Influence of Improved Microclimate Conditions on Growth and Physiological Performance of Two Japanese Quail Lines

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Ammonia emission in poultry farms leads to environmental or health problems. Additionally, the sustainability and health of poultry depend on the improvement of the surrounding microclimate conditions of birds (ammonia, ambient temperature, heat index, and relative humidity). Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the addition of natural zeolite to the Japanese quail litter on microclimate parameters, growth performance, blood gases, and other blood biochemical indicators in two Japanese quail lines. Both the zeolite-treated group and the selected line performed better than the untreated group and control line in growth performance. The microclimate characteristics were improved by adding natural zeolite in the quail litter, revealing better growth performance and health of birds. Based on this study, it can be concluded that the use of natural zeolite in the Japanese quail litter is effective in reducing the atmospheric ammonia level. ABSTRACT: Microclimate parameters (ammonia, ambient temperature, heat index, and relative humidity) surrounding birds affect the production and health status of poultry. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of adding natural zeolite to the litter of Japanese quail on improving microclimate parameters and its reflection in growth performance, blood gases, and blood biochemical parameters. A total of 1152 chicks were obtained from the same hatch at the 20th selection generation. Chicks were allocated into two groups based on the litter composition: Group 1: wheat straw as litter (untreated group); Group 2: 80% wheat straw + 20% zeolite (treated group). Each group consisted of 576 chicks: 410 selected line chicks and 166 control line chicks. Significant and favorable effects of the treatment on microclimate parameters during tested periods were found to favor the treated group. Either the treated group or the selected line had significantly better growth performance than the untreated group and control line. Zeolite-treated quails had significantly desirable blood gases and lower blood acidity and serum total iron binding capacity compared to the untreated group. Thus, adding natural zeolite to the litter enhanced the microclimate parameters that improved growth performance, blood gases, and blood biochemical parameters and reduced ammonia emission.