Effect of wheat particle size and different levels of enzyme supplement on performance, carcass traits, and small intestine morphology of Japanese quail

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of wheat particle size and different levels of enzyme on performance, carcass traits, and small intestine morphologyof Japanese quails. A 3 × 3 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design was used in nine experimental treatments replicated four times with 20 birds per replicate. The investigated factors were three wheat grain particle sizes (2, 3, and 3.5 mm) and three levels of dietary enzyme supplement (0, 200, and 400 ppm). The measured traits included: performance, carcass traits, and small intestine morphology. The results showed that the dietary enzyme significantly reduced feed intake and feed conversion ratio (P<0.01). The effect of wheat particle size on feed intake, body weight, and feed conversion ratio were also significant (P<0.01). The interaction effect of wheat particle size and enzyme affected significantly feed intake and feed conversion ratio through the experimental period from 7-35 days of age (P<0.01).Relative weights of proventriculus, gizzard, and liver were significantly reduced by enzyme supplementation (P<0.05). The relative weight of the breast significantly increased by dietary enzyme addition (P<0.01). Enzyme supplementation also significantly increased the villi length of the jejunum (P<0.01). In conclusion, dietary inclusion of wheat grain at 2 mm diameter particle size supplemented by 400 ppm enzyme is recommended.