Dietary Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) Waste Inhibits Experimentally Induced Eimeria tenella Challenge in Japanese Quails Model

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This study investigated the potential of repurposing discarded Pleurotus ostreatus stem waste as a natural dietary supplement to enhance growth performance and support intestinal health in Japanese quails, offering a natural solution to experimentally induced coccidiosis. The inclusion of 3% Pleurotus ostreatus in their diet proved highly effective in alleviating the compromised growth rate induced by coccidial oocysts. This dosage led to a notable reduction in the lesion scores in the cecum and a decrease in oocyst shedding. Additionally, it played a crucial role in restoring the cecal morphology of Japanese quails. These findings highlight the promising role of Pleurotus ostreatus stem waste as a valuable dietary component, potentially contributing to the overall well-being and performance of quails, particularly in the face of coccidial challenges. This natural remedy presents an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to poultry farming, utilizing otherwise discarded materials for significant benefits in bird health and productivity. ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of dietary 3% oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) waste in enhancing the anticoccidial effects in broilers challenged with Eimeria tenella infection. The experiment involved a total of 600 Japanese quails, raised from one to thirty-five days of age, which were divided into four treatment groups. These included a negative control group that received a basal diet (BD) without any anticoccidial or antibiotic supplementation in the non-challenged birds (negative control, NC); a positive control (PC) group consisting of NC birds challenged with E. tenella; a group that received the BD with an anticoccidial drug (standard); and a group that received the BD supplemented with 3% waste from oyster mushrooms (3% Pleurotus ostreatus). The results showed that the feed intake, body weight gain, and feed efficiency were significantly lower in the PC (p < 0.05). However, the growth traits were similar in the standard and 3% Pleurotus ostreatus-treated groups. Similarly, there was no difference (p < 0.05) in the mortality rate, oocyst count in the feces, and lesion score between the standard and 3% Pleurotus ostreatus groups. Based on intestinal histology evaluation, the villi height and width were significantly higher in the standard and 3% Pleurotus ostreatus-treated groups compared to those of the PC (p < 0.01). In conclusion, it was found that 3% Pleurotus ostreatus effectively mitigated the low growth rate of Japanese quails induced by coccidial infection.