative effect, leads to improved production performance in laying quails through modulation of the gut microbiota population and enhancement of immune response. |
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| Keywords: Zinc sulfate, Prebiotic, Production performance, Microbial population, Immune response, Blood parameters, Japanese laying quail |
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Full-Text [PDF 919 kb]
(322 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/09/4 | Accepted: 2025/10/2 | Published: 2025/10/2
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