Comparative Evaluation of Different Aloe vera Forms Over Quail Performance during Summer

Abstract

Background: Aloe vera (AV) bears antioxidant properties and may improve quail performance during summer. But its action depends upon route of supplementation and dosage. This study thus assesses different AV supplementation forms (Powder and gel) on performance of quail during summer. Methods: Three hundred day old quail chicks were randomly distributed into 5 groups having 4 replicates of 15 birds. Dietary treatments were: C (Basal diet; BD), T1 (BD + 0.4% AV powder as dietary additive), T2 (BD + 0.6% AV powder), T3 (BD + 0.4% AV gel via drinking water) and T4 (Basal diet + 0.6% AV gel via drinking water). Dry-wet bulb temperature was recorded at 7:30 am and 2:30 pm throughout the 6 weeks trial to calculate Temperature humidity index (THI). Growth traits were observed during trial, but carcass traits and blood biochemical parameters were analysed at sixth week of age. Result: THI results revealed that quail birds were in moderate, severe and very severe heat stress during morning, but they experienced very severe heat stress at day time. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly better (p less than 0.05) in T4 than control and T1, but intermediate values were observed in T2 and T3. Cholesterol was significantly reduced in T4 than C, although intermediate values were seen in T1, T2 and T3. Carcass characteristics (as % live weight) showed no difference. It was concluded that 0.6% AV gel supplementation improved FCR during summer months.