Utilization of olive pulp meal as a feedstuff in growing Japanese quail diets [electronic resource].

Includes references.

A total number of 180 Japanese quail chicks at hatch were used in an experiment which lasted 6 weeks. The experiment aimed to study the utilization of olive pulp meal (OPM ) as a feedstuff in growing Japanese quail diets. Chicks were divided into 4 equal experimental groups of 45 chicks in three replicates ( 15 chicks/ replica.). The OPM was used at levels of 0,10,15 or 20% in the diets. The experimental diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous Live body weight and body weight gain of quail chicks were significantly (P< 0.05) decreased with the increase of OPM % in the diets. The highest live body weight and body weight gain were recorded by using 10 % OPM, while, those fed on 20 % recorded the lowest one. It is worthy noting that feed intake increased significantly (P<0.05) with the increasing of OPM levels. Moreover, feed conversion ratio (g feed/g gain) became significantly worst (P< 0.05) by increasing DSM up to 20% in the diets. The highly levels of OPM in the diets showed significant (P< 0.05) decrease in the dressing percentage of quail. The 10 % OPM group showed the best net return as well as the highest value of economic efficiency among experimental groups. Digestibility coefficients of CP, CF, NFE and the nutritive values as DCP ,TON % and ME(Kcal/kg) were significantly varied (P<0.05 or P<0.01) among the different experimental groups. Serum TP, AL ,GL, A/G ratio, Cr and Ur recorded a non-significant difference among quail groups. Serum enzymes ALT, AST recorded an increase (p<0.05) with increasing OPM levels. Serum cholesterol recorded decrease (p<0.05) with increasing OPM levels. From the nutritional and economical efficiency stand points of view, the olive pulp meal could be recommended to be used successfully and safely in formulated diets for growing quail, if be included up to 10% without adverse effect on growth performance or physiological parameters.

Summary in Arabic.

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