Chamomile herbal medicine as an additive for quails in the laying

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chamomile (Matricaria chamomile) on the stress of laying Japanese quails, analyzing the performance, behavior and physiological indicators. A total of 192 quails was used with 45 days of age, distributed in randomized blocks, feed with 0, 250, 500 and 750mg chamomila/kg feed, with of four treatments, eight replicates and six birds per cage. The trial period was from 45 to 143 days of age, totaling seven cycles with 14 days. Were evaluated performance parameters (feed intake, feed/kg and dozen eggs, egg production, viability and egg weight), behavioral (time in tonic immobility, body injury and aggression) and physiological (plasma corticosterone and heterophil:lymphocyte ratio). The results showed that the different inclusions of chamomile in the quail diet did not affect performance, physiological and behavioral parameters.