Effect of Echinacea Purpurea Powder on Productive Performance, Immunity Response, Intestinal Microbial Flora and Some Blood and Reproductive Parameters of Male Japanese Quail

The use of herbal additives in modern poultry farming is increasing, especially in organic farms.  This study was conducted to determine the effect of adding Echinacea powder (EP) to the diet on performance, immune status, intestinal microbial flora, and some blood, serum, and reproductive parameters in Japanese quail. 80 quails were randomly distributed in 2 experimental groups of 4 replicates with 10 quails per replicate in a completely randomized design. Experimental treatments included 1) base diet without EP (control) and 2) basal diet + 150 mg/kg of EP. Quails fed EP-supplemented diets had a higher feed intake and feed conversion ratio of birds compared to the control group. The highest antibody titer against the Newcastle virus was obtained in the primary titer in EP-receiving birds. The population of Escherichia coli and lactic acid-producing bacteria in the EP group was significantly decreased and increased, respectively. Hematocrit, MCV, and MCH indexes increased in the EP-receiving birds. Moreover, the addition of EP to the bird's diet resulted in better eggshell thickness, breaking strength, and higher Haugh units than the control group. Spermatological parameters improved in receiving-EP quails compared to control. The findings of this study confirmed the positive effect of adding EP to the diet on performance, immune status, intestine microflora, and some blood and reproductive parameters in male Japanese quail.