Differentiation of Growth, Inner Organ Development, Gut Microbiota, Gut Histology and Meat Quality of Japanese Quails Fed Diets Containing Varying Amounts of Satureja spicigera (K. Koch) Boiss Leaf Powder

This study investigates the impact of varying amounts of Satureja spicigera leaf powder (SLP) (the creeping savory) on the growth, inner organ development, gut microbiota, meat quality, and gut histology of quails. The trial included five treatment groups: SLP0 (control, 0%), SLP1 (0.25%), SLP2 (0.5%), SLP3 (0.75%) and SLP4 (1%). The quails were housed in floor pens with 20 chicks per replicate, and there were 4 replicates for each group, leading to a total of 400 quails. At the end of the study, 1 male and 1 female quails from each replicate (a total of 40 quails) were slaughtered, and samples were collected for analysis. Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and visceral organ weights did not change between the groups (P>0.05). Meat quality characteristics (such as sensory criteria) and gut microbiota did not differ between treatment groups. However, a significant reduction in the MDA (Malondialdehyde) level in the breast meat was observed in the SLP1 and SLP2 groups compared to the control group (P