Gracilariopsis persica seaweed as a feed ingredient in Japanese quail: impacts on growth performance, blood biochemistry, carcass traits, cecal microflora, and intestinal morphology

In this study, different levels of Gracilariopsis persica seaweed were examined on growth performance, blood biochemistry parameters, carcass characteristics, cecal microflora counts, and intestinal morphology in Japanese quail. A total of 480 one-day-old Japanese quail chicks with an average initial weight of 7 ± 2 g were randomly assigned to 16 cages (4 treatments × 4 replicates), with 30 birds per replicate. The dietary inclusion rates of G. persica seaweed were as follows: 0 (control group), 1%, 3%, and 5%. The experimental duration lasted for 6 weeks. The live body weight of quails increased when fed with control and 3% G. persica seaweed diets, compared to those fed 5% G. persica seaweed diet (p < 0.05). In the jejunum, the use of a diet containing 1% G. persica seaweed increased villus width, compared to birds fed with control diet (p < 0.05). Additionally, the use of a diet containing 5% G. persica seaweed increased the cecal microbial populations of Lactobacillus, compared to control and 3% G. persica seaweed diets (p < 0.05). Based on the findings, dietary inclusion of G. persica seaweed in Japanese quails induced a transient improvement in growth performance during the early rearing phases (days 9–15 and 16–22), while maintaining acceptable carcass traits, cecal microflora populations, and intestinal morphology, without adversely affecting overall cumulative performance.