The Effects of Jujube Fruit (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) added in the Mixed Feed on Growth Performance and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Quails Raised in Different Stocking Densities

This study was conducted to determine the effects of the jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) added in the feed on growth performance, small intestine histomorphometry, oxidative stress, and carcass parameters in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) raised in two different stocking densities. In the experiment, a total of 280 10-day-old quails were divided into 4 groups with 4 repetitions. Group control was composed of the quails consuming maize-soy based basal diet as 150 cm² for each quail; Z group was composed of the quails consuming the basal diet containing jujube of 1% as 150 cm² for each quail; Group SD was composed of the quails consuming maize-soy based basal diet as 100 cm² for each quail; and ZSD group was composed of the quails consuming the basal diet containing jujube of 1% as 100 cm² for each quail. The best live weight and daily live weight increase were determined in Group Z and the best feed consumption was determined in Group C. It was determined that the jujube fruit added into feed significantly decreased the serum and breast muscle MDA levels. The lowest villus height and the highest crypt depth of duodenum and jejunum were determined in Group SD. As a result, it was observed that the jujube fruit added in the feed of the quails raised in two different stocking densities had a positive effect on the live weight, daily live weight increase feed consumption, villus height, villus width, crypt depth, hot carcass performance and serum, breast muscle MDA levels.