Effect of Adding Broccoli Leaves (Brassica oleracea L.) Extract to Drinking Water on Eggs Production and Intestinal Microflora of Japanese Quail Coturnix japonica Temmink & Schlegel, 1849

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effects of adding broccoli leaves extract to drinking water on eggs production and intestinal microflora (total bacteria, lactobacilli and Escherichia coli) of breeder Japanese quails. One hundred and thirty-two 45 days-old of Japanese quails (males and females) were randomly distributed into four groups. Each group has three replicates. The groups were included: The first group was kept without any addition as the control. The extraction of broccoli leaves as 100, 200 and 300 mg. l-.1 were added to bird's drinking water of the second, third and fourth groups respectively. The results showed a significant improvement in eggs production (HD %), accumulative eggs per 30 days and eggs mass in the third and fourth groups compared to the other groups. While, no significant differences were shown in the feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and eggs weight among groups. Caecal and duodenum E. coli showed a significant decrease in third and fourth groups compared to the others. However, duodenum lactobacilli increased significantly in the fourth group compared to other groups. It was also showed no significant differences in the total duodenum bacteria among studied groups. While, the total caecal bacteria decrease significantly in the third group compared to other groups. Based on the presented results can be concluded that alcoholic extract of broccoli leaves at levels 200 and 300 mg. l-1 could enhance productive characteristics (eggs production HD %, accumulative eggs per 30 days and eggs mass). On the other hand, it increased duodenum lactobacilli and decreased caecal and duodenal E. coli  population of breeder Japanese quails.