Phytobiotic-enriched multiphase feeding improves growth and reproductive performance in Manchurian quails: Evidence...

Manchurian quails are valued in commercial poultry farming for their early meat maturity, rapid generational turnover, and high egg-laying potential. However, concerns over antibiotic use in feed have heightened interest in sustainable alternatives such as phytobiotics. Despite evidence supporting phytogenic feed additives, limited studies have examined their effects in Manchurian quails under multiphase feeding regimens. This study evaluated the effects of phytobiotic-enriched, extruded feeds (BioFeed-P) across three feeding phases ("Starter," "Grower," and "Layer") on growth performance, egg productivity, and product quality in Manchurian quails.

A total of 1600 1-day-old quails were randomly allocated into experimental group (EG) and control group (CG) at two commercial farms (JEBE; Zhailybayev Experimental Breeding Enterprise and ECO-KO; Ecological Cooperative Kazakhstan Organization)in Kazakhstan. EG received phytobiotic-enriched multiphase feeds, whereas CG was provided standard commercial diets. Growth rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), survivability, and egg production were measured over a 90-day period. Product quality was assessed by analyzing egg morphology, chemical composition, and mineral profiles. Statistical analyses included the Student's t-test, correlation analysis, and determination of effect size.

Quails in EG showed significantly higher body weight gain (186.3 g vs. 135.3 g; relative gain 415.5% vs. 297.5%; p = 0.003, Cohen's d = 1.12) and improved FCR (2.05 vs. 2.45; p = 0.001). Egg-laying intensity was greater in EG at both ECO-KO (64.4% vs. 41.3%; p = 0.004) and JEBE (69.0% vs. 40.0%; p = 0.003). Egg morphology showed modest changes: Heavier albumen, reduced shell weight, and lighter yolk pigmentation. Chemical analyses revealed slight decreases in protein and fat fractions accompanied by minor increases in carbohydrate and ash content, while the mineral composition remained stable. Mortality was lower in EG (3.8% vs. 7.7%), with no adverse health effects.

Phytobiotic-enriched multiphase feeds significantly enhance growth efficiency and reproductive output in Manchurian quails without compromising mineral egg quality. These findings support phytobiotics as sustainable alternatives to antibiotics in commercial quail farming. Future research should include long-term reproductive assessments, economic cost-benefit analyses, and molecular studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.