Effect of Replacing Inorganic Copper, Zinc, and Selenium with Chelated Minerals on Productive Performance, Nutrient Utilization, Tibia Morphology, and Intestinal Histology of Growing Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of replacing inorganic mineral sources of Cu, Zn, and Se with chelated organic minerals (OM) on performance, nutrient and mineral utilization rates, and intestinal morphometry in growing Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). A total of 150 nine-day-old quails were randomly assigned to receive one of the following diets over 4 weeks: CTRL (100% inorganic minerals), OM33 (replacement of 33% inorganic minerals), OM67 (replacement of 67% inorganic minerals), and OM100 (100% organic minerals). Quails fed the OM67 diet exhibited higher (P < 0.05) viability, daily weight gain, and live weight than the other groups, with no significant difference in feed intake or feed efficiency across treatments. The utilization rates of Cu and Fe were lower in the OM33 group. The CTRL group presented the lowest tibial weight (P < 0.05). Growing quails fed the OM67 diet contained the highest intestinal villi in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. In conclusion, the partial replacement (up to 67%) of inorganic mineral with OM in the diet of growing quails can enhance their productive performance and intestinal histological traits.