Effect of natural Zeolite and Gypsum supplementary litter material on egg quality of Japanese Quail

This study evaluated the effect of natural zeolite and gypsum supplementary litter material on egg quality of Japanese quail. The experiment was carried out in 144, day-old quail chicks reared up to 13 weeks of age. The chicks were randomly assigned to three treatment groups that is C (control, sawdust), T₁ (saw dust + natural zeolite) and T₂ (saw dust +gypsum), with 48 birds per treatment, subdivided into four replicates. The experiment involved rearing quail chicks under deep litter system and egg quality parameters were observed from 7^th to 13^th week at biweekly interval. The results revealed that egg parameters, eggshell thickness, egg mass, egg weight were significantly higher in the T₁ group compared to both C and T₂. The internal quality parameters like Haugh unit were also significantly improved with litter supplementation. However, nonsignificant effect was seen on egg shape index, yolk index and albumen index. It could be concluded that litter amendments natural zeolite and gypsum positively impact the egg quality of Japanese quail and could be used for improved production.