Effects of lactobacilli cultures on egg quality of quails

¹ Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kremlevskaya st. 18, Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia
² Institute of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Meat and Milk Technologies, Kazan National Research Technological University, 420015 K. Marks St. 68, Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia
³ Kazan State Academy of Veterinary Medicine named after N.E. Bauman, 420029 Sibirskiy tract st. 35, Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia

^* Corresponding author: kasfes@gmail.com

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of dietary supplementation with the probiotics on the egg quality parameters and cecum microbiota of quails. Quails were randomly divided into four groups, with nine birds in each group. The control group received a basal diet supplemented with a nutrient base for probiotics (10% clarified whey, 1% yeast extract, and 0.5% sucrose). The three experimental groups received the same diet, but supplemented with 1 × 10¹⁰ CFU/kg of Limosilactobacillus fermentum HFD1, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FCa3L, or Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LS 4-4. The use of probiotic feed supplements led to an increase in shell strength, which improved the transportability of eggs. Dietary supplementation with L. plantarum FCa3L resulted in a statistically significant increase in eggshell hardness. In all experimental groups, serum calcium levels were within acceptable limits and did not differ significantly from the control group. The 16S ribosomal RNA-based sequencing technique was used to characterize the cecum microbiota of quails fed with different lactobacilli strains. We observed certain positive changes in the gut microbiota of quails that were fed with L. fermentum HFD1 and L. plantarum FCa3L. However, the supplementation of the diet with L. plantarum LS4-4 had little effect on the gut microbiota of quails.