Effect of environment, and seaweed (Sagassum sp) in the feed on the physiological behavior and performance of European quail

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the inclusion of marine macroalgae bran of the species Sargassum sp at increasing levels (0; 2.5; 5 and 7.5 %) on the productive performance and physiological responses of European quail (Coturnix coturnix coturnix), in two types of environments. A total of 480 European quail chicks (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) were used, distributed in an entirely randomized design, with four levels of bran inclusion (0.0; 2.5; 5.0, and 7.5 %), 6 repetitions with 10 birds in each experimental plot. Water consumption was higher and feed intake was lower in the climatic chamber in all phases, presenting regression and interaction effects for both environments as a function of sargassum bran inclusion. Thus, feed conversion and weight gain were also influenced and similar to the feed and water intake results. For the physiological variables, no interactions between the environments were identified as a function of sargassum bran inclusion in any of the phases. However, there were significant differences between the environments. In the first phase, the respiratory rate variable was higher in the climatic chamber and there was no significant difference in the other phases. It is recommended the inclusion of up to 7.5% of sargassum bran in the diet of European quail in all phases, without compromising their productive performance and maintaining the physiological variables within the normal range in environments similar to those simulated in the open housing. However, under heat stress conditions, the quail are compromised, and the inclusion did not have the effect of maintaining the performance of the birds.