Effect of Supplementation of Black Cumin, Turmeric and Vitamin E Mixture on Egg Production and Hatchability Performance of Japanese Quails

Abstract

Poultry farming remains the predominant form of animal husbandry, significantly contributing to food security, as well as sociocultural and economic development in many countries. In India, there exists a notable imbalance between the supply and demand for meat and eggs. In numerous developing nations, the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) is recognized as the optimal poultry species to fulfill the requirements for animal protein. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementation of black cumin, turmeric and vitamin E mixture on egg production and hatchability performance of Japanese quails. 108 adult quails (72 females and 36 males), approximately 6 weeks old, were randomly selected and divided into three treatment groups: T0 (no supplementation/control group), T1 (1 percent mixture of black cumin and turmeric powder in a 1:1 ratio plus 100 mg of vitamin E) per kg of feed, and T2 (2 percent mixture of black cumin and turmeric powder in a 1:1 ratio plus 200 mg of vitamin E) per kg of feed. Each of these treatment groups had three (3) replicates, each replicate consisting of 8 females and 4 males. The experimental period for the birds extended until they reached 12 weeks of age. Cages were used to rear the quails and maintained properly with standard management procedures. Age at sexual maturity was significantly earlier in treatment groups in comparison with the control group. The hen day egg production (%) was significantly higher in T2 group as compared to the control group during 5th to 10th week of age. while it was significantly greater in the both supplemented groups in comparison with the control group during 11th and 12th week. Egg weight and hatchability was recorded as non-significant among all treatment groups. However, the mean albumen index, yolk index and Haugh unit of quail eggs was significantly higher in the T2 group. It is concluded that supplementation of 2 per cent mixture of black cumin, and turmeric powder at 1:1 ratio with 200 mg vitamin E per kg feed improved egg production and egg quality characteristics in Japanese quail.