The Effect of Turmeric Powder on the Egg Production Traits of Laying Quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Abstract

This study was aimed at determining the effects of the incorporation of turmeric powder into commercial layer feed on the body weight, egg weight, egg yield, feed conversion rate and hatchability results of laying quails. Thirty female quails in the laying period and 12 male quails, all of which were 98 days old, were included in the study. Each study group comprised of two replicates. Three study groups were established, one being maintained for control purposes and provided with the basal ration alone, and the other two being the treatment groups and provided with the basal ration + 2.5 g/kg turmeric powder and the basal ration + 7.5 g/kg turmeric powder. While the average body weights of the study groups displayed numerical differences, the female quails weighed heavier than the males in all groups, and both the female and male quails presented with increased body weight in the treatment groups supplemented with turmeric powder. While egg weight was greater in the treatment groups that received turmeric powder, egg yield (%) was determined to be higher in the group given 2.5 g of turmeric powder, compared to the control group and the other treatment group that received 7.5 g of turmeric powder, and this difference showed continuity. Assessment for hatchability demonstrated that the fertility rate was highest in the control group, whilst the hatchability of fertile eggs was highest in the group that was administered with 7.5 g of turmeric powder. The results obtained suggest that the dietary supplementation of laying quails with turmeric powder has positive effects on body weight gain, egg weight, egg yield, feed intake and feed conversion rate. However, in view of this research being a preliminary study, there is need for the further investigation of the continuity of this positive effect in the long-term throughout the laying period.