Effects of Chamomile Aqueous Extract on Productive Performance, Egg Quality, and Serum Biochemical Parameters in Laying Japanese Quails

Chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla L., is one of the most popular medicinal plants known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This study was conducted to determine the effect of chamomile aqueous extract on the productivity, egg quality, and serum biochemical parameters of laying Japanese quail. A total of 42 Japanese quail were separated into two groups of 21 birds each, with three replicates per group (7 birds) at random; the control group without any additives and the supplemented group with chamomile aqueous extract (3ml/L) in the drinking water from 2 weeks to 13 week at the end of expermint. The total phenols, flavonoids,, and antioxidant potential of chamomile extract were all assayed. The results showed that the chamomile aqueous extract is rich in phenolic(108.92 μg/ml) and flavonoid (66.41 μmol/ml ) compounds. Additionally, chamomile extract is a potent antioxidant(1.77 ng/ ml). Laying quails supplemented with chamomile aqueous extract showed increased body weight and egg mass, as well as a lowered feed conversion ratio. Chamomile extract significantly increased serum levels of total protein and albumin while decreasing glucose level compared to the control group. Eggs of Japanese quail supplemented with chamomile extract showed a higher egg weight, egg length, albumen weight, albumen length, and yolk index. It could be concluded that the chamomile aqueous extract can positively affect the egg quality and productivity of laying Japanese quail. © 2023 by the authors. Licensee ResearchersLinks Ltd, England, UK