Fitoterápico na alimentação de codornas de postura (Coturnix coturnix japonica): efeito sobre o desempenho produtivo e comportamento

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of Erythrina mulungu on behavioral parameters and productive performance in 45-day-old Japanese quails. 80 quails were distributed in cages with a density of 10 animals per experimental unit, fed with commercial feed specific for laying quails and added 0 and 200mg of mulungu extract/kg of feed, totaling 2 treatments and 4 replications. Behavioral results (bodily injuries and time of tonic immobility) and productive performance (percentage of eggs per bird/day) were evaluated over a period of 6 weeks, with the first 2 weeks being for the animals' adaptation. After analyzing the data, it was observed that quails fed with mulungu extract had a reduction in the time of tonic immobility, did not increase productivity, but also did not negatively affect it. Regarding injuries, the animals that ingested the extract were more reactive and consequently more injuries occurred. These results show the importance of studies using herbal medicines, improving animal welfare with more sustainable management.