Effects of Organic Acids, Probiotics and Their Combination on Laying Performance and Blood Parameters in Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)

Prodip Kumar Sarkar; Mahbuba Sultana; S. M. Hanif

doi:10.24018/ejfood.2025.7.6.969

Research Article

Prodip Kumar Sarkar

Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh

* Corresponding author

Mahbuba Sultana

Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh

S. M. Hanif

Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh

10.24018/ejfood.2025.7.6.969

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Submitted 2025-09-01
Published 2025-11-21

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Abstract

Several biotechnological approaches are currently being used to improve feed efficiency and promote safe poultry production. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of probiotics, organic acids, and their combination on laying performance and blood parameters in Japanese quails. A total of 120 Japanese quail chicks were randomly distributed into four treatment groups: (i) control diet (BD), (ii) BD supplemented with organic acids (BD+OA), (iii) BD supplemented with probiotics (BD+PB), and (iv) BD supplemented with organic acids and probiotics (BD+OA+PB), with three replicates per treatment. All birds were provided a balanced mash diet ad libitum. The results showed significantly higher egg production in the OA-supplemented group at eight weeks compared to the other groups. Peak hen-day egg production was recorded at 18 weeks, at 75.64%, 82.14%, 76.19%, and 82.14% in BD, BD+OA, BD+PB, and BD+OA+PB, respectively. Egg production significantly increased with the supplementation of OA and PB for up to 14 weeks; however, their effects were not observed thereafter. Egg weight increased with age, with higher egg weights recorded at 20 weeks of age. Although egg weights were slightly higher in the probiotic group, the differences were not significant among the dietary treatments. Hematological analysis showed no significant differences among the parameters, except for significantly lower white blood cell counts with supplementation of organic acids and probiotics, suggesting a reduction in infection. Overall, the improved laying performance indicated the potential role of these additives in the poultry industry.

Keywords: Blood parameters egg production organic acids probiotics

Introduction

Poultry are a vital source of high-quality animal protein, and its demand continues to increase globally. Among poultry species, quail farming is generally practiced for egg production because of its early sexual maturity, high laying capacity, and low disease occurrence [1]. Since layer flocks are reared for longer periods than broilers, minimum disease occurrence with consistent and stable egg production is essential for farm profitability. However, layer farmers often face various challenges such as high feed costs, disease outbreaks, heat stress, and unstable egg production [2]. To manage these challenges, some farmers often engage in unethical activities during flock management. Despite the ban on antibiotics in animal feed in Bangladesh, as in many countries, research data show that farmers still use antibiotics in poultry feed to enhance productivity [3]. Malpractices arise because many farmers lack adequate knowledge about antibiotics and often apply them unnecessarily or in overdoses on their farms [4]. Long-term consumption of antibiotics may lead to disruption of the gut epithelium, hamper nutrient absorption, and cause several diseases in birds. This may also be related to decreased immunity and reduced production in the layer. The misuse of antibiotics may lead to the development of antimicrobial resistance in birds [5]. One of the important concerns about the use of antibiotics is to pass antibiotics to humans through the consumption of meat and eggs, causing serious health hazards [6].

To address these concerns, we must consider alternatives to antibiotics that can effectively replace antibiotics in poultry. Nutritional biotechnological approaches are effective in the poultry industry for enhancing safe poultry production with higher productivity [7]. Among the biotechnological tools employed in the poultry industry, organic acids and probiotics are widely used because of their versatile benefits. In our previous study, we observed improved body weight in quails supplemented with organic acids [8] and probiotics [9]. Both organic acids and probiotics have been shown to enhance the growth rate and meat yield of quail. However, the combined effects of these additives have not been extensively studied, and their effects on laying hens are yet to be elucidated. As potential alternatives to antibiotics, their synergistic effects must be evaluated in layers. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the individual and combined effects of organic acids and probiotics on laying performance and blood parameters in Japanese quails. These research findings are expected to assess the efficiency of organic acids and probiotics on laying performance in Japanese quails.

Results and Discussion

Growth Performance

The productive performance of Japanese quails is presented in Table I. Initially, there was no significant difference in the body weight of quail chicks among the experimental groups. However, a significant difference was observed after 8 weeks of rearing. At eight weeks, the body weight was significantly higher with the supplementation of organic acids and probiotics individually than with the control and their combination. Several studies have demonstrated the positive impacts of organic acid and probiotic supplementation with significant improvements in body weight gain in various poultry species [10]. The current results are also supported by our previous research findings, which indicate a high body weight with supplementation of organic acids [8] and probiotics [9] in quails.

Table I. Productive Performance of Japanese Quail
Parameters	BD	BD+OA	BD+PB	BD+OA+PB
Initial body weight (g/bird)	7.10 ± 0.23^a	7.09 ± 0.17^a	7.08 ± 0.15^a	7.12 ± 0.19^a
Body weight at 8 weeks (g/bird)	150.57 ± 1.72^a	157.27 ± 2.44^b	156.20 ± 3.04^b	150.83 ± 3.82^a
Hen-day egg production% at 8 weeks	29.76 ± 2.06^a	38.09 ± 2.06^b	27.38 ± 4.12^a	29.76 ± 2.06^a
Peak egg production% at 18 weeks	75.64 ± 1.11^a	82.14 ± 3.57^a	76.19 ± 7.43^a	82.14 ± 6.18^a
Egg weight at 8 weeks (g/egg)	9.09 ± 0.66^a	8.39 ± 0.61^a	7.58 ± 0.18^a	9.59 ± 0.86^a
Egg weight peak at 20 weeks (g/egg)	11.90 ± 0.40^a	11.27 ± 0.62^a	13.41 ± 0.35^a	12.35 ± 0.28^a
Mortality %	0.00 ± 0.00^a	0.00 ± 0.00^a	0.00 ± 0.00^a	0.00 ± 0.00^a

Egg Laying Performance

There was an increasing trend in egg production with advancing age from eight weeks onwards (Fig. 1). Egg production at eight weeks was 29.76%, 38.09%, 27.38%, and 29.76% in the BD, BD+OA, BD+PB, and BD+OA+PB groups, respectively. Egg production at this stage was significantly higher in the organic acid-treated group than in the other dietary treatment groups. Generally, egg production in the Japanese quail begins between 6-9 weeks of age and reaches approximately 30% by eight weeks [11]. Statistical data on weekly egg production percentages are presented in Table II. The results showed a significant increase in egg production at various weeks when the diet was supplemented with organic acids or probiotics. Egg production increased up to 14^th and 12^th week of age in the organic acid- and probiotic-treated groups, respectively. Similar findings were observed by Tang et al. [12] in laying hens, where they found higher egg-laying performance in the early laying stage with probiotics, but no significant improvement was observed at later laying stages. This is probably due to the natural decline in egg production after a certain age, which cannot be reversed by supplementation with additives. Peak egg production was observed at 18 weeks of age, irrespective of dietary treatment. At 18 weeks, the peak production levels in the BD, BD+OA, BD+PB, and BD+OA+PB groups were 75.64%, 82.14%, 76.19%, and 82.14%, respectively. Notably, the combined supplementation of organic acids and probiotics did not improve egg production compared to the control group. The peak egg production in Japanese quails may vary and be as high as more than 90%, depending on the variety of quails [13]. The age at peak egg production in the current study is consistent with previous findings, which reported that peak production occurring between 12–18 weeks in quails [14]. Differences in egg production performance depend on various factors such as the age of birds, diet, environmental conditions, and overall management during the laying period [15].

Table II. Hen-Day Egg Production % on Week Basis
Age (weeks)	Hen-day egg production (%)
Age (weeks)	BD	BD+OA	BD+PB	BD+OA+PB
8	29.76 ± 2.06^a	38.09 ± 2.06^b	27.38 ± 4.12^a	29.76 ± 2.06^a
9	40.71± 5.39^a	54.76 ± 2.06^b	63.09 ± 4.12^c	57.14 ± 3.57^bc
10	58.33 ± 2.06^a	68.65 ± 5.62^b	67.86 ± 3.57^b	61.90 ± 4.12^ab
11	53.57 ± 3.57^a	66.27 ± 5.36^b	69.45 ± 6.10^b	61.90 ± 5.45^ab
12	56.60 ± 2.79^a	70.24 ± 5.18^b	67.46 ± 0.68^b	58.33 ± 4.12^a
13	69.04 ± 7.43^a	82.14 ± 3.57^b	78.57 ± 6.18^a	72.61 ± 5.45^a
14	70.23 ± 2.06^a	77.38 ± 4.12^b	73.81 ± 7.43^a	77.85 ± 5.66^ab
15	67.85 ± 3.57^ab	72.62 ± 2.06^a	69.05 ± 2.06^ab	64.28 ± 3.57^b
16	74.60 ± 5.49^a	72.62 ± 2.06^a	71.43 ± 6.18^a	77.14 ± 7.03^a
17	62.30 ± 5.36^a	61.90 ± 7.43^a	65.48 ± 5.40^a	63.09 ± 7.43^a
18	75.64 ± 7.22^a	82.14 ± 3.57^a	76.19 ± 7.43^a	82.14 ± 6.18^a
19	61.50 ± 4.81^a	63.89 ± 2.99^a	59.52 ± 2.06^a	55.95 ± 5.45^a
20	56.34 ± 5.99^a	59.92 ± 5.62^a	51.98 ± 5.36^a	59.12 ± 6.76^a
21	66.67 ± 4.76^ab	76.59 ± 5.36^a	61.51 ± 4.81^b	67.06 ± 6.97^ab
22	67.06 ± 4.81^a	72.62 ± 2.06^a	74.60 ± 5.49^a	76.98 ± 4.95^a

Egg Weight

Egg weight (g/egg) at eight weeks was 9.09 g, 8.39 g, 7.58 g, and 9.59 g in BD, BD+OA, BD+PB, and BD+OA+PB groups, respectively. Egg weight showed an increasing trend with advancing bird age. The highest egg weights were recorded at 20 weeks (Fig. 2). Although the egg weight increased with age, no significant differences were observed among the experimental groups, except for slight improvements in the probiotic groups (Table III). At 20 weeks of age, the egg weights were 11.9 g, 11.27 g, 13.41 g, and 12.35 g in the BD, BD+OA, BD+PB, and BD+OA+PB groups, respectively. Both egg production % and egg weight have been reported to improve with the supplementation of organic acids and probiotics in layers [16].

Table III. Egg Weight on Week Basis
Age (weeks)	Egg weight (g/egg)
Age (weeks)	BD	BD+OA	BD+PB	BD+OA+PB
8	9.08 ± 0.66^a	8.39 ± 0.61^a	7.581 ± 0.18^b	9.59 ± 0.85^a
9	8.66 ± 0.60^a	8.73 ± 0.64^a	8.41 ± 0.21^a	8.67 ± 0.21^a
10	8.94 ± 0.64^a	8.68 ± 0.26^a	8.87 ± 0.13^a	8.96 ± 0.55^a
11	9.49 ± 0.48^a	9.49 ± 0.56^a	9.53 ± 0.30^a	9.38 ± 0.10^a
12	9.85 ± 0.52^a	9.55 ± 0.57^a	9.44 ± 0.31^a	9.07 ± 0.52^a
13	9.09 ± 0.60^a	9.80 ± 0.63^a	10.39 ± 0.40^b	9.83 ± 0.17^ab
14	10.31 ± 0.35^a	10.50 ± 0.56^a	10.44 ± 0.41^a	10.84 ± 0.57^a
15	9.14 ± 0.66^a	9.80 ± 0.63^a	10.38 ± 0.40^b	9.83 ± 0.17^ab
16	10.31 ± 0.35^a	10.24 ± 0.52^a	10.44 ± 0.41^a	10.84 ± 0.36^a
17	9.75 ± 0.29^a	10.04 ± 0.28^a	9.87 ± 0.46^a	10.25 ± 0.25^a
18	10.41 ± 0.18^a	10.21 ± 0.51^a	10.71 ± 0.30^a	10.53 ± 0.30^a
19	9.08 ± 0.27^a	9.45 ± 0.57^ab	9.84 ± 0.14^b	9.86 ± 0.28^b
20	11.90 ± 0.39^a	11.27 ± 0.61^a	13.41 ± 0.34^b	12.35 ± 0.57^a
21	10.87 ± 0.57^a	10.68 ± 0.52^a	12.52 ± 0.42^b	10.67 ± 0.52^a
22	10.49 ± 0.20^a	10.32 ± 0.54^a	10.49 ± 0.46^a	9.94 ± 0.47^a

Blood Profile

Blood parameters were analyzed at 22 weeks of age to compare the basic hematological parameters among the dietary treatments. The parameters are listed in Table IV. The values of these parameters were generally consistent with the findings of several studies on the blood profile of Japanese quails [17], [18], except for white blood cell (WBC). The observed increase in WBC count seems similar to the findings of Allen et al. [19]. Previously, hematological studies in Japanese quail have mainly been performed at the growing stage, and the parameters during the laying stage remain limited. Some positive effects of organic acids and probiotics on blood profiles, such as increased (RBC), Hb, PCV, and plasma iron levels, have been reported in these studies. However, the results remain variable and inconsistent because of various factors, such as dosage, environmental conditions, and age of the birds [20]. Baghban-Kanani et al. [21] reported that supplementation with additives did not improve productive performance except for a few biochemical parameters in birds. In the case of WBC, a significantly lower count was observed when the birds were supplemented with organic acids and probiotics. However, the combination of organic acids and probiotics showed no significant differences compared with the control group. An elevated WBC count often indicates a chance of infection in birds [22]. The reduced chance of infection may have contributed to the increase in hen-day egg production in quails.

Table IV. Analysis of Blood Parameters
Parameters	BD	BD+OA	BD+PB	BD+OA+PB
Lymphocyte %	93 ± 2.86^a	93.73 ± 1.72^a	92.1 ± 2.07^a	93.6 ± 1.99^a
Granulocyte %	1.3 ± 0.89^a	0.73 ± 0.25^a	1.1 ± 0.26^a	1 ± 0.61^a
Mid %	5.7 ± 2.00^a	5.53 ± 1.60^a	6.8 ± 1.85^a	5.4 ± 1.39^a
Granulocyte # (10³/µl)	2.01 ± 1.46^a	0.92 ± 0.49^a	1.19 ± 0.74^a	1.53 ± 0.99^a
Mid# (10³/µl)	8.70 ± 3.41^a	6.48 ± 1.59^a	7.09 ± 3.52^a	8.16 ± 2.48^a
White Blood Cell (WBC) (10³/µl)	50.41 ± 2.21^a	32.14 ± 5.13^b	33.30 ± 4.25^b	50.02 ± 2.43^a
Red Blood Corpuscle (RBC) (10⁶/µl)	3.64 ± 0.29^a	3.33 ± 0.51^a	3.24 ± 0.68^a	3.69 ± 0.61^a
Hemoglobin (g/dL)	20.63 ± 1.50a	19.3 ± 2.25^a	18 ± 3.53^a	20.5 ± 3.70^a
Hematocrit %	48.73 ± 7.09^a	41.97 ± 6.65^a	41.6 ± 9.01^a	46.77 ± 8.48^a
Mean Corpuscular Volume (fL)	133.6 ± 9.35^a	125.93 ± 6.24^a	128.53 ± 1.25^a	126.67 ± 2.90^a
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (pg)	56.77 ± 0.81^a	58.2 ± 4.47^a	55.73 ± 1.57^a	55.5 ± 2.04^a
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (g/dL)	42.63 ± 2.87^a	46.2 ± 2.16^a	43.37 ± 1.25^a	43.83 ± 0.74^a
Red Cell Distribution Width-Coefficient of Variation %	17.53 ± 3.85^a	16.5 ± 2.00^a	18 ± 2.17^a	15.57 ± 1.59^a
Red Cell Distribution Width-Standard Deviation (fL)	79.7 ± 2.52^a	70.27 ± 8.29^a	78.5 ± 9.74^a	68.73 ± 4.40^a
Platelet (10³/µl)	7.67 ± 1.52^a	8.00 ± 1.73^a	9.67 ± 5.51^a	8 ± 1.73^a
Mean Platelet Volume (fL)	6.87 ± 0.40^a	7.2 ± 0.00^a	6.4 ± 1.98^a	7 ± 0.86^a
Platelet Distribution Width (fL)	6.47 ± 2.05^a	7.15 ± 4.03^a	6.1 ± 2.55^a	7.6 ± 2.62^a
Procalcitonin %	0.006 ± 0.003^a	0.023 ± 0.025^a	0.006 ± 0.003^a	0.005 ± 0.001^a

Organic acids and probiotics generally have a positive impact on growth performance, but their impact on laying performance has not yet been fully elucidated. However, the results were inconsistent and varied. Rezaeipour et al. [23] reported that supplementation with organic acids and probiotics did not improve the laying performance of hens. In contrast, Yesilbag and Çolpan [24] reported improved laying performance with prolonged laying periods in hens. However, there is no doubt that biotechnological approaches such as organic acids and probiotics have revealed multiple health benefits in poultry. It is well established that organic acids maintain buffering capacity, exhibit antifungal properties, and minimize the load of pathogenic bacteria in birds. It also maintains gut health and ensures that enormous amounts of nutrients are available to birds [25]. Another additive, probiotics, also promotes good gut health in poultry owing to the incorporation of beneficial bacteria into the gut. They enhance the villus height, width, and surface area for nutrient absorption in birds. Additionally, probiotics improve carcass quality and antioxidant capacity in poultry [26]. Multistrain probiotics could be a suitable alternative to antibiotics for poultry [27]. In general, both organic acids and probiotics stimulate the production of antimicrobial substances, thereby inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms in the gut [28]. The performance of quail has been reported to improve with supplementation of organic acids and probiotics under various experimental conditions [29]. In the present study, the addition of organic acids and probiotics likely influenced productivity individually; however, their combined effects did not improve significantly compared with individual supplementation. Similarly, Cao et al. [30] reported higher antioxidant capacity and immunoglobulin levels in ducks supplemented with organic acids and probiotics individually, rather than in combination. The combined use of these two additives showed no significant effect on laying performance and requires further detailed investigation. The synergistic effects of these two potential additives need to be optimized, which could be achieved through adjusting components and doses of organic acids and probiotics.

Methodology

Ethical Approval

We received institutional approval from Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh. The approval number was PSTU/IEC/2018/60(2); dated 30.07.2023.

Experimental Birds and Diet

This study was conducted using 120 Japanese quail. The birds were randomly distributed into four different treatment groups, namely: BD (Basal diet-without any additives), BD+OA (organic acids - 0.5 ml/L), BD+PB (probiotics - 1.5 g/L), and BD+OA+PB maintaining three replications each. The birds were reared for up to 22 weeks. The number of birds per replicate was ten. The birds were reared in an open-shed house at a hot environmental temperature of 30°C–36°C. The organic acid solutions contained citric acid 2.5%, sodium formate 8.67%, formic acid 17.55%, acetic acid 7.6%, lactic acid 3.75%, propionic acid 2.31%, and ammonium propionate 8.32%. Probiotics contained Bacillus subtillis, Bacillus coagulans, Saccharomyces boulardii 4.5 × 10⁹ CFU per gram. The probiotic powder was dissolved in water to obtain solution a 1.5 g/L. The birds were reared in cages. A hand-mixed, balanced mash diet was prepared with different feed ingredients and additives to feed the birds’ ad libitum (Table V). The mash feed was then sent to DLS, Dhaka, to analyze the feed (Table VI). Clean and safe drinking water was supplied to the birds. Cages and sheds were cleaned and routinely disinfected. Strict biosecurity was maintained throughout the study area. Egg production, egg weight, and blood parameters were recorded.

Table V. Experimental Ration
Ingredients	% Composition
Maize	54.30
Soybean meal 46%	25.40
Rapeseed meal	5.00
Wheat flour	5.00
Rice polish	6.00
Limestone powder	1.00
Soybean oil	1.80
Monocalcium phosphate	0.30
Salt	0.35
L- Lysine	0.17
DL- Methionine	0.18
Vitamin premix	0.05
Enzyme (Phytase)	0.05
Choline	0.10
Liver tonic	0.05
Toxin binder	0.10
Antioxidant	0.05
Sodium bicarbonate	0.05
Coccidiostat	0.05

Table VI. Chemical Analysis of Experimental Diet
Chemical composition
Moisture	12.57
Dry matter (DM)	87.24
ME (Kcal/Kg)	2997
Crude protein %	21.16
Total Ash (TA) %	5.60
Acid Insoluble Ash %	0.55
Crude Fiber %	4.80
Crude Fat %	4.52
Calcium %	1.08
Phosphorus %	0.51

Egg Production Percentage and Egg Weight

The egg production percentage was recorded weekly based on hen-day egg production. Daily egg weight was recorded, and the average egg weight was calculated on a weekly basis.

Blood Parameter Analysis

Blood samples were collected in the morning (2 ml each) from the wing vein of quail bird using a 3 ml syringe (23 G × 1 inch). Immediately after collection, the blood samples were kept in K2EDTA tubes and mixed properly for hematological tests at the Department of Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics, Patuakhali Science and Technology University. A Dymind Automated Hematology Analyzer was used to measure the following parameters: White Blood Cells (WBC), lymphocyte% (Lym%), granulocyte% (Gran%), mid cell% (Mid%), Red Blood Cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW), platelet count (PLT), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Platelet Volume Distribution Width (PDW), platelet count (PCT), platelet-Large cell ratio (P-LCR), and platelet-Large cell ratio (P-LCR).

Data Analysis

Data are presented as the mean ± standard deviation. Statistical analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS version 20. The percentage data (percentage of egg production) were arcsine transformed before analysis, and the significance level was declared based on transformed data. Differences among treatments were assessed using Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference test. The statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05.

Conclusions

Egg-laying performance can be improved during the early laying stage with supplementation of organic acids and probiotics in Japanese quails. Significantly lower white blood cell counts were observed with supplementation of organic acids and probiotics individually compared to the other groups, suggesting a reduction in infection in the treated groups. The combined use of these two additives had no significant effect on laying performance and requires further investigation. The improved laying performance with organic acid and probiotic supplementation indicated the potential role of these additives in the poultry industry.

Acknowledgment

The authors are grateful to the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, for financial support for this research work.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Sattar A, Nime J, Ali Azmal S, Rahaman A, Mohammad Abdul Matin S, Haque A, et al. Effects of probiotic and organic acids with yeast extract on body weight gain and hemato-biochemical parameters in broilers. Int J Anim Sci Technol. 2023;7(1):5–10. doi: https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijast.20230701.12.
Google Scholar

Baghban-Kanani P, Hosseintabar-Ghasemabad B, Azimi-Youvalari S, Seidavi A, Ragni M, Laudadio V, et al. Effects of using Artemisia annua leaves, probiotic blend, and organic acids on performance, egg quality, blood biochemistry, and antioxidant status of laying hens. J Poult Sci. 2019;56:120–7. doi: https://doi.org/10.2141/jpsa.0180050.
Google Scholar

Akhtar M, Awais MM, Anwar MI, Ehtisham-Ul-Haque S, Nasir A, Saleemi MK, et al. The effect of infection with mixed Eimeria species on hematology and immune responses following Newcastle disease and infectious bursal disease booster vaccination in broilers. Vet Q. 2015;35(1):21–6. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/01652176.2014.991048.
Google Scholar

Rezaeipour M, Afsharmanesh M, Khajeh Bami M. Evaluation of the effect of short-chain organic acids and probiotics on production performance, egg white quality, and fecal microbiota of laying hens. Comp Clin Path. 2022;31:621–6. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-022-03360-2.
Google Scholar

Yesilbag D, Çolpan I. Effects of organic acid-supplemented diets on growth performance, egg production and quality and on serum parameters in laying hens. Rev Med Vet (Toulouse). 2006;157: 280–4.
Google Scholar

Broom LJ. Organic acids for improving intestinal health of poultry. Worlds Poult Sci J. 2015;71(4):630–42. doi: https://doi.org/10.1017/s0043933915002391.
Google Scholar

Zhang L, Zhang R, Jia H, Zhu Z, Li H, Ma Y. Supplementation of probiotics in water beneficial growth performance, carcass traits, immune function, and antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens. Open Life Sci. 2021;16:311–22. doi: https://doi.org/10.1515/biol-2021-0031.
Google Scholar

Biswas A, Dev K, Tyagi PK, Mandal A. The effect of multi-strain probiotics as feed additives on performance, immunity, expression of nutrient transporter genes and gut morphometry in broiler chickens. Anim Biosci. 2022;35(1):64–74. doi: https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.20.0749.
Google Scholar

Anee IJ, Alam S, Begum RA, Shahjahan RM, Khandaker AM. The role of probiotics on animal health and nutrition. J Basic Appl Zool. 2021;82:52. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41936-021-00250-x.
Google Scholar

Aydın D, Yıldız G, Merhan O, Ulufer S, Önk K, Baran MS, et al. Feeding Japanese quail diets supplemented with probiotics and enzymes. S Afr J Anim Sci. 2022;52:383–91. doi: https://doi.org/10.4314/sajas.v52i3.13.
Google Scholar

Cao Y, Xun M, Ren S, Wang J. Effects of dietary organic acids and probiotics on laying performance, egg quality, serum antioxidants and expressions of reproductive genes of laying ducks in the late phase of production. Poult Sci. 2022;101(12):102189. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2022.102189.
Google Scholar

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Effects of Organic Acids, Probiotics and Their Combination on Laying Performance and Blood Parameters in Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica). (2025). European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences, 7(6), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejfood.2025.7.6.969

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Google Scholar

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Google Scholar

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Google Scholar

[22] Akhtar M, Awais MM, Anwar MI, Ehtisham-Ul-Haque S, Nasir A, Saleemi MK, et al. The effect of infection with mixed Eimeria species on hematology and immune responses following Newcastle disease and infectious bursal disease booster vaccination in broilers. Vet Q. 2015;35(1):21–6. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/01652176.2014.991048.
Google Scholar

[23] Rezaeipour M, Afsharmanesh M, Khajeh Bami M. Evaluation of the effect of short-chain organic acids and probiotics on production performance, egg white quality, and fecal microbiota of laying hens. Comp Clin Path. 2022;31:621–6. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-022-03360-2.
Google Scholar

[24] Yesilbag D, Çolpan I. Effects of organic acid-supplemented diets on growth performance, egg production and quality and on serum parameters in laying hens. Rev Med Vet (Toulouse). 2006;157: 280–4.
Google Scholar

[25] Broom LJ. Organic acids for improving intestinal health of poultry. Worlds Poult Sci J. 2015;71(4):630–42. doi: https://doi.org/10.1017/s0043933915002391.
Google Scholar

[26] Zhang L, Zhang R, Jia H, Zhu Z, Li H, Ma Y. Supplementation of probiotics in water beneficial growth performance, carcass traits, immune function, and antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens. Open Life Sci. 2021;16:311–22. doi: https://doi.org/10.1515/biol-2021-0031.
Google Scholar

[27] Biswas A, Dev K, Tyagi PK, Mandal A. The effect of multi-strain probiotics as feed additives on performance, immunity, expression of nutrient transporter genes and gut morphometry in broiler chickens. Anim Biosci. 2022;35(1):64–74. doi: https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.20.0749.
Google Scholar

[28] Anee IJ, Alam S, Begum RA, Shahjahan RM, Khandaker AM. The role of probiotics on animal health and nutrition. J Basic Appl Zool. 2021;82:52. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41936-021-00250-x.
Google Scholar

[29] Aydın D, Yıldız G, Merhan O, Ulufer S, Önk K, Baran MS, et al. Feeding Japanese quail diets supplemented with probiotics and enzymes. S Afr J Anim Sci. 2022;52:383–91. doi: https://doi.org/10.4314/sajas.v52i3.13.
Google Scholar

[30] Cao Y, Xun M, Ren S, Wang J. Effects of dietary organic acids and probiotics on laying performance, egg quality, serum antioxidants and expressions of reproductive genes of laying ducks in the late phase of production. Poult Sci. 2022;101(12):102189. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2022.102189.
Google Scholar

Effects of Organic Acids, Probiotics and Their Combination on Laying Performance and Blood Parameters in Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)

Article Sidebar

Article Main Content

Introduction

Results and Discussion

Growth Performance

Egg Laying Performance

Egg Weight

Blood Profile

Methodology

Ethical Approval

Experimental Birds and Diet

Egg Production Percentage and Egg Weight

Blood Parameter Analysis

Data Analysis

Conclusions

Acknowledgment

Conflict of Interest

References

Most read articles by the same author(s)