Effects of Dietary Poppy Seed (Papaver somniferum) on Growth Metrics, Internal Organs, Gut Health, and Economic Efficiency in Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

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Abstract
This study examined the impact of poppy seed (PS, Papaver somniferum) supplementation on the growth performance, organ weight, intestinal histomorphology, and economics of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) production. A total of 240-day-old unsexed Japanese quails obtained from a local market were divided into four groups: C, PS10, PS15, and PS20 in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each group was further divided into 6 replicates, with 10 quails per replicate. Group C was designated as the control group, while groups PS10, PS15, and PS20 were supplemented with PS at respectively 10, 15, and 20 g/kg in their feed for 35 days. The results showed significantly increased feed intake (449.4 g), weight gain (125.0 g), and better feed conversion ratio (3.50) in the PS20 diet group compared with the C. Similarly, significantly higher organ weight, villus height (0.990 mm) and ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VH: CD) (6.08), and the lowest crypt depth (0.164 mm) were observed in the PS20 diet group. Similarly, PS20 showed the highest gross return, net return, and cost-benefit ratio (CBR), and the lowest mortality rate as compared with all other groups. The results of this study suggest that adding PS to quails’ feed can improve growth performance, reduce mortality, and enhance intestinal morphology, making it a promising approach to enhancing quail productivity.
Funding Information
  • King Saud University (ORF-2026-971)
  • King Saud University (ORF-2026-971)
  • King Saud University (ORF-2026-971)
  • King Saud University (ORF-2026-971)

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