Investigation of quality and yield parameters in Japanese qails (coturnix coturnix japonica) feed with microencapsulated thyme oil

The first aim of this study was to obtain a product resistant to environmental conditions that can be used in animal husbandry by applying microencapsulation technique of Origanum onites oil (OO) and the second aim was to investigate the effect of the produced product on yield and quality parameters in quails in long-term feeding. 336 chicks obtained from Japanese quail hybrid line were used. The experimental design was established as a control group (C) fed only with basal ration, and seven groups were formed with microencapsulated thyme oil (MOO) and OO at doses of 100, 300 and 600 mg/kg (C, MOO100, MOO300, MOO600, OO100, OO300, OO600). 7 experimental group had 3 replications totl of 21 subgroups with 16 animals. The data were examined as rearing (2-6 weeks) and egg-laying (9-12 weeks) periods. The encapsulation process of Origanum onites oil was successfully carried out by coating it with sodium alginate which was the most critical step of this study. With the increase in the dosage of OO used during the growing period in quails, it had a negative effect on many yield parameters. It can be recommended to use the lower OO dose in growing quails. No difference was found between the groups in the examined blood parameters, carcass yield, relative organ weights, meat quality and sensory analysis results. When the results of the pathological study were examined, it was seen that high doses of OO had a negative effect on the liver and testicular tissues. It was observed that animal performance increased as the OO ratio increased during the egg laying period. At the end of the study, egg quality parameters were diffrent between the groups. The use of microencapsulated 100-300 mg/kg OO dosage during the growing and egg laying period can be recommended for the producer.