Effects of Dietary Tomato Pulp Inclusion on Performance and Egg Quality of Japanese Quail

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary tomato pulp inclusion on productive performance and egg quality of Japanese quail. A total of 150 quails (42 days old) were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments containing 0%, 10%, and 20% tomato pulp with or without enzyme supplementation over a 60-day experimental period. Productive parameters, including egg production, egg weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR), as well as egg quality traits such as yolk height and diameter, were measured. The results showed that dietary inclusion of tomato pulp had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on productive performance parameters, indicating stable nutrient utilization and consistent laying performance across all treatments. However, yolk quality traits were significantly improved (P ≤ 0.05), with progressive increases in yolk height and diameter observed at higher inclusion levels, particularly in the 20% treatment. These improvements may be attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds such as lycopene and carotenoids, which enhance antioxidant activity and yolk structural integrity. In conclusion, tomato pulp can be incorporated into Japanese quail diets at levels up to 20% without compromising performance, while improving egg quality, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative feed ingredient in poultry nutrition.