Influence of fennel in Japanese Quail Diet over egg quality and behavior aspects

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of Pimpinella anisum (fennel) on the performance, stress, and quality of Japanese Quail eggs in the second laying cycle (73 to 77 weeks). One hundred sixty-eight female quails from Japanese sub-species (Coturnix coturnix japonica) at 73 weeks of age, divided and submitted to four treatments (0; 250; 500 and 750mg of fennel/kg of feed) were used in a randomized block design. (RBD), with seven replications and six birds per experimental plot, totaling 28 plots. Performance, behavioral, and egg quality parameters were evaluated. Bird performance was not influenced (p>0.05) by the treatments tested. The highest egg weight and albumen weight were found in birds fed 750 mg of fennel, while a higher albumen height was observed for the estimated dose of 669 mg (p<0,05). The estimated doses of 554.09 mg, 634.10 mg, and 613.10 mg of fennel were efficient in reducing agitated behaviors by riding, pecking, and stirring, respectively. However, non-aggressive variables were not influenced by the addition of fennel to the diet (p>0.05). The tonic immobility test had a decreasing linear effect (p<0.05), which indicates a lower time in seconds in tonic immobility to birds receiving 750 mg of fennel. Fennel added to the diet did not interfere with performance, but it influenced essential parameters related to egg quality and was able to alter characteristics related to bird behavior.