Modulation of intestinal histology and immune functions using prebiotic and organic acid supplementation with stocking density in local quails

The research examined the impact of prebiotic and organic acid additives, along with high stocking density, on the growth performance, biochemical parameters, histological characteristics, and immune function of local quail. A total of 276 one-day-old local quails were randomly assigned to five treatment groups, with three replicates per group and housed in boxes for 42 days. The dietary treatments were designed as follows: A negative control (12 birds/replicate), positive control (20 birds/replicate), group with 1% prebiotic (Jerusalem artichoke) additive at a high stocking density of 20 birds/replicate, group with 0.1% organic acid additive with high stocking density and a group with a combination of 0.5% prebiotic and 0.05% organic acid additives with high stocking density. The results showed that quails receiving prebiotic alone or a combination of prebiotic and organic acid supplements with high stocking density performed best compared to both control groups. The cholesterol and blood sugar levels were reduced in both the prebiotic alone and when combined with organic acid. The lactic acid bacteria count in the caecum digesta were significantly higher in the prebiotic alone and in combination with organic acid compared to both controls. The jejunum villus height was significantly increased with prebiotic alone and with prebiotic mixed with organic acid compared with both controls. All additives significantly enhanced the size of the Fabricius follicles. In summary, supplementing quail diets with prebiotics, alone or in combination with organic acids, under high stocking density conditions improved production performance, biochemical parameters, jejunum histology, and immune function in local quails.