Effect of Different Levels and Forms of Boron and Chromium on Egg Quality, Hatchability and Fertility Percentages in Laying Japanese Quail

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of inorganic and Nano-forms of boron (B) and chromium (Cr) on egg quality, hatchability, and fertility in laying Japanese quail. Two hundred and forty-three quails were assigned to nine dietary treatments with equal three replicates in a complete randomized design. Quails of the control group were fed a basal diet without any additives (T1); Inorganic B (T2 and T3) at 25 and 50 mg/kg diet; Nano-B (T4 and T5) at 25 and 50 mg/kg diet; Inorganic Cr (T6 and T7) at 25 and 50 mg/kg diet; Nano-Cr (T8 and T9) at 25 and 50 mg/kg diet. Various external and internal egg quality traits were assessed, along with hatchability and fertility percentages at 20 weeks of age. Results indicated that external egg quality parameters, like egg weight, specific gravity, shape index, shell thickness, and shell weight (absolute or relative) were not significantly affected by boron or chromium supplementation. For internal egg quality, notable variations were observed in the yolk index and relative albumen weight, with the 25 mg Nano-boron group showing the highest yolk index. The albumen percentage decreased significantly only in the group supplemented with 25 mg of inorganic chromium. Hatchability rates differed significantly across treatments, with higher doses of boron associated with lower hatchability percentages. These findings suggest that specific forms and dosages of boron and chromium, especially in Nano form, can improve certain egg quality traits and hatchability in Japanese quail. However, excessive levels may have adverse effects on reproductive parameters.