Abstract
Simple SummaryIt is known that the bioactive compounds (N-benzyl-palmitamide, benzyl isothiocyanate, glucosinolates and phenolics) in the maca plant are appetizing, as well as having antioxidant effects and improving reproductive ability. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of adding maca plant powder to the ration at different levels on growth, slaughter carcass, partial egg production and some reproductive characteristics of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Addition of maca powder to the diet increased the feed consumption but did not affect growth, slaughter carcass, partial egg production or fertility. In addition, maca powder reduced embryonic deaths and improved chick quality. According to these results, the positive effects of short-term application of maca powder are not observed during the fattening period in Japanese quails.Maca plant contains rich nutrients and in addition, it has various bioactive substances (N-benzyl-palmitamide, benzyl isothiocyanate, glucosinolates and phenolics). It is used to improve reproductive properties and has antioxidant effects for both humans and animals. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of adding maca plant powder to the ration at different levels on growth, slaughter carcass, partial egg production and some reproductive characteristics in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The experimental groups were formed by adding 0% (control), 0.05% and 0.1% maca powder to the diet, and a total of 300 birds were used. Growth (weekly body weights, parameters of Gompertz growth function), feed efficiency and carcass characteristics of quails in the 42-day fattening trial were determined. Reproductive characteristics were measured up to 22 weeks of age. Addition of maca powder to the diet increased the feed consumption (p < 0.05) but did not affect body weights at 35 and 42 days of age, β0 and β1 parameters or point of inflection weight of the Gompertz model, carcass traits, partial egg production or fertility. It may be advisable to add 0.1% maca powder to the diets of breeders. Besides, maca powder reduced embryonic deaths and improved chick quality (both p < 0.05). It is thought that different results for reproductive traits can be obtained if maca powder is used for a longer period in the diets of breeder quail flocks.
Highlights
IntroductionAntibiotic (tetracyclines, avoparcin, virginiamycin, tylosine, spiramycin, etc.) use, which aims to increase the digestion level by controlling the intestinal microbiota in chicks, is a common practice
Antibiotic use, which aims to increase the digestion level by controlling the intestinal microbiota in chicks, is a common practice
It was determined that the addition of 0.05% and 0.1% maca powder to the diet had no effect on body weight and feed efficiency at 35 and 42 days of age but negatively affected the amount of feed consumption (p < 0.05)
Summary
Antibiotic (tetracyclines, avoparcin, virginiamycin, tylosine, spiramycin, etc.) use, which aims to increase the digestion level by controlling the intestinal microbiota in chicks, is a common practice. Feed efficiency is improved, and more live weight gain can be achieved This practice, which is considered risky for public health, has been banned in European Union countries since 2006. In the structure of each plant, there are many important bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavenoids, glycosides, mucilages, saponins, tannins, and phenol, phenolic acids, coumarin, terpenes, essential oils, lectins and polypeptides [1] These chemical compounds in plants show antiviral and antibacterial effects in other living things that consume plants and cause many effects that strengthen the immune system. Bioactive compounds such as N-benzyl-palmitamide, benzylisothiocyanate, glucosinolates and phenolics in maca have important effects on lipid, mineral and antioxidant metabolisms [2,3,4,5] Many plants and their extracts as feed additives in animal nutrition have been used for many years for growth, reproduction, improvement of product quality and health protection
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