Effectiveness of different levels of fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare) in the composition of feed mixtures for meat-type quails

Abstract

Fennel seeds in poultry feed positively affect productivity and health. To determine the optimal dose of fennel seed powder in complete feed mixtures for meat-type quails, a scientific and economic experiment was conducted on Pharaoh quail chicks. Four groups of one-day-old quails, each consisting of 100 birds, were formed for the experiment. The control group was fed a basic feed mixture, while the experimental groups received the same mixture with 1–2% fennel seed powder. After a sevenweek experiment, it was established that the doses of fennel seeds used positively influenced the productivity and slaughter characteristics of the quails. However, the highest indicators of average daily body weight gain, slaughter weight, and yield were achieved with the inclusion of 1.5% fennel seed in the quail feed. Therefore, incorporating 1.5% fennel seed into the feed for meat-type quails aged 1–42 days can be considered optimal.