Effect of Addition of Cardamom Powder to the Diet on Performance, Egg Quality and Serum Biochemical Parameters in Laying Quails

Abstract

The present research was carried out to determine the effects of the addition of cardamom powder at different levels (0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 g/kg) to diet on performance, egg quality, and serum parameters in laying quails. In the experiment, a total of 120 laying quails at the age of 20 weeks were randomly distributed to 5 treatment groups with 6 subgroups (4 quails each). Quails were fed with experimental diets for 10 weeks. In the experiment, the feed intake of quails significantly increased with the supplementation of cardamom powder at the level of 3 g/kg to the diet, while other performance parameters were not affected. Eggshell thickness advanced with the addition of 1 g/kg cardamom powder to diet. Egg yolk L* value increased at the level of 4 g/kg, but a* value decreased with the addition of cardamom powder. Other egg quality parameters were not affected by the addition of cardamom powder to the diet. In addition, the supplementation of cardamom powder to the diet significantly reduced serum cholesterol levels of quails. According to the results obtained from the experiment, the addition of cardamom powder at the level of 3 g/kg to the diet increased the feed intake of quails, while the supplementation of 1 g/kg was effective in improving the eggshell quality and serum cholesterol level.