Dietary Aspergillus niger filtrate: A natural supplement to boost quail breeder productivity and health

The fungus Aspergillus niger (A. niger) is widely used in the industrial sector and plays a key role in the production of organic acids such as citric acid, succinic acid etc. Moreover, it plays an important role in numerous biotechnological fields and can ferment into beneficial chemicals. Therefore, using A. niger filtrate is one of the recommendations for improving poultry performance and health. This study examined the influence of feed added different concentrations of A. niger culture filtrate on the productive, reproductive, haematological, biochemical, and immunological performance of Japanese quail breeders. One hundred fifty mature 8-week-old Japanese quail breeders (50 males and 100 females) were distributed into 5 groups where each group contains 5 replicate cages contains 6 birds (2 male and 4 female) in each. All the five groups offered basal diet but supplemented 0.0 (control), 0.50, 1.00, 1.50, and 2.00 ml of A. niger culture filtrate per kg of diet, respectively. The experimental parameters were egg laying, feed conversion ratio, fertility, hatchability, egg quality, haematology parameters, and biochemical markers to determine the effect of the supplementation. Supplementation with 1.0ml/kg showed better results, but 1.5 ml/kg A. niger filtrate enhanced egg production, egg weight, feed conversion ratio (g feed/g egg), fertility (91.7%), and hatchability (85.5%) from 8 to 16 weeks (p < 0.05). Egg quality parameters like percentage yolk, shape index, and Haugh unit showed significant improvement (p < 0.05). The haematological (haemoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cell, packed cell volume and liver/kidney function markers (Alanine Aminotransferase, Aspartate Aminotransferase, urea and creatinine) were also enhanced (p < 0.05). The lipid profile showed reduced cholesterol and Low-Density Lipoprotein, but raised High-Density Lipoprotein (p < 0.05). Immunoglobulin and antioxidants (Glutathione, Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Total Antioxidant Capacity) were elevated significantly (p < 0.05). Dietary A. niger filtrate supplementation at 1.0-1.5 ml/kg enhances performance, health, reproduction, haematology, and immunity in quail breeders without any negative consequences. This study suggests that A. niger filtrate can be an effective, natural supplement for enhancing quail breeding outcomes.