Abstract
The utilization of nutraceutical sources such as apple (Malus domestica Borkh) pomace powder (APP) could be a strategy to reduce the excessive disposal of this agro-waste in landfills and promote sustainable Jumbo quail (Coturnix sp.) production. However, the amount of the APP that can be included in Jumbo quail diets to achieve optimum production is unknown. This study evaluated the impact of including incremental levels of APP on performance metrics, haemato-biochemical parameters, and meat quality responses in Jumbo quail. A total of 350 Jumbo quail (7-day-old; 28.0 ± 0.817 g live weight) were weighed and randomly allotted to five dietary treatments, where each treatment had seven replicates with 10 birds each. The diets were formulated to contain 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 g/kg APP. Dietary APP induced negative quadratic effects (p < 0.05) on feed intake in weeks 2 and 3. Body weight gain and gain-to-feed ratio decreased linearly in weeks 2, 3, and 4, but quadratically responded to APP levels in week 5. Platelets, heterophils, lymphocytes, and serum phosphorus and calcium showed linear or quadratic responses (p < 0.05) as APP levels increased. Increasing levels of APP linearly (p < 0.05) reduced carcass performance and 24-hour breast meat redness and chroma values but increased 1-hour yellowness and 24-hour lightness. The inclusion of APP compromised growth and carcass performance in young growing Jumbo quail. However, feed efficiency and final body weight were maximized between 50 and 75 g APP levels/kg diet in five-week-old Jumbo quail without compromising blood and meat quality parameters.