Effect of Dietary Electrolyte Balance and Probiotic on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Japanese Quails Under Heat Stress Conditions

The present study was performed to investigate the effects of dietary electrolyte balance and probiotic on the performance and carcass characteristics in Japanese quail under heat stress conditions. A total of 672 quail chicks (20-day old) were studied in a three-factor, factorial experiment with 4 replicates and in each replication of 14 birds during 20 to 37 and 20 to 41 days Factors included three levels of dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) (170, 220 and 270 mEq / kg), two levels of probiotic protexin (0 and 100 g / t) and two temperature levels (normal rearing temperature and 34 ° C). The effect of sex was also considered as one of the factors for carcass evaluation. Results showed that probiotic-fed birds at age 20 to 37 had the highest feed intake, while the best feed conversion ratio was obtained without probiotic (P<0.05). During 20 to 37 and 20 to 41 days under heat stress conditions, the best feed conversion ratio and weight gain were related to DEB 270 mEq / kg and no probiotic treatment. Under normal temperature conditions, the best conversion ratio and weight gain coefficients in each time period were related to the diet without probiotics and DEB 170 mEq / kg (P<0.05). The use of probiotic had a significant effect on the relative weight of the carcass and the relative weight of the heart (P<0.05). Also, within each genus, the highest carcass weight and percentage belonged to probiotic treatments (P<0.05). Interactions between probiotics, temperature and sex in males showed significantly (P<0.05) higher relative weight in carcass traits. In general, the use of 170 mEq / kg is recommended for electrolyte balance under normal temperature conditions. Probiotics can be used to achieve the best carcass efficiency.