Researchers tested whether adding extra vitamin B3 (niacin) to quail feed could improve egg production and quality. They fed 180 quails different amounts of this vitamin for 12 weeks and measured how many eggs they laid, how good the eggs were, and how healthy the yolks became. The study found that moderate amounts of vitamin B3 helped quails lay more eggs and produce stronger shells, while higher amounts made the eggs healthier by reducing harmful substances inside them. This suggests that the right amount of vitamin B3 matters for different benefits.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether adding extra vitamin B3 to quail feed improves how many eggs they lay, how good those eggs are, and how healthy the egg yolks become
  • Who participated: 180 laying quails (birds that produce eggs) divided into six groups, each receiving different amounts of vitamin B3 for 12 weeks
  • Key finding: Adding 40 mg of vitamin B3 per kilogram of feed produced the most eggs and the best feed efficiency, while 120 mg produced the healthiest eggs with stronger protection against harmful substances
  • What it means for you: If you raise quails for eggs, adding the right amount of vitamin B3 to their feed may help you get more eggs and better-quality eggs, though this research is specific to quails and may not apply to other animals

The Research Details

Scientists divided 180 quails into six equal groups. Each group ate feed with different amounts of vitamin B3: none extra (the control group), plus 10, 20, 40, 80, or 120 milligrams per kilogram of feed. All birds were treated the same way except for the vitamin B3 amounts. The researchers measured egg production, egg quality, and the health of the egg yolks for 12 weeks. This type of study, called a randomized controlled trial, is considered very reliable because each group is treated identically except for one variable—in this case, vitamin B3 levels.

By testing multiple different amounts of vitamin B3, researchers could find the ‘sweet spot’ where benefits are greatest. This approach is better than just testing one amount because it shows how much vitamin B3 is actually needed. The 12-week timeframe allowed enough time to see real changes in egg production and quality.

This study used a controlled design with clear measurements and statistical analysis, which makes the results reliable. The researchers tested six different doses to find patterns, which is more thorough than testing just one or two amounts. However, the study was done only with quails, so results may not apply to chickens or other birds. The researchers themselves noted that larger, longer studies would help confirm these findings.

What the Results Show

When quails received 40 milligrams of extra vitamin B3 per kilogram of feed, they laid more eggs and used their food more efficiently (meaning less feed was needed to produce each egg). The improvement was modest but measurable and statistically significant, meaning it wasn’t due to chance. Interestingly, adding even more vitamin B3 didn’t improve egg production further—it actually leveled off. This suggests there’s an optimal amount for egg production, and more isn’t always better. When the amount reached 120 milligrams per kilogram, the eggs themselves became much healthier. The yolks showed 26.8% more antioxidant power (protective substances that fight harmful damage) and 55% less lipid peroxidation (a harmful process that damages fats in the egg). Even at the lowest extra amount tested (10 milligrams), quail eggshells became noticeably stronger and thicker.

The inside quality of eggs (measured by something called the Haugh unit and albumen index) improved steadily as vitamin B3 increased, reaching the best results at the highest dose of 120 milligrams. This means the egg whites became thicker and higher quality. The pattern of improvement was different for different measurements—some improved at moderate doses while others improved most at the highest dose. This suggests vitamin B3 affects different parts of egg quality in different ways.

This research adds to existing knowledge about vitamin B3 in poultry nutrition. Previous studies suggested vitamin B3 was important for bird health, but this study is more detailed because it tested multiple doses and measured both productivity and the health-protecting properties of eggs. The finding that different doses work best for different outcomes is new and suggests previous recommendations might need adjustment.

This study only tested quails, so the results may not apply to chickens, turkeys, or other birds. The study lasted 12 weeks, which is medium-term; longer studies might show different results. The researchers didn’t test whether these improvements would continue if the diet was changed after the study ended. The study also didn’t measure whether the improved egg quality would benefit humans who eat these eggs. Finally, the study was done in controlled laboratory conditions, which may differ from real farm environments.

The Bottom Line

If you raise laying quails and want to improve egg production, adding about 40 milligrams of vitamin B3 per kilogram of feed appears helpful (moderate confidence). If your goal is to maximize the health-protecting properties of the eggs themselves, 120 milligrams per kilogram appears better (moderate confidence). These recommendations are specific to quails and should not be applied to other bird species without additional research.

Quail farmers and producers would benefit most from this information. People interested in optimizing poultry nutrition might find this useful. This research is less relevant for chicken farmers, as quails have different nutritional needs. General consumers may be interested in knowing that egg quality can be improved through feed management.

Changes in egg production would likely appear within 2-4 weeks of dietary changes, as quails produce eggs frequently. Changes in egg quality and yolk health would also develop over several weeks. The full benefits described in this study took 12 weeks to measure completely.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If managing quail flocks, track weekly egg production numbers and monthly egg quality measurements (shell strength, yolk color, internal quality) to monitor the effects of dietary changes
  • Adjust feed formulation to include the optimal vitamin B3 level based on your primary goal: 40 mg/kg for maximum egg production or 120 mg/kg for maximum egg quality and health benefits
  • Establish a baseline measurement of current egg production and quality, then implement the dietary change and measure the same metrics weekly for 8-12 weeks to assess whether improvements match the research findings

This research applies specifically to laying quails and may not be applicable to other bird species or animals. These findings are from a controlled research study and may not reflect results in real-world farm conditions. Before making significant changes to animal feed or nutrition, consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist familiar with your specific situation. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional agricultural or veterinary advice.