A feed additive based on the yeast biomass of Rhodosporidium diobovatum for egg production in quails

Relevance. The availability of high-quality protein feed and biologically active substances has a significant impact on the productivity of poultry. The high biological activity of carotenoids is of interest and leads to the search for effective ways to obtain and use them. Experimental data on the use of astaxanthin in the diet of warm-blooded animals are limited.

Methods. A feed additive obtained by cultivating the yeast Rodosporidium diobovatum was additionally introduced into the diets of quails in groups 2, 3 and 4 at the rate of 0,4; 0,8 and 1,2 g/kg of live weight, respectively. Sampling of compound feed was carried out in accordance with GOST 13496.0-2016, sampling and quality assessment of the obtained eggs — in accordance with GOST 31655-2012. The chemical analysis of eggs included the determination of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, calcium, phosphorus with preliminary sample preparation. Egg productivity was assessed from the beginning of oviposition. The weight of eggs, protein, yolk, the shape indices of eggs, protein, yolk, and the HAU unit were determined using generally accepted methods, and the content of carotenoids in egg yolk was determined according to GOST R 54058-2010.

Results. Feeding protein-vitamin feed additives to laying quails obtained by cultivating Rhodosporidium diobovatum yeast increased egg production by 28.9%, 13.9% and 4.8%, egg production intensity by 20.8%, 10.0% and 3.5%, improved morphological parameters, incubation qualities and nutritional value of quail eggs, as well as the carotenoid content in the yolk by 36.4%, 30.9% and 3.6%, respectively. The best egg production rates were obtained in birds of groups 2 and 3.

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