Effects of Cricket Extract and Protein Hydrolysate on Hematology and Egg Quality in Japanese Quails

The increasing demand for sustainable animal protein sources necessitates novel feed additives to enhance poultry health and productivity. The present study was explored into insect-derived compounds, such as cricket extract (CE) and cricket hydrolysate protein (CPH) which have rich nutritional profiles and bioactive properties, and offer a promising avenue for novel feed additives. Four hundred Japanese quails were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments (five replicates per treatment, 20 birds per replicate), and egg quality was assessed using 300 eggs (15 eggs from each replicate unit treatment). Treatments consisted of basal feed (T0), basal feed plus zinc bacitracin (50 mg/kg; T1), basal feed plus CE (10 ml/kg; T2) and basal feed plus CPH (10 ml/kg; T3). Hematological parameters, including Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) level, and White Blood Cell (WBC) count, were determined using an automated hematology analyzer. Internal egg quality was assessed based on albumen height, Haugh Unit, albumen weight, yolk weight and cholesterol level. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA by Duncan test. Statistical analysis, indicated that RBC counts were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in T2 (3.10 x 1012 cells/mm3) and T3 (2.51 x 1012 cells/ mm3) compared T0 and T1. Similarly, WBC values were significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in T3 (10.50 x 109 cells/ mm3) compared to T0 (14.5 x 109 cells/ mm3) and T1 (13.45 x 109 cells/ mm3). Hb levels showed no significant differences across treatments. Regarding egg quality, albumen weight was significantly higher in T3 (6.22 g) compared to T0 (4.6 g; p < 0.001), while cholesterol content was significantly lower in T3 (183.00 mg per egg yolk) than in T0 (231.48 mg per egg yolk; p < 0.001). In conclusion the administration of CPH demonstrated a positive impact on physiological status and production performance, as evidenced by improvements in blood profile parameters and egg quality. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of CPH as a natural alternative to antibiotics in promoting animal health and sustaining productive performance.