Influence of dehydrated orange pomace inclusion and β-glucanase and xylanase supplementation on performance, egg quality and physiological responses of Japanese quails

1. This study evaluated the effects of replacing 10% of the maize in the diet with dehydrated orange pomace (DOP) in Japanese quail. Treatments included supplementation with β-glucanase and xylanase. Data included productive performance, nutrient digestibility, egg quality, serum biochemical profile, pancreatic characteristics and gastrointestinal tract biometry.2. A total of 144 female Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were used, arranged in a completely randomised design with a 2 × 2 factorial layout, consisting of two levels of DOP inclusion (0% and 10%) and two levels of enzyme supplementation (without and with β-glucanase and xylanase), with six replicates and six birds per experimental unit. The experiment lasted 84 d, divided into three experimental cycles of 28 d each. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared using Tukey’s test at a 5% significance level.3. Supplementation with β-glucanase and xylanase improved feed conversion for egg mass (FCRegg) and increased the nitrogen retention and ether extract digestibility coefficients. The inclusion of 10% DOP increased egg mass, laying percentage and commercial viability, in addition to reducing serum cholesterol concentrations. No negative effects were observed for feed intake, egg quality, pancreatic parameters or development of major gastrointestinal tract organs.4. Under the conditions evaluated in this study, inclusion of 10% DOP showed potential as an alternative feed ingredient for Japanese quail. Supplementation with β-glucanase and xylanase improved aspects of FCRegg and nutrient utilisation.