Turmeric and sorghum for egg-laying quails

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of adding different turmeric amounts to sorghum-based diets for Japanese quails on animal performance, animal metabolism, yolk colour, egg quality, blood and liver biochemical parameters and sensory attributes of the eggs. The study included 210 egg-laying quails aged 50 days and lasted for 90 days. The study had a completely randomised design with six treatments and five replicates with seven birds per replicate. A control corn-based feed and sorghum-based feeds to which different turmeric levels were added (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2%) were tested. The results showed that the sorghum-based feeds with added turmeric levels did not affect animal performance, metabolisation of protein and ether extract, internal and external quality of eggs, serum biochemical profile, including calcium, phosphorous, protein and liver transaminase enzymes. Blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased when ≥0.5% percentages of turmeric were added to the feed. Yolk colour of the treatments differed significantly from that of the control, but the yolks were considered well suited for consumption. Turmeric reduced the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in egg-laying quails.