Laying performance of Japanese quail fed graded levels of neem ( Azadirachta indica) kernel meal incorporated diets

Abstract

The response of laying Japanese quails to graded amounts of dietary neem kernel meal (NKM) added for part of soybean meal and deoiled rice bran was investigated in the present study. The NKM was incorporated at 0, 50, 75 or 100 g kg −1 in a standard layer diet, and each of the four test diets were offered ad libitum as mash to 12 birds housed individually in laying cages from 7 to 20 weeks of age. The birds in different dietary groups had earlier received the respective quail starter–grower diets containing graded amounts of NKM as in the layer quail diets. Observations on egg production of quails, feed intake, blood biochemicals and pathomorphology of vital organs were made. Results on feed intake revealed insignificant differences amongst the groups and almost similar egg production and egg quality. However, quails fed the NKM diets tended to utilize feed less efficiently ( P<0.01) as compared to those fed the control diet. Except for significantly high ( P<0.01) ALP activity in quails fed the NKM diet, no significant ( P<0.05) differences in haematological (Hb, TEC, TLC), serum biochemicals (glucose, protein, cholesterol), and the AST, ALT activities were noticed. Regression analysis of data showed a decreasing trend of egg production with poor feed:egg and an increased TLC, protein and ALP as the dietary level of NKM was increased. Histopathology of vital organs of quails fed the NKM diets showed massive fatty infiltration in liver and degenerative changes in the kidney tissues. From the results of the study it may be concluded that feeding NKM to Japanese quails from day 1 to 20 weeks of age supported normal feed intake, egg production and egg quality but, however, the ingredient on long-term feeding induced pathological changes in liver and kidney tissues.