Impact of Pomegranate peel powder (Punica granatum) incorporation on growth performance, carcass characteristics and biochemical parameters in Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica)

The aim of the assay was to study the effect of pomegranate peel powder (PPP) as an alternative natural additive on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and biochemical parameters of Japanese quails. The experiment involved 208 unsexed Japanese quails’ chicks initially fed a standard diet without PPP for the first week. Then, they were weighed and divided into four groups: one control group CTRL and three test groups receiving diets supplemented with 3%, 5%, and 7% PPP. Each group composed of four replicates of 13 quails. The results indicated that during the grower period, the group receiving 7% PPP showed higher feed intake (FI) (P=0.029) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P=0.001). However, body weight (BW) (P<0.0001), body weight gain (BWG) (P=0.001), and average daily gain (ADG) (P=0.017) were decreased. In contrast, during the finisher period, PPP supplementation did not significantly affect the final BW, BWG, or ADG (P>0.05). Notably, the groups receiving 5% and 7% PPP experienced a significant reduction in FI (P=0.001) and the 7% PPP group showed significant increases in proventriculus weight (P=0.025), relative intestine weight (P=0.017) and cecum length (P<0.0001). Furthermore, this group exhibited a noticeable decrease in albumin levels (P<0.0001) and an increase in GOT activity (P=0.002). In conclusion, PPP shows promising effects as a nutritional additive and natural growth promoter for Japanese quails. However, it is advisable to incorporate it after the grower period and to be cautious with higher doses due to potential toxicity risks.