Effect of essential oil supplementation on growth performance and meat quality of Japanese quail

Muhammad Hafizul Rahman M. A., . and Muhammad Safwan Hafiz Z., . and Khadijah S., . and Wan. Zawiah W. A., . and Thayalini K., . (2025) Effect of essential oil supplementation on growth performance and meat quality of Japanese quail. Malaysian Journal of Animal Science (Malaysia), 28 (1). pp. 1-10. ISSN 2550-2123

Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) has emerged as a cost-effective source of meat and eggs in Malaysia, prompting increased interest in optimizing their production. This study investigates the effects of dietary supplementation with essential oils, specifically sesame (Sesamum indicum) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), on growth performance and meat quality. Fourteen-day-old quails were subjected to supplementation with either sesame or rosemary oils at varying doses (250 or 350 mg/kg) and compared against a control group in a randomized design (n = 16 quails per group). Results revealed that the 250 mg/kg rosemary oil supplementation significantly improved average weight gain, emphasizing its potential as a growth promoter. Quails fed with 250 mg/kg sesame oil exhibited the lowest lipid oxidation levels, highlighting its effectiveness in preserving meat freshness. However, essential oil-treated groups showed different effects on water-holding capacity compared to the control. This study provides valuable insights for further research into dosage optimization and the extended shelf life of quail meat, potentially revolutionizing quail farming practices in Malaysia.

Full text available from: Official URL: https://mjas.my/mjas-v2/rf/pages/journal/v28i1/MJA...

Abstract

Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) has emerged as a cost-effective source of meat and eggs in Malaysia, prompting increased interest in optimizing their production. This study investigates the effects of dietary supplementation with essential oils, specifically sesame (Sesamum indicum) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), on growth performance and meat quality. Fourteen-day-old quails were subjected to supplementation with either sesame or rosemary oils at varying doses (250 or 350 mg/kg) and compared against a control group in a randomized design (n = 16 quails per group). Results revealed that the 250 mg/kg rosemary oil supplementation significantly improved average weight gain, emphasizing its potential as a growth promoter. Quails fed with 250 mg/kg sesame oil exhibited the lowest lipid oxidation levels, highlighting its effectiveness in preserving meat freshness. However, essential oil-treated groups showed different effects on water-holding capacity compared to the control. This study provides valuable insights for further research into dosage optimization and the extended shelf life of quail meat, potentially revolutionizing quail farming practices in Malaysia.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	sesame oil
AGROVOC Term:	feed additives
AGROVOC Term:	animal feeding
AGROVOC Term:	essential oils
AGROVOC Term:	meat quality
AGROVOC Term:	weight gain
AGROVOC Term:	chemicophysical properties
AGROVOC Term:	water holding capacity
AGROVOC Term:	growth promoters
AGROVOC Term:	extended shelf-life
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Essential oil, Feed supplementation, Oxidative stability, post-harvest quality, Quail production
Depositing User:	Mr. MUHAMMAD FARHAN AFIF MOHD NAZRI
Date Deposited:	17 Aug 2026 03:36
Last Modified:	17 Aug 2026 03:36
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/26698

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