The impact of multi-species bacteria as a probiotic on productive performance and egg quality of laying Japanese quail

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of individual and/ or a mixture multi-species bacteria as a probiotic (Pediococcus acidilactici (T1),  Enterococcus faecium (m74) + Pediococcus acidilactici (T2), and Bacillus licheniformis + B. subtilis (T3)) supplementation at different levels  on productive performance and egg quality characteristics in laying Japanese quail. At 42 d, 350 chicks were chosen with nearly  similar live body weight and divided into ten groups of 35 chicks/group. Chicks were fed the basal diet as a control group (L0) or basal  diet supplemented with three levels L1 (1.25), L2 (1.75), and L3 (2.25) g/kg diet, respectively. The bacteria-supplemented diets (T1 and T2)  had an average feed intake that was the lowest and similar to control group. Better feed conversion was obtained in T1 birds in the first  and third month and in the second month in T2. Age at sexual maturity was gradually decreased by dietary supplementation of T3 and L1.  Probiotics increased egg production (EP) and egg mass (EM). EP, egg weight (EW), and EM increased gradually due to T3 and L2  supplementation. Bacteria-supplemented diets markedly increased absolute albumen and yolk weight as well as absolute and relative  eggshell weight. In conclusion, the mixture of E. faecium (m74) + P. acidilactici and B. licheniformis + B. subtilis improved feed conversion  ratio (FCR), egg production, and egg quality traits of laying Japanese quail.