Effect of supplementation of red beetroot powder in quail diets

This study aims to determine the effects of different levels of supplements (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%) of red beetroot (B. vulgaris var. rubra L.) powder in the diets of laying quails on productive traits, egg quality, some blood parameters, yolk fatty acid profiles and cholesterol levels. A total of 112, 12-week-old female quails were used in the 4-week study. While the red beetroot powder (RBP) significantly affected egg yield, it was not effective on daily feed intake (DFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and egg weight (EW). Among the blood parameters, there were significant differences in terms of the triglyceride (TG), Ca and Na values among the trial groups. In terms of the egg yolk fatty acid profiles, there were significant differences among the palmitic acid and linolenic acid levels of the groups. The results obtained in terms of the egg yolk cholesterol levels showed that the RBP did not significantly affect the cholesterol levels. Consequently, considering its positive effects on some parameters like egg yield, egg yolk colour and palmitic and linolenic acid values, it may be recommended to add RBP to the diets of quails by up to 1%.