Calcareous seaweed in the diet of growing Japanese quail

Abstract In this way, the present study assessed the replacement of inorganic calcium sources by organic sources in the diet of growing Japanese quails. The study analyzed 300 Japanese quails distributed in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments (control, 0% inclusion; 0.50% inclusion of calcareous seaweed 1; 0.50% inclusion of calcareous seaweed 2, with both inclusions concerning the replacement of calcitic limestone in the diet). Calcium sources did not differ in terms of either the production performance of birds in the growth phase or at the beginning of laying or in terms of yield, weight, organ size or bone quality. The biochemical blood profile did not change, except for the AST index. The replacement treatment affected egg quality, colorimetric fan color, albumen and yolk height, Haugh unit, and the yolk index. Including 0.50% calcareous seaweed as a replacement for calcitic limestone in the diet of quail does not harm production performance, animal health, organ yield, or bone quality in the growth phase. This diet guarantees satisfactory performance and high-quality eggs in the early laying phase.