The Effect of Betaplus probiotic on growth performance and jejunum histomorpholometrical characteristics in Japanese quail (Coturnix Japonica )

The effect of Betaplus probiotic in the diet on growth performance and histomorphometry of Japanese quail jejunum was investigated by using 288 broiler chicks with 6 treatments, 4 replications and 12 birds per each in a completely randomized design from 1 to 42 days of age. The experimental treatments included: control group (without additives); three diets containing levels of 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g/kg of Betaplus probiotic; diet with deficient in protein, and diet with deficient in protein and contained 1 g/kg of Betaplus. Feed intake, and body weight gain were measured weekly and feed conversion ratio was calculated. At 42 days of age, two birds were randomly selected from each replicate and the traits related to carcass dissection were assessed. For histomorphometrical evaluation of the intestine, the jejunum samples were collected. The utility of Betaplus probiotic at level 1 g/kg improved food intake, weight gain, conversion factor and some histomorphometrical parameters of jejunum (P< 0.05). In birds were fed with level of 1.5 g/kg Betaplus, the villi thickness and crypt diameter and number of the goblet cells were decreased (P< 0.05). According to the results, the use of Betaplus probiotic at level 1 g/kg in the diet improves the growth performance and histological parameters of the jejunum in Japanese quail.