Chick Mash Research Articles

Impact of chick mash, rice bran, and wheat bran as starter feeds on the performance of black soldier fly larvae in food waste treatment

ABSTRACT Inadequate management of food waste (FW) has contributed to environmental degradation. Bioconversion of FW using black soldier fly larvae has proven to be a safe and cost-effective method for FW management. However, limited studies exist on the influence of starter feeds. The impact of rice bran, wheat bran, and chick mash as starter feeds was evaluated by investigating the optimal larval weight, substrate reduction, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and bioconversion rate (BCR) of the larvae after initial treatment in rice bran (T1), wheat bran (T2), chick mash (T3), and control (T4). The highest mean larval weight observed was 0.22 g in T3 followed by 0.18, 0.16, and 0.13 g in T2, T4, and T1, respectively. A similar trend was observed for substrate reduction and BCR. Nevertheless, the obtained substrate reduction range of 75.5–82.8% was comparable with the published ranges. The best performance in T3 may be attributed to high protein and nitrogen content in chick mash, while the lowest performance is attributed to high ash content in rice bran, which negatively affected the BCR. It can be concluded that the physico-chemical properties of the starter feeds strongly determine the growth and development of larvae.

Iterative multi-criteria decision LP-modeling approach for a sustainable chick mash nutritional feed production

Iterative multi-criteria decision LP-modeling approach for a sustainable chick mash nutritional feed production

Study of Supplementation of Various Levels of Biochar on Health and Production Performance of Growing Local Turkey (Meleagris gallopova) Poults

The study determined the hematobiochemical, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme parameters of local day-old male turkey poults (n=24), during two feeding periods, grower phase (6-15 weeks) and finisher phase (16-24 weeks). A commercial (Top® brand) chick mash served as the basal diet, while biochar supplementation levels were 5, 15 and 25g/kg at the start of the grower phase, until slaughter. Poults fed 5 and 15g/kg biochar had higher (P<0.05) final body weight and average daily weight gain when compared with poults fed other treatment diets. White blood cell count was higher (P<0.05) in poults fed 25g/kg biochar diet compared with those of the control group. Poults fed 5 and 15g/kg biochar diets had reduced serum (P<0.05) aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine, and bilirubin concentrations when compared with those of the control birds, while the lowest concentrations of uric acid were recorded in poults fed 5g/kg biochar diet. Increased (P<0.05) activities of serum catalase and glutathione peroxidase were observed in 15 and 25g/kg biochar groups, coupled with decreased (P<0.05) malondialdehyde values which were comparable (P>0.05) with those of the control group. The results of the present study revealed that 15g/kg biochar can be incorporated in the diet of local turkey poults for improved growth performance and serum-biochemistry and reduced lipid peroxidation. However, improvement in hematology and antioxidant enzyme activity in local turkey poults require 25g/kg biochar supplementation.

Using organic wastes as feed substrate for black soldier fly larvae

Feeding black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) on locally available organic wastes has the potential of providing an alternative source of protein to fishmeal and soybean used in animal feed formulation. This can also mitigate against increasing accumulation of organic wastes and reduce high costs associated with their disposal. This study assessed the effects of three locally available organic waste substrates namely Irish potato peels, kale remains and bovine ruminal content versus chick mash as a positive control on larval weight gain, prepupal yield, substrate reduction rate, bioconversion rate and conversion ratio of BSFL. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine whether organic feed substrates had significant effects on BSFL while Tukey HSD, post-hoc test was applied for multiple comparisons and mean separation atP<0.05. Organic waste feed substrates influenced larval weight gain and prepupal yield (P<0.01), biomass reduction rate (P=0.04), bioconversion rate (P=0.01) and conversion ratio (P=0.04) of BSFL produced. Kale remains performed better than Irish potato peels and bovine ruminal contents implying that they can be enriched to provide an alternative feed for BSFL instead of chick mash. This study demonstrated that the three locally available organic waste substrates can be used to feed BSFL for sustainable production of animal feed. Black soldier fly larvae have the potential of providing a viable solution for degradation and disposal of ever-increasing quantities of organic wastes in the markets, towns and cities of sub-Saharan Africa.

Effect of dietary energy and lysine levels on cost of production and profit of meat production in “TANUVAS Namakkal gold Japanese quails”

Two biological trials were conducted to determine the energy and lysine requirements of “TANUVAS Namakkal gold Japanese quail” for production performance. The economic impact of different levels energy and lysine during the chick (0-2 weeks) and grower (3-5 weeks) phases was assessed using seven hundred and twenty straight-run, day-old chicks randomly grouped in nine treatments with four replicates of twenty chicks each. Three levels of energy (2800, 2900 and 3000 kcal/kg) and three levels of lysine (1.2, 1.3 and 1.4%) were tested for chick and grower phase of the first experiment. The net profit per bird (Rs. 8.49) was high in group T1 (low energy and low lysine) and the net profit per kg live weight (Rs. 48.57) was high in T2 (2900 kcal/kg and 1.2%). For the second experiment an energy level of 2700, 2800 and 2900 kcal/kg was fixed for chick and grower mash, lysine level of 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4% was fixed for chick phase and 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3% for grower phase and the crude protein level was fixed as 20.3 and 19.4 per cent for chick and grower mash respectively for the second trial. The net profit per bird (Rs. 7.18) was high in group T6 and the net profit per kg live weight (Rs. 37.62) was high in T6 (2900 kcal/kg and 1.3% lysine during chick phase and 1.2% lysine during the grower phase).

Mycoflora, aflatoxin, and fumonisin levels present in layer feed in Nairobi County

Layer feeds in Africa largely comprise cereals that are susceptible to mycotoxin contamination. Mycotoxins pose a health and production hazard in the poultry industry. This study investigated the mycoflora associated with layer feeds and mycotoxin content. 50 samples each of chick mash, grower mash, and layer mash were sampled from five regions in Nairobi County where urban poultry farming is carried out. Dilution plate technique was used to isolate fungi in Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and identified using morphological and molecular methods. Total aflatoxins (AF) and total fumonisins (FUM) levels were screened using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Aspergillus (91%), Penicillium (77%), Fusarium (13%), Mucor (11%), Rhizopus (9%), Cladosporium (4%), and Cochliobolus (1%) were isolated. AF was detected in 65% of feed samples (0.22 μg/kg - 157.89 μg/kg) while FUM in 91% of feed samples (210 μg/kg - 15173 μg/kg). Sixty-two samples (42%) had AF levels greater than the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) recommended limit of 10 μg/kg in poultry feed. No sample contained FUM levels higher than the European Union (EU) recommended limit of 20000 μg/kg. Our results highlight AF contamination in farms in the County, raising concern to poultry and public health due to AF residues in eggs.

Growth performance and haematological traits of Nigerian local chickens fed varied dietary protein levels

This study was carried out to investigate the growth performance and haematological traits of Nigerian local chickens (NLC) fed varied dietary protein levels. An eleven week feeding trial was done in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement using six treatment groups comprising a combination of two genotypes of the NLC' identified as normal leather (na) and naked neck (Na) and three dietary protein levels - high protein: HP (22% and 20% CP chick mash and grower mash respectively), medium protein: MP (20% and 18% chick mash and grower mash respectively) and low protein: LP (18% and 16% chick mash and grower mash). Data were collected on growth performance traits (body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio). At the end of the feeding trial a haematological assay was done. Neither genotype nor interaction of genotype and dietary protein level influenced (p>0.05) any of the growth performance traits studied. Birds on HP ate 10.21% and 7.09% less feed than those on MP and LP respectively. A better (p<0.05) protein efficiency ratio (up 10 20.79%) was observed in birds fed LP. Na birds had 4.55% and 17.50x704L-1 more packed cell volume and platelets respectively than na birds (p<0.05). All haematological traits studied, except white blood cell count, showed significant variations (p<0.05) due to varied dietary protein levels. Higher haemoglobin, red blood cell counts, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and platelets were observed in birds fed LP diet. Reducing the dietary protein level had no adverse effect on the NLC thus, the LP diet is recommended for raising the Nigerian local chicken.

Growth performance and haematological traits of Nigerian local chickens fed varied dietary protein levels

This study was carried out to investigate the growth performance and haematological traits of Nigerian local chickens (NLC) fed varied dietary protein levels. An eleven week feeding trial was done in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement using six treatment groups comprising a combination of two genotypes of the NLC identified as normal feather (na) and naked neck (Na) and three dietary protein levels - high protein: HP (22% and 20% CP chick mash and grower mash respectively), medium protein: MP (20% and 18% chick mash and grower mash respectively) and low protein: LP (18% and 16% chick mash and grower mash). Data were collected on growth performance traits (body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio). At the end of the feeding trial a haematological assay was done. Neither genotype nor interaction of genotype and dietary protein level influenced (p>0.05) any of the growth performance traits studied. Birds on HP ate 10.21% and 7.09% less feed than those on MP and LP respectively. A better (p<0.05) protein efficiency ratio (up to 20.79%) was observed in birds fed LP. Na birds had 4.55% and 17.50x103 L-1 more packed cell volume and platelets respectively than na birds (p<0.05). All haematological traits studied, except white blood cell count, showed significant variations (p<0.05) due to varied dietary protein levels. Higher haemoglobin, red blood cell counts, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and platelets were observed in birds fed LP diet. Reducing the dietary protein level had no adverse effect on the NLC thus, the LP diet is recommended for raising the Nigerian local chicken.

Effect of alternative rearing substrates and temperature on growth and development of the cricket Modicogryllus conspersus (Schaum)

The increasing demand for animal protein in sub-Saharan Africa has led to insects being considered an alternative protein source for food and feed. In Uganda, chicken mash, containing fish meal as the protein source is commonly used to rear crickets. However, fishmeal is an expensive protein source that is also human food. This study therefore aimed at establishing an alternative preferred (consumed in the highest quantity) plant leaf diet for raising the Modicogryllus conspersus cricket, and the most suitable temperature for hatchability and egg development. The effect of (a) three diets (cassava leaves + cocoyam leaves + milk weed leaves; cassava leaves + pumpkin leaves + wandering Jew; and cassava leaves + lablab + Cinderella weed) on growth; and (b) incubation temperature (26, 28, 30, 32, and 34 °C) on egg hatchability and egg development time were studied. Cassava, pumpkin and milk weed leaves were the most ‘preferred’ of the tested plant leaves. Egg development time was longer at lower temperatures, ranging between 7-14 days across a 26-34 °C temperature range. The highest hatchability (95%) was observed at 28 °C, below and above which hatchability decreased. The maximum nymph weight (1.58 mg) at hatching was observed at 26 °C and decreased with increasing egg incubation temperature. The plant leaf diet containing leaves with highest protein content (pumpkin, wandering Jew and cassava) led to the highest growth and growth rate comparable to the control diet (broiler chick mash). Temperature had a significant effect on egg development time (P<0.001) and nymph weight at hatching (P<0.001) while the food type significantly influenced growth (P<0.001) and moulting time. The possibility of formulating a nutrient balanced, cost-effective, compound feed for cricket production should be investigated.

The Effects of <i>Allium sativum</i> and <i>Piper Nigrum</i> on the Growth Perfomance and Packed Cell Volume of Broiler Chicks

This research was carried out to investigate the effect of <i>Allium sativum</i> (garlic) and <i>Piper nigrum</i> (black pepper) on growth performance and PCV of broiler chicks. Sixty <i>Abor acre</i> broiler chicks of mixed sexes at four weeks old were used in this research, they were randomly allocated to four treatments. Those in group A served as control and were given chick mash and water only, group B received 1g of garlic powder mixed in 100g of chick mash, group C also received 1g of black pepper powder mixed in 100g of chick mash while group D were fed 0.5g of garlic and 0.5g black pepper powder mixed in 100g of chick mash. The experiments lasted for eight weeks. At the end of the experiment, the result of the study revealed that birds fed with mixture of garlic (0.05g) and black pepper (0.5g) powder recorded a significant (P<0.05) mean weight 2005g, followed by those fed garlic powder with mean weight 1884g. Birds that were fed black pepper recorded mean weight 1589g while the control group produced the least mean weight of 1338g. Analysis of variance showed no statistically significant difference (P<0.05) between the Packed Cell Volume of birds fed with black pepper powder compared to those of control, garlic and mixture of garlic and black pepper group of broiler. Birds fed with black pepper powder had the highest PCV value of 40.979, followed by those fed with mixture of garlic and black pepper powder 38.593. Broilers fed with 1g of garlic powder recorded PCV level of 37.178 while control group recorded the least value of 35.692. The result of this research indicated that black pepper boosted PCV in broiler and its mixture with garlic also enhanced body weight when incorporated in the right proportion.

Variation in Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae) progeny adult emergence in different animal feed stored under ventilated and non-ventilated conditions

In contrast to the traditional practices of using naturally-available food materials for livestock production, multiplicity types of animal feed are currently available at the market. Prolonged storage of animal feed concurrently with human food items is practiced, and niche users experience the deterioration and possible risk of contamination of animal feed by insects. This study was conducted to determine the infestation of eleven types of animal feed commonly used in Sri Lanka by Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae), a major granivorous insect species. Twenty adults of one-month-old R. dominica were introduced to 20 g of different animal feed: fish feed, rabbit feed, dog feed, cat feed, chick mash, grower mash, layer mash, broiler starter, broiler finisher, bird feed (Bajiri) and rice polish. Each animal feed was maintained either ventilated or non-ventilated. From each animal feed, four replicates were tested. The parent adults were maintained in animal feed for 21 days under ambient environmental conditions (30 °C, 60% relative humidity, continuous darkness), and then sifted out. The progeny adults emerged in each animal feed were determined at monthly intervals for 5 months. In general, fish feed, rabbit feed, layer mash and bird feed (‘bajiri’) were more infested by R. dominica than other animal feed tested. Furthermore, progeny adults emerged in animal feeds differed with the status of ventilation and the duration of storage. The study reveals that the status of ventilation has mixed effects on the infestation of different animal feeds by R. dominica.

Loss of animal feed due to infestation by Rhyzopertha dominica

Despite the use of natural food for livestock production, different animal feeds are currently available at the market. Long-term storage of these animal feeds lead to deterioration and contamination by insects. Therefore, it is important that the loss of these animal feeds be determined and methods to control the damage be sought. This study was conducted to determine the loss of eleven types of animal feed commonly used in Sri Lanka due to infestation by Rhyzopertha dominica, a major granivorous insect species. Twenty newly emerged adults of R. dominica were introduced separately to each animal feed: fish feed, rabbit feed, dog feed, cat feed, chick mash, grower mash, layer mash, broiler starter, broiler finisher, bird feed (Bajiri), and rice polish. Each animal feed was maintained either aerated or air tight. These parent adults were maintained for 21 days in the media under ambient environmental conditions (30°C, 65% relative humidity), and then removed. The progeny adults emerged in each feed sample were removed and the weight of the samples was determined at monthly intervals. In general, weight loss of animal feed varied with the feed type, duration of exposure, and aeration condition. Attention needs to be paid to protect those animal feeds that recorded higher losses due to R. dominica during storage.

Effect of Feeding Curd as A Probiotic on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization, Blood Biochemical and Ceacal Microbial Profile in Broilers

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of curd as probiotic on growth performance, nutrient utilization, blood biochemical and caecal microbial profile in broiler chicken. Day old broiler chicks (n=200) were procured and reared for one week with standard chick mash, and then divided into three dietary treatments having three replicates of 22 chicks in each. The treatment groups were fed the following rations for 42 days; T1 group fed basal diets alone (control), T2 and T3 groups fed basal diet with 10 and 20 percent probiotic product (curd fermented maize). At the end of the feeding experiment, a metabolic trial was conducted to evaluate the digestibility of nutrients. Average body weight change and gain in weight were higher (P

Interaction effect of whole wheat feeding and mannanoligosaccharides supplementation on growth performance, haematological indices and caecal microbiota of cockerel chicks.

The interaction effect of whole wheat feeding and mannanoligosaccharides supplementation on growth performance, haematological indices and caecal microbiota of cockerel chicks were investigated using 250-day-old cockerel chicks previously reared for 7 days pre-experimental period. Birds were fed with commercial chick mash during the pre-experimental period. At the expiration of this period, 192 chicks were selected on weight equalization basis and assigned into 24 pens. Each treatment consisted of six pens, while each pen housed eight birds. Four wheat-soya bean-based experimental diets were formulated in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of diets having two wheat forms (ground and whole wheat grain) each supplemented or not with 1 g/kg MOS/kg feed. Whole wheat feeding (irrespective of MOS supplementation) showed reduced (p < 0.05) feed intake. Birds fed whole wheat diet supplemented with MOS recorded the highest (p < 0.01) final live weight, weight gain and the best (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio. Haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and red blood cell count of the chicks were not affected (p > 0.05) by dietary treatment. However, dietary supplementation with MOS resulted in increased (p < 0.05) WBC counts. The caecum content of chicks fed with MOS-supplemented whole wheat diets recorded the least (p < 0.01) salmonella counts. In conclusion, combination of whole wheat feeding and MOS supplementation showed improved growth performance, gut microbiota and indications of improved health status of cockerel chicks.

Effect of Locally Produced Blood Meal on Growth Performance and Packed Cell Volume of Broiler Chicks

This research evaluated the effect of locally produced blood meal on growth performance of broiler chicks. Three experimental diets were formulated; diet one served as control without blood meal, diet 2 contained 100g of blood meal mixed in 500g of chick mash while diet 3 contained 300g of blood meal mixed with 500g of chick mash. Forty-five broiler chicks were randomly assigned to the three treatments having five birds per cage. Each treatment was replicated three times. The experimental diets and portable water were supplied ad libitium throughout the experimental period for 42 days. At the end of the experiment, birds fed diet 2 (100g blood meal and 500g chick mash) gained more weight having mean weight gain of 3.04g than birds fed with diet 3 (300g of blood meal mixed with 500g of chick mash) having mean weight gain of 2.95g and birds fed with diet 1 (control, no blood meal). Also there was significant difference (P < 0.05) between the packed cell volume of birds feed with diet 2 and those fed with diet 1 and 3. The result of the research indicated that diet 2 enhances growth and boosts the PCV in broiler chicks. Broilers fed with diet two had the highest mean packed cell volume of 41.40%, followed by those fed with diet 3 which had 40.20% while those fed with diet 1 had 37%.

Distribution of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus section Flavi in commercial poultry feed in Nigeria

The distribution and aflatoxigenicity of Aspergillus section Flavi isolates in 58 commercial poultry feed samples obtained from 17 states in five agro-ecological zones (AEZs) in Nigeria were determined in order to assess the safety of the feeds with respect to aflatoxin-producing fungi. Correlation was also performed for incidence of species, aflatoxin-producing ability of isolates in vitro, and aflatoxin (AFB1) concentrations in the feed. A total of 1006 Aspergillus section Flavi isolates were obtained from 87.9% of the feed samples and identified as Aspergillus flavus, unnamed taxon SBG, Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus tamarii. A. flavus was the most prevalent (91.8%) of the isolates obtained from the feed in the AEZs while A. parasiticus had the lowest incidence (0.1%) and was isolated only from a layer mash sample collected from the DS zone. About 29% of the Aspergillus isolates produced aflatoxins in maize grains at concentrations up to 440,500μg/kg B and 341,000μg/kgG aflatoxins. The incidence of toxigenic isolates was highest (44.4%) in chick mash and lowest (19.9%) in grower mash. The population of A. flavus in the feed had positive (r=0.50) but non significant (p>0.05) correlations with proportion of toxigenic isolates obtained from the feed while SBG had significant (p<0.001) positive (r=0.99) influence on AFB1 concentrations in the feed. Poultry feed in Nigerian markets are therefore highly contaminated with aflatoxigenic Aspergillus species and consequently, aflatoxins. This is a potential threat to the poultry industry and requires urgent intervention.

English

The composition of urea treated rice milling waste and its application as animal feed was studied. The proximate analysis of the urea treated rice milling waste showed that it contained 94.90% dry matter, 10.38% crude protein, 5.89% crude fibre, 0.16% ether extract, 7.47% ash, and 54.81% nitrogen-free extracts. The untreated rice milling waste contained 94.34% dry matter, 9.11% crude protein, 6.37% crude fibre, 0.18% ether extract, 8.11% ash, and 54.69% nitrogen-free extracts. Four experimental diets were prepared containing two different levels (30 and 35%) each of untreated and urea treated rice milling waste mixed with commercial pelletized chick mash to assess their effects on weaner rabbits. Data on the feed intake, growth rate, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of weaner rabbits fed diets containing two different levels each of untreated and urea treated rice milling waste were compared using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). There were no significant effects (P > 0.05) of dietary treatment and level of inclusion for average feed intake, average body weight gain, and the FCR. The study indicated that rabbits can be successfully raised on a commercial chick mash mixed with 35% rice milling waste treated or untreated without any adverse effect on growth. Key words: Rice milling waste, weaner rabbit, proximate analysis, analysis of variance, animal feed, urea.

Low nutritive quality of own-mixed chicken rations in Kampala City, Uganda

Chicken production is popular in Kampala City, Uganda. Indeed about 70 % of all poultry products consumed in Kampala are produced locally. However, the high cost of feed is a major limiting factor. As a consequence, chicken farmers are formulating and mixing their own feeds. However, these own-mixed feeds may not meet recommended nutrient levels. We therefore studied five classes of own-mixed chicken feeds: broiler starter, broiler finisher, chick mash, grower mash, and layer mash. Samples of the chicken feeds were collected from farmers in and around Kampala City. We analyzed crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, total starch, ash, calcium, phosphorus, and gross energy contents of the feeds. The apparent metabolizable energy content was calculated. We compared data with dietary requirements recommended for chickens in the tropics. Results show that own-mixed rations contained 21.9–36.3 % less protein than minimum recommendations. Broiler rations contained 16.2–20 % less metabolizable energy than minimum recommendations, and their crude fiber content was 37.5–50 % higher than the maximum recommendation. Layer mash contained 66.7 % less calcium and 17.5 % less metabolizable energy than minimum recommendations. All the five classes of own-mixed chicken rations were very high in ash content, ranging from 17.0 to 21.2 %. We conclude that own-mixed chicken rations do not conform to the dietary recommendations. There is therefore a need to give chicken farmers training on feed formulation and mixing.

Effects of Methanol Extract of Securidacalongepedunculata on Haematology and Histology of Rats

Thirty -two (32) wistar rats were divided into four groups of eight. Group one was given 5ml/kgbw of normal saline and it served as the control, while groups two to four were given 100, 200 and 500 mg/kgbw of methanol extract Securidacalongepedunculata for twenty-eight (28) days. All the rats were maintained ad libitum on chick's mash and water. Sacrifices were done on the 7 th , 14 th , 21 st and 28 th day for the haematology and the histological examination was after the 28 th day. The result showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in Hb concentration and WBC when compared to the control at weeks one (acute phase) and four (chronic phase). Weeks two and three showed variations. The same trend was seen in packed cell volume (PCV) with exception in group four of week four. On examination of the organs, there was no morphological difference, however, there were histological changes in the liver and kidneys of animals treated with the extract. These changes were characteristically severe degeneration/necrosis, severe congestion, lymphocytes infiltration, sinusoid enlargement and parenchyma hypertrophy. These results seemed to suggest haemolytic effect and significant organ damage of the methanol extract of Securidacalongepedunculataat the chronic phase.

Pathology of Ochratoxin A–Induced Nephrotoxicity in Japanese Quail and Its Protection by Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoidesL.)

The present study was designed to study the protective effect of sea buckthorn (SBT) against renal damage induced by ochratoxin A (OTA) in Japanese quail. Day-old quail chicks were divided into six groups and fed a basal quail chick mash containing 2% SBT leaf powder (group SX), OTA at a dietary level of 3 ppm (group OX), 25 ppm L-beta-phenylalanine (Phe) plus 3 ppm OTA (group OP), 2% dietary level of SBT leaf powder plus 3 ppm OTA (group OS), SBT leaf extract at a level of 10%/L of drinking water plus 3 ppm OTA (group OSS), and a standard toxin-free feed (group CX, control) for 21 days. OTA at 3 ppm level in diet grossly revealed mild to moderate renal swelling in OX birds, and the severity was less in the case of OS, OSS, and OP birds. Microscopically, degenerative, necrotic, and inflammatory changes were observed in OX birds, but the changes were less severe in OS, OSS, and OP birds. Ultrastructural studies revealed remarkable and consistent changes in the proximal convoluted tubules (PCTs), with severe damage of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum in OX birds, whereas SBT-treated birds (groups OS, OSS) had mild changes in mitochondria. A moderate to marked increase in number of peroxisomes in the cytoplasm of PCTs was a consistent finding in the Phe- and SBT-treated groups kept on OTA in comparison to the group fed OTA alone. In conclusion, the inclusion of 2% SBT leaf powder in feed and SBT leaf extract in water provided partial protection against OTA-induced nephropathy in Japanese quail.