Effect of condensed tannin from Acacia mearnsii on the productive and reproductive performance of broiler quail breeders

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Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of condensed tannins from Acacia mearnsii on the productive and reproductive performance of broiler quail breeders over three 28-day cycles. In total, 140 Coturnix coturnix breeders were used, distributed in a completely randomized design in a split-plot arrangement, consisting of 4 treatments with 7 replicates of 5 birds per experimental unit, totaling 28 plots. The treatments were: T1, basal diet (negative control) without additives;T2, basal diet + zinc bacitracin at 22 ppm/ton (positive control); T3, basal diet + condensed tannin at 1.000 g/ton; and T4, basal diet + condensed tannin at 750 g/ton. Feed intake, egg production and mass, egg weight, feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs, hatchability, chick weight, and nitrogen excretion were evaluated. Performance varied among cycles, with higher feed intake and egg mass in the second cycle and better feed conversion in the third (p < 0.05). Supplementation with 750 g/ton of tannin promoted higher egg production and mass and (CA/dz), whereas 1.000 g/ton did not provide additional benefits (p > 0.05). Hatchability was higher in diets without additives (p < 0.05). Excreta nitrogen content was reduced by dietary treatments (p < 0.05), and an interaction between diet and cycle was observed for dry matter (p < 0.05). No effect was observed on mineral matter (p > 0.05). It can be concluded that moderate inclusion of condensed tannins from A. mearnsii (750 g/ton) (CA/dz), nutrient utilization, and reproductive performance, particularly in later cycles, in addition to reducing nitrogen excretion. These results indicate the potential of tannins as sustainable phytogenic additives and natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters.
Keywords: antimicrobial; environmental sustainability; feed efficiency; metabolism; phytogenic additive.Keywords: antimicrobial; environmental sustainability; feed efficiency; metabolism; phytogenic additive.

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Published

2026-05-20

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Vol. 27 (2026): Continuous publication

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ANIMAL SCIENCE

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How to Cite

CUSTÓDIO, D. et al. Effect of condensed tannin from Acacia mearnsii on the productive and reproductive performance of broiler quail breeders. Brazilian Animal Science/ Ciência Animal Brasileira, v. 27, 20 May2026.

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