Effects of Artemisia and Nano-Artemisia on Growth, Health Indicators, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Resistance in Japanese quail

A preliminary field investigation conducted in Kafrelsheikh Governorate, Egypt, revealed a 9.2% prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa among quails raised in local farms. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests showed complete sensitivity to Gentamicin, intermediate sensitivity to Ciprofloxacin, and full resistance to Enrofloxacin and Erythromycin. Molecular identification via 16S rDNA sequencing confirmed the isolates, while virulence gene analysis detected the presence of oprL and toxA genes. In the experimental phase, A total of 220 Japanese quail chicks, each one day old, seven mutually exclusive groups were formed through random grouping of chicks, with 30 birds in each group to evaluate the effects of Artemisia, Nano-Artemisia, or Ciprofloxacin on physiological and immune responses following P. aeruginosa challenge over a 35-day feeding trial. Results demonstrated that birds supplemented with 1% Artemisia, 0.5% Nano-Artemisia, or treated with Ciprofloxacin showed improved growth performance, elevated antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)) with fewer clinical symptoms and pathological lesions. Moreover, supplementation with 1% Artemisia or 0.5% Nano-Artemisia reduced ether extract content in breast muscles, enhanced tissue antioxidant capacity, and improved intestinal histology. Overall, the findings suggest that incorporating Artemisia or Nano-Artemisia at the tested levels in quail diets supports immune function, enhances health, and promotes better growth under bacterial challenge.