Supplementation of a Blend of Beneficial Bacteria and Antibodies on Growth Performance, Intestinal Mucosa Morphology and Right Heart Failure of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

• Main Authors: Mohammad Hasan Mehraei Hamzekolaei, Abdol Karim Zamani Moghaddam, Seyed Sattar Tohidifar, Hajar Parsakiya, Ali Heidari
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Alborz University of Medical Sciences 2017-05-01
• Series: International Journal of Enteric Pathogens
• Subjects: Japanese quail; Probiotic; Growth performance; Right heart failure; Intestinal morphology
• Online Access: http://enterpathog.abzums.ac.ir/PDF/ijep-5-35.pdf

Background: Early nutrition of chicks with beneficial bacteria might help in occupying the inner surface of the intestinal tract. Interference of pathogens in intestinal microbiota is well known as barrier effect, bacterial interference, and competitive exclusion. Objectives: It was hypothesized that competitive exclusion in Japanese quails with a blend of beneficial bacteria (Aquablend Avian® probiotic) would enhance quails’ growth performance and intestinal mucosal morphology. Furthermore, the study was performed at 2100 m above sea level at Shahrekord University, so another hypothesis was the capability of the probiotic for inhibiting right heart failure. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifty-six Japanese quails were divided into 4 groups: 2 groups (Aquablend and control) at standard environmental temperature and 2 (Aqua-stress and Cont-stress) at cold-hypoxic environmental situation. Aquablend groups received the probiotic in the first 3 days of life in drinking water (0.5 g/100 birds/day). Results: Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly reduced at the end of the experiment (day 35) in both Aquablend and aqua-stress groups compared to control and cont-stress groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Carcass characteristics’ improvements in treated quails were not significant. However, slight improvements in carcass and spleen relative weights were observed (P > 0.05). Cont-stress group had higher RV: TV ratio (0.28) and heterophil: lymphocyte (H: L) ratio (1.22) than aqua-stress group: (0.25) and (1.20), respectively (P > 0.05). Data regarding to intestinal mucosa morphology was controversial but the probiotic was able to elevate duodenum villi surface (P < 0.05) and also jejunum and ileum lamina propria thickness. Conclusion: Obtained data suggests that addition of Aquablend Avian® probiotic in the first 3 days of life may improve growth performance and some intestinal mucosa characteristics of Japanese quails. Moreover, the probiotic might reduce right heart failure and stress induced by cold-hypoxic situation.