Investigation ofMushroom-Based Feed Supplementations on Growth Performance and Immune Function in Male Japanese Quails ()

Abstract

Simple Summary The use of antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production is increasingly restricted, creating demand for natural alternatives to support growth and health. Oyster mushroom () contains bioactive compounds, including β-glucans, with potential immunomodulatory and growth-promoting effects. This study evaluated three freeze-dried oyster mushroom preparations (from the total fruiting body, cooked solid residue, and cooked liquid fraction) as dietary supplements in male Japanese quails () underlipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory challenge. Growth performance, immune-related cytokines, spleen weight, intestinal morphology, and antioxidant capacity were assessed over a 28-day feeding period. Mushroom supplementation improved body weight and body weight gain, particularly during the rapid growth phase, with the strongest and most persistent effect observed in birds receiving the total fruiting body preparation. However, no significant effects were detected on cytokine levels, spleen weight, intestinal morphology, or antioxidant capacity compared with LPS controls. Overall,supplementation showed growth-supporting potential under inflammatory conditions, but its immunological and physiological mechanisms require further investigation. plain-language-summary Abstract Growing concern over antibiotic resistance in poultry production has increased interest in natural feed additives such as(oyster mushroom)-derived products. This study evaluated three freeze-dried oyster mushroom powders: total fresh fruiting body (OMP-TF), cooked solid residue (OMP-CSR), and cooked liquid fraction (OMP-CL), as dietary supplements in male. A β-glucan positive control and basal diet negative control were included. Birds (1-day-old) were fed experimental diets from 1 to 28 days. Anlipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge was applied 12 h before sampling to induce an immune system activity. Growth performance, immune system activity, spleen relative weight, ileum morphometry, and antioxidant capacity were then evaluated to determine the effects of the experimental diets. Mushroom supplementation significantly modulated body weight during weeks 2–3 and overall weight gain, with OMP-TF maintaining higher body weight at week 4. Relative spleen weight, villus morphometry, cytokine responses (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4), and total antioxidant capacity were not significantly altered compared with LPS controls. Overall,supplementation modulated growth performance under inflammatory challenge conditions, without significantly affecting the measured immune or intestinal parameters. These findings suggest a potential role of mushroom-derived products as growth-supporting feed additives; however, further studies are needed to clarify their effects on immune function and intestinal health.