Abstract
Use of synthetic feed additives in poultry production is associated with negative consumer health outcomes hence the need to make use of natural alternatives. We investigated the effect of fortifying Japanese quail pullet diets with Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces meal (HSCM) on egg production and egg quality. A standard Japanese quail layer diet was supplemented with HSCM at 0%, 5% and 10% (w/w) in Diets 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Ninety 5-week-old Japanese quail hens were randomly allocated to and fed the layer diets for 56 days. Feed intake, egg production, egg quality and the egg albumen and yolk proximate content and fatty acid profiles were determined. Dietary fortification with HSCM reduced feed intake (p < 0.001) but did not affect feed conversion ratio of the quail (p > 0.05). The meal reduced (p < 0.0001) the number of eggs laid but did not affect external and internal egg quality (p > 0.05). Dietary fortification with HSCM at 10% significantly reduced the egg fat content but increased linoleic acid and arachidonic acid (p < 0.05) content. Although H. sabdariffa calyces meal increased egg nutritional value, its use as a dietary supplement in laying hens may result in reduced productivity affecting profitability.