Dietary chitosan and mannan oligosaccharide improve intestinal morphology and enhance functional meat and egg quality in Japanese quail

The current research investigates the functional impacts of dietary chitosan (COS) and mannan oligosaccharide (MOS)-two carbohydrate-derived bioactive compounds—on nutrient absorption, intestinal histomorphology, and the qualitative characteristics of meat and eggs in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). 540 three-week-old quails were randomly divided into 5 treatments. Each treatment consists of 108 birds, divided into 6 repetitions of 18 birds each (6 males and 12 females). The control received a basal diet, whereas the other 4 treatments were supplemented with escalating concentrations of COS and MOS at 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 g/kg, respectively. Birds receiving 0.2 g/kg of feed for both COS and MOS exhibited the most significant improvement in egg production parameters (P < 0.05). Additionally, dietary supplementation with 0.2 g/kg of both COS and MOS improved specific egg quality parameters and increased fertility percentage compared to other groups. Moreover, the chemical composition analysis of the meat revealed that fat content significantly decreased in the experimental groups compared to the control group. Furthermore, histological analysis of the small intestine revealed improved villus architecture and increased mucosal surface area in birds treated with COS and MOS, compared to the control group. These findings reveal the potential of COS and MOS as natural, carbohydrate-derived additives for enhancing gut health and improving product quality in poultry production systems, with major implications for animal nutrition and the development of functional feeds. • 0.3 g/kg COS and MOS increased egg production in quail. • Improved gut structure enhanced nutrient absorption. • No change in weight gain, feed efficiency, or fertility. • COS and MOS are effective functional feed additives. • Results support using prebiotics to improve poultry products.