Gracilariopsis persica seaweed as a feed ingredient in Japanese quail: impacts on growth performance, blood biochemistry, carcass traits, cecal microflora, and intestinal morphology

Gracilariopsis persica seaweed as a feed ingredient in Japanese quail: impacts on growth performance, blood biochemistry, carcass traits, cecal microflora, and intestinal morphology | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Gracilariopsis persica seaweed as a feed ingredient in Japanese quail: impacts on growth performance, blood biochemistry, carcass traits, cecal microflora, and intestinal morphology Razieh Moazeni Torghi, Seyed Davood Sharifi, Mohammad Amir Karimi Torshizi, and 1 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7140998/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract In this study, different levels of Gracilariopsis persica (G. persica ) seaweed were examined on growth performance, blood biochemistry parameters, carcass characteristics, cecal microflora counts, and intestinal morphology in Japanese quail. A total of 480 one-day-old Japanese quail chicks ( Coturnix japonica ) were completely randomized design to 16 cages (n = 4 treatment; 4 replicates and 30 birds per replicate). The dietary inclusion rates of G. persica seaweed were as follows: 0 (control group), 1, 3, and 5%. The experimental duration lasted for 6 weeks. The live body weight of quails increased when fed with control and 3% G. persica seaweed diets, compared to those fed 5% G. persica seaweed diet (P < 0.05). In the jejunum, the use of a diet containing 1% G. persica seaweed increased villus width, compared to birds fed with control diet (P < 0.05). Additionally, the use of a diet containing 5% G. persica seaweed increased the cecal microbial populations of Lactobacillus , compared to control and 3% G. persica seaweed diets (P < 0.05). Based on the results, incorporating up to 5% Gracilariopsis persica seaweed into the diet of Japanese quails not only enhanced performance during the first three weeks but also improved carcass characteristics, cecal microflora counts, and intestinal morphology. Cecal microflora Gracilariopsis persica Growth performance Intestinal morphology Japanese quail Introduction The Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) has recently become a widely used animal model across various research fields due to its physiological similarities to humans (Batool et al., 2023 ). These birds are also recognized for their sexual precocity, short generation intervals, small size, and high egg productivity (Roza et al. 2023 ). Such traits make them highly appealing for both the poultry industry and scientific studies, particularly as avian models. Japanese quails have been proposed as a representative species for poultry research, with dietary interventions in quails expected to produce effects comparable to those in other poultry species (Park et al. 2024 ). Seaweeds are a rich source of essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Their polysaccharide content makes seaweeds valuable dietary supplements with potential health benefits and prebiotic effects (Vazirzadeh et al. 2022 ). Gracilaria, a genus of red algae (Rhodophyceae) from the Gracilariaceae family, is notable for its nutritional properties (Long et al. 2021 ). Gracilaria persica ( G. persica ) one of the most abundant red algae species in the Persian Gulf, was classified based on its morphological and DNA sequence data (Vazirzadeh et al. 2022 ). This seaweed produces sulfated polysaccharides with a backbone of 3-linked β-D-galactopyranosyl and 4-linked α-L-galactopyranosyl (or 3, 6-anhydro-galactopyranosyl) residues, which vary across species due to structural substitutions (Khosravi et al. 2018 ). Research has demonstrated the dietary benefits of G. persica seaweed. For example, its inclusion in laying hen diets up to 100 g/kg has been found valuable (Abbaspour et al. 2015 ). However, Michalak and Mahrose ( 2020 ) caution that seaweed levels in poultry diets should not exceed 10%, as excessive inclusion may impair gut microbial diversity. A high inclusion level (8%) of red seaweed Gracilaria gracilis was shown to reduce gut microbial diversity, but this negative effect was mitigated at a lower level (4%) (Ferreira et al. 2022 ). Tapia-Paniagua et al. ( 2019 ) found that administering less than 3% of green seaweed Ulva ohnoi enhanced gut microbial diversity, though no significant effects were observed at a 5% inclusion level. Kessi and Mwaipopo ( 2022 ) also reported that a 1.5% inclusion of seaweed significantly improved growth rates and body weight in broiler chickens. These findings underscore the potential of seaweed as a functional feed additive, particularly for improving gut health and nutrient utilization. Poultry farmers should be encouraged to incorporate seaweed into feed formulations within recommended limits. Notably, G. persica seaweed has a unique ability to concentrate oceanic minerals, making it a rich source of essential trace elements such as calcium, iron, and iodine. Enrichment of animal-origin products with iodine (I) could be achieved nutritionally by an application of seaweed added into the animal diet (Słupczyńska et al. 2014 ). Absorption and utilization of I from seaweed could be negatively modified by goitrogenic substances that are present in some plant-origin feeds, especially those originating from plants of the Gracilariaceae family (Tripathi et al. 2001 ). The biological necessity of I is mainly related to the thyroid gland and a component of thyroxin hormone, which regulates body metabolism, and it has a strong influence on the growth and performance of poultry (Słupczyńska et al. 2022 ). Gracilariopsis persica seaweed has a high concentration of iodine (Abbaspour et al. 2015 ). Abbaspour et al. ( 2015 ) observed that feeding diets containing 50 g/kg of G. persica seaweed significantly increased blood iodine levels in laying quails. Vosough-Sharifi et al. ( 2012 ) reported that G. persica can be included up to 5% in layer diets, resulting in increased iodine content in the yolk and improved egg durability. Limited data are available regarding the nutritional value of Gracilariopsis persica and its effects on poultry metabolism. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying levels of Gracilariopsis persica seaweed supplementation on growth performance, blood biochemistry parameters, carcass characteristics, cecal microflora, and intestinal morphology in Japanese quail. Materials and methods Animal ethics All experimental procedures were confirmed by the Animal Welfare Committee of the Department of Animal Science, University of Tehran. Bird Management and Treatments A total of 600 one-day-old Japanese quail chicks ( Coturnix japonica ) with an average weight of 7 ± 2 g were randomly assigned to 16 cages (n = 4 treatments; 4 replicates, and 30 birds per replicate). The feeding experiment was conducted for 6 weeks. The dietary inclusion rates of G. persica seaweed were as follows: 0 (control group), 1, 3, and 5%. In the first week, lights were on continuously, and thereafter, a controlled photoperiod regimen (23L: 1D h light: dark cycle, temperature of 33 ± 2°C, water temperature at about 20–24°C, and RH = 60%). The quail chicks were fed with control diet until 8 days of age, and then experimental treatments were provided to them from 9 days of age. Before diet formulation, whole G. persica seaweeds were ground in a hammer mill using a 1mmmesh. A G. persica sample (1 kg) was prepared and after grinding finely the sample was subjected to chemical analysis (Table 1 ). Moisture, ash, crude fiber, ether extract, crude protein, Ca, P, and Na content were determined using standard AOAC (2005) methods. The experimental diets were formulated (Table 2 , for Coturnix japonica ) to meet the crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) requirements of the birds; an analysis of the diets showed that the CP and ME levels matched closely the calculated values. All Japanese quail chicks were fed with a standard iso-caloric (2900 kcal/kg) and iso-nitrogenous diet (26% protein). The nutritional composition of the diets was prepared by NRC (1994). The experimental diets were produced, first, by mixing all ingredients, except the G. persica seaweed. Gracilariopsis persica seaweed was measured using a sensitive digital scale with an accuracy of 0.01 g and mixed with other ingredients and nutrient composition using a mixer and was added to the diets. Table 1 Metabolizable energy (kcal/kg− 1 dry matter) and chemical composition (g/kg− 1 dry matter) of Gracilariopsis persica seaweed. Nutrient Amount AMEn 2195.72 Dry matter 964.00 Crude protein 230.50 Crude fiber 72.00 Ether extract 1.00 Calcium 9.00 Phosphorous 3.40 Sodium 12.10 Ash 255.00 Table 2 Ingredient and chemical composition of basal diets (%, as fed basis). Ingredient (%) Gracilariopsis persica seaweed (% of diet) 0 1 3 5 Yellow corn (CP = 7.20%) 49.57 48.83 47.36 45.83 Soybean meal 1 (CP = 48.00%) 44.92 44.65 44.02 43.47 Soybean oil 0.47 0.54 0.73 1.95 Gracilariopsis persica seaweed 0.00 1.00 3.00 5.00 Dicalcium phosphate 1.85 1.84 1.84 1.84 Limestone 2.05 2.03 1.99 0.91 Salt 0.34 0.31 0.26 0.20 Vitamin-mineral premix 2 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 DL-Methionine 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 Total 100 100 100 100 Calculated Nutrients AMEn (kcal/kg) 2900 2900 2900 2900 Crude Protein (%) 26 26 26 26 Methionine (%) 0.55 0.55 0.55 0.55 Methionine + cysteine (%) 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 Lysine (%) 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 Calcium (%) 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1 Non-Dehulled Soybean meal (44% crude protein) 2 Vitamin and mineral Premix supplied per kilogram of diet: Vitamin A, 7700 IU. Vitamin D3, 3300 IU. Vitamin E, 600 mg. Vitamin K3, 550 mg. thiamin, 2200 mg. riboflavin, 4400 mg. Niacin, 2200 mg. D-Calcium pantothenate, 5500 mg. Vitamin B6, 4400 mg. Biotin, 55000 µg. Folic acid, 110 mg. Vitamin B12, 8800 mg. Choline 275000 mg. manganese oxide 66000 mg. ferrous sulfate 33000 mg. zinc oxide 66000 mg. copper sulphate 8800 mg. calcium iodate 900 mg. sodium selenite, 300 mg. The quails were housed in a cage of size 90 L × 40W × 40H cm lined with wood crisps in an environmentally controlled room, with each pen equipped with a feeder and a manual bell-shaped drinker. All cages including coils, feeders, and waste trays were made of hot-dip galvanized steel Q235. The source used during the experiment period was the standard white light-emitting diodes (LEDs = 6 Watt, 365 lm, 6200 Kelvin, 100% light, 220–240 Volt, 50–60 Hz). All light sources in the first 3 days were equalized to a light intensity of 20 to 30 lx and from the third day to the end of the experiment with an intensity of 5–10 lx, as recorded by a lux meter (TES 1335, Digital Light Meter). The diets and fresh water were given to the quails ad libitum . The required amount of feed was weighed at the beginning of each week and stored in a special bucket for the same repetition. Daily feed was provided for the bird at 8 am. At the end of each week, the remaining feed was collected in the feeders and returned to the bucket for the same repetition. By weighing the remaining feed in the bucket and subtracting it from the initial amount of feed, feed consumption per week was calculated. Then, by dividing the amount of feed consumed per week by the number of bird days per replication, daily feed intake of each bird, and the average daily feed intake for each bird were calculated. The unit of daily feed consumption is g/bird/day. Growth Performance The feed intake, body weight gain, and mortality were recorded daily at first, and then weekly, followed by calculations of feed conversion ratio (FCR as" kg feed intake / 1 kg body weight gain"). Blood samples and Collection In the final week of the experiment, blood parameters were assessed by selecting 10 quails from each dietary treatment (2 quails per pen). Blood samples (~ 5 mL) were collected from the wing vein following a 2-hour feed withdrawal. The samples were immediately transferred into non-heparinized vacuum tubes, allowed to clot at room temperature for 2 hours, and centrifuged at 3,000 × g for 15 minutes. The serum was carefully separated, transferred into vials, and stored at -20°C before being promptly delivered to the laboratory for lipid analyses. Serum samples were analyzed for triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c) using commercial colorimetric diagnostic kits, following the manufacturer’s instructions (Diagnostic Products Corporation, Pars Azmoon, Tehran, Iran). Carcass characteristics Six quails (three males and three females) with an average body weight were randomly selected from each pen and slaughtered on day 42 for carcass evaluation. The abdominal cavity was surgically opened, and the entire alimentary canal was carefully excised. The gastrointestinal tract, liver, intestine, abdominal fat and ceca were then collected and weighed individually. The carcass weight was measured after removing feathers, blood, head, feet, and internal organs (Celik et al., 2014 ). Carcass yield and the relative weights of the internal organs were calculated as percentages of the live body weight. Cecal Microbial Populations On day 42, for the assessment of cecal microflora, one cecum from two birds in each replicate, euthanized by cervical dislocation, was used. The cecal contents were collected into separate sterile culture tubes using aseptic techniques, promptly placed on ice, and transported to the microbiological laboratory. A 1 g sample of cecal digesta from each bird was aseptically transferred into 9 mL of sterile saline solution and serially diluted. Lactobacillus was enumerated on de Man–Rogosa–Sharpe (MRS) agar after incubation at 37°C for 48 hours in an anaerobic chamber and 24 hours in an aerobic chamber, respectively. All samples were plated in duplicate (Masouri et al. 2017 ) Intestinal Morphological Assay Histological examination was performed according to the method described by Uni et al. ( 2001 ). Briefly, at the end of 6 weeks, 12 birds from each treatment were euthanized. Immediately after euthanasia, a 3-cm sample of the liver and the middle portion of the jejunum (midpoint between the bile duct entry and Meckel's diverticulum) were collected, opened longitudinally, washed with PBS, and fixed in 10% formaldehyde and 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.3). The tissue samples were then histologically processed and embedded in paraffin. For each segment, a 5-µm cross-section was prepared using a microtome, placed on a glass slide, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Histopathological changes in all sections were examined using a light microscope (Discover Echo, San Diego, CA, USA) with a digital camera (BX51; Olympus Corp. Tokyo, Japan) at a magnification of 200×. The indices of the sections were calculated using digital image software v2.0 (Motic Images Plus 2.0). In each hen, 30 well-oriented villi and 30 longitudinally sectioned crypts were measured, and the average values were used as an experimental unit in statistical analysis. Villus height was measured from the extremity of the villi to the villus–crypt junction, while width was measured in the middle portion of the villi. The villus: crypt was determined as the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (Berg et al. 2001 ). Statistical analysis The data were tested for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk and Levene tests. The data were analyzed using a completely randomized design with 5 treatments, employing the PROC GLM of SAS (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC, USA, version 9.4). The pen was considered the experimental unit for all traits. The carcass traits were analyzed using a 2×5 factorial arrangement to assess the effects of diet and sex. Microbiological counts underwent base-10 logarithm transformation before analysis. The study evaluated significant differences between the treatments using Duncan’s multiple range test with a significant level of P < 0.05. Results Growth performance Table 3 presents the effects of dietary G. persica seaweed on growth performance of Japanese quails. The study found that diet had no significant effect on weight gain (WG) from days 23–29, 30–36, and 37–42; daily feed intake (DFI) from days 9–15, 16–22, 23–29, 30–36, and 37–42; feed conversion ratio (FCR) from days 16–22, 23–29, 30–36, and 37–42; and live body weight (LBW) from days 23–29, 30–36, and 37–42. However, during days 9–15, quails fed a diet containing 3% Gracilariopsis persica seaweed exhibited significantly higher WG compared to those fed the control and 5% G. persica seaweed diets (P < 0.05), while FCR was significantly lower in the 3% G. persica group (P < 0.05).Additionally, the LBW of quails increased when fed with control and 3% G. persica seaweed diets, compared to those fed 5% G. persica seaweed diet (P < 0.05). During days 16–22, quails fed a diet containing 1% Gracilariopsis persica seaweed exhibited significantly higher weight gain (WG) compared to those fed the control and 3% G. persica seaweed diets (P < 0.05). Additionally, the inclusion of 1% G. persica seaweed in the diet resulted in a significant increase in live body weight (LBW) compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, the overall effects of dietary G. persica seaweed on the growth performance of Japanese quails throughout the entire experimental period (9–42 days) were not significant (Table 4 ). Table 3 Effect of diets containing different Gracilariopsis persica seaweed1 on performance in Japanese quails. Items Gracilariopsis persica seaweed (%) SEM P -value 0 1 3 5 WG 2 (g/bird per d) (9–15 d) 4.10 b 10 4.26 ab 4.47 a 3.33 c 0.124 0.0002 (16–22 d) 4.82 c 5.82 a 5.69 b 5.71 ab 0.217 0.025 (23–29 d) 8.57 57 8.26 8.75 8.38 0.460 0.881 (30–36 d) 7.87 6.74 6.30 7.20 0.721 0.485 (37–42 d) 8.08 8.25 6.99 8.09 1.420 0.912 DFI 3 (g/bird per d) (9–15 d) 15.58 16.81 13.16 14.55 1.484 0.391 (16–22 d) 16.63 18.92 16.71 18.21 1.304 0.539 (23–29 d) 22.62 21.32 20.27 18.68 1.797 0.489 (30–36 d) 18.48 19.22 17.37 18.69 2.062 0.906 (37–42 d) 19.52 23.34 19.10 19.98 2.440 0.609 FCR 4 (g feed/g gain) (9–15 d) 3.81 b 3.93 ab 2.93 c 4.34 a 0.294 0.033 (16–22 d) 3.45 3.28 2.95 3.20 0.263 0.610 (23–29 d) 2.65 2.57 2.14 2.44 0.199 0.335 (30–36 d) 2.37 2.96 2.77 2.76 0.367 0.720 (37–42 d) 2.81 3.01 2.90 2.46 0.421 0.817 LBW 5 (g) (9–15 d) 44.53 a 42.10 ab 44.02 a 39.80 b 1.086 0.037 (16–22 d) 78.32 b 84.00 a 81.99 ab 78.98 ab 2.308 0.313 (23–29 d) 138.02 139.37 143.23 135.43 2.442 0.205 (30–36 d) 193.12 187.86 187.32 185.82 5.313 0.784 (37–42 d) 227.55 221.85 217.00 223.74 9.573 0.887 a–d Means with different superscripts within a column are different at P < 0.05. SEM = Standard Error of means. 1 Gracilariopsis persica seaweed was added to each diet at four levels: 0, 1, 3 and 5%, respectively. 2 Weight gain = Weight gain per experimental unit (g) / number of hen days 3 Daily feed intake = The amount of feed given week (g) - The amount of feed left at the end of the week (g) / number of hen days. 4 Feed conversion ratio = (kg feed / 1 kg weight gain) 5 Live body weight = End live body weight / number of hens. Table 4 Effect of diets containing different Gracilariopsis persica seaweed1 on performance at total period (9-42d) in Japanese quails. Items Gracilariopsis persica seaweed (%) SEM P -value 0 1 3 5 WG 2 (g/bird per d) 6.43 6.78 6.00 6.17 0.665 0.852 FI 3 (g/bird per d) 20.21 19.91 16.20 16.64 1.325 0.072 FCR 4 (g feed/g gain) 3.32 3.11 2.80 2.91 0.239 0.439 LBW 5 (g) 136.31 135.04 134.71 132.76 10.256 0.998 a–d Means with different superscripts within a column are different at P < 0.05. SEM = Standard Error of means. 1 Gracilariopsis persica seaweed was added to each diet at four levels: 0, 1, 3 and 5%, respectively. 2 WG = Weight gain; 3 FI = Feed intake; 4 FCR = Feed conversion ratio; 5 LBW = Live body weight Blood Biochemistry Parameters Table 5 presents the effects of dietary Gracilariopsis persica seaweed supplementation on the blood biochemistry parameters of Japanese quails at day 42. Specifically, serum triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower in quails supplemented with a 1% Gracilariopsis persica seaweed diet compared to those in the control and 3% G. persica seaweed groups (P < 0.05). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels increased in the blood serum of quails fed a diet containing 3% G. persica seaweed compared to the control and 5% G. persica seaweed diets (P < 0.05). Additionally, quails fed the 3% G. persica seaweed diet exhibited lower very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels than those fed 1% and 5% G. persica seaweed diets (P < 0.05). Table 5 Effect of diets containing different levels of Gracilariopsis persica seaweed1 on blood biochemistry parameters in Japanese quails on d 42. Items Gracilariopsis persica seaweed (%) SEM P -value 0 1 3 5 TG (mg/dl) 2 391.50 a 126.75 c 153.75 b 276.50 ab 27.611 < 0.0001 Cholesterol (mg/dl) 436.00 a 216.00 c 185.00 b 227.00 ab 15.435 < 0.0001 HDL (mg/dl) 3 63.00 b 93.67 ab 115.00 a 69.33 b 8.207 0.0028 LDL (mg/dl) 4 69.75 74.00 52.33 53.50 19.344 0.805 LDL/HDL 1.23 0.95 0.45 0.84 0.372 0.540 VLDL (mg/dl) 5 68.75 ab 45.33 b 30.75 c 73.67 a 10.558 0.045 a–d Means with different superscripts within a column are different at P < 0.05. SEM = Standard Error of means. 1 Gracilariopsis persica seaweed was added to each diet at four levels: 0, 1, 3 and 5%, respectively. 2 Triglycerides 3 High Density Lipoprotein 4 Low Density Lipoprotein 5 Very-Low Density Lipoprotein Carcass Characteristics Table 6 presents the effects of dietary Gracilariopsis persica seaweed and sex on the carcass characteristics of Japanese quails. In male quails, the carcass yield percentage was highest in female quails (P < 0.05). Female birds also exhibited higher levels of intestinal, liver, fat, and cecal percentages compared to male birds (P < 0.05). Additionally, carcass yield in quails was higher when fed the control diet compared to those supplemented with 3% and 5% G. persica seaweed (P < 0.05). The relative weight of the digestive system and intestine was significantly lower in groups supplemented with 3% and 5% G. persica seaweed compared to those fed the control diet (P < 0.05). Quails fed control and 5% G. persica seaweed diets had a lower relative weight of fat compared to those fed the 3% G. persica seaweed diet (P < 0.05). The relative weight of the cecum was significantly higher in quails fed a 5% G. persica seaweed diet compared to those fed the control and 3% G. persica seaweed diets (P < 0.05). Table 6 Effect of diets containing different Gracilariopsis persica seaweed1 on carcass yield and relative weight of internal organs of Japanese quails on d 42 (as a percentage of live body weight). Items Carcass yield (%) Gut (%) Intestine (%) Liver (%) Fat (%) Ceca (%) Sex Male 75.82 a 10.29 4.40 b 2.22 b 0.06 b 0.63 b Female 59.84 b 11.03 5.06 a 2.94 a 0.27 a 0.98 a SEM 3.554 0.398 0.221 0.209 0.043 0.065 Diets Gracilariopsis persica seaweed (%) 0 71.87 a 8.43 b 3.14 b 2.81 0.16 b 0.69 c 1 70.54 ab 10.42 ab 5.00 ab 2.27 0.20 ab 0.80 ab 3 63.50 b 12.04 a 5.21 a 2.55 0.34 a 0.78 b 5 61.98 c 12.19 a 5.58 a 2.64 0.03 c 0.92 a SEM 1.898 0.621 0.354 0.310 0.076 0.098 Sex × Diets Male 0 74.52 10.69 4.92 2.33 0.06 0.66 Female 0 56.16 11.73 5.60 2.74 0.32 0.96 Male 1% 77.96 9.53 4.45 1.89 0.05 0.70 Female 1% 63.13 11.31 5.56 2.66 0.36 0.91 Male 3% 71.09 10.47 5.01 2.23 0.14 0.78 Female 3% 52.86 11.60 5.40 2.87 0.54 0.79 Male 5% 74.50 12.08 5.32 2.58 0.01 0.50 Female 5% 52.51 12.30 5.84 2.70 0.07 1.17 SEM 2.687 0.887 0.498 0.454 0.111 0.132 ---------------------------------------P -value---------------------------------- Sex 0.001 0.196 0.045 0.018 0.006 0.001 Diets 0.001 0.003 0.001 0.822 0.047 0.045 Sex × Diets 0.297 0.855 0.835 0.438 0.040 0.105 a–b Means with different superscripts within a column are different at P < 0.05. SEM = Standard Error of means. 1 Gracilariopsis persica seaweed was added to each diet at four levels: 0, 1, 3 and 5%, respectively. Intestine morphology There was a significant effect of dietary Gracilariopsis persica seaweed on the morphology of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum in Japanese quails on day 42, as shown in Table 7 . In the duodenum, the villus height of quails fed 5% G. persica seaweed was significantly higher than that of quails fed the control and 3% G. persica seaweed diets (P < 0.05). Crypt depth was increased in the group supplemented with 1% G. persica seaweed compared to birds fed the control and 5% G. persica seaweed diets (P < 0.05). Additionally, the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in the duodenum was higher in quails fed 5% G. persica seaweed compared to those fed 1% G. persica seaweed (P < 0.05). In the jejunum, the inclusion of 1% G. persica seaweed increased villus width compared to birds fed the control diet (P < 0.05). A higher crypt depth was observed in quails receiving 3% G. persica seaweed diet compared to those fed the control and 5% G. persica seaweed diets (P < 0.05). In the ileum, villus width was increased in the group supplemented with 1% G. persica seaweed compared to birds fed the 3% G. persica seaweed diet (P < 0.05). Table 7 Effect of diets containing different Gracilariopsis persica seaweed1 on morphology of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum in Japanese quails on d 42. Items Gracilariopsis persica seaweed (%) SEM P -value 0 1 3 5 Duodenum Villus height (µm) 8.02 c 11.23 ab 10.33 b 12.69 a 0.346 0.001 Villus width (µm) 1.13 1.41 1.12 1.03 0.115 0.090 Crypt depth (µm) 0.69 c 1.01 a 0.89 ab 0.82 b 0.025 0.003 Villus height/ Crypt depth ratio 11.62 ab 11.10 b 11.52 ab 15.45 a 0.594 0.001 Jejunum Villus height (µm) 4.82 5.23 5.33 4.66 0.383 0.209 Villus width (µm) 0.71 b 1.11 a 0.99 ab 0.96 ab 0.072 0.004 Crypt depth (µm) 0.90 ab 0.86 b 0.93 a 0.71 c 0.061 0.001 Villus height/ Crypt depth ratio 5.46 6.08 5.67 6.72 0.410 0.063 Ileum Villus height (µm) 3.72 3.93 3.91 4.43 0.218 0.052 Villus width (µm) 0.89 ab 1.10 a 0.83 b 0.88 ab 0.056 0.023 Crypt depth (µm) 0.55 0.91 0.76 0.70 0.074 0.077 Villus height/ Crypt depth ratio 6.94 4.41 5.17 6.42 0.872 0.141 a–d Means with different superscripts within a column are different at P < 0.05. SEM = Standard Error of means. 1 Gracilariopsis persica seaweed was added to each diet at four levels: 0, 1, 3 and 5%, respectively. Intestine Microbial Population Table 8 shows the effects of dietary G. persica seaweed on the cecal microbial population of Japanese quails. The use of a diet containing 5% G. persica seaweed increased the cecal microbial populations of Lactobacillus , compared to control and 3% G. persica seaweed diets (P < 0.05). Also, the total bacteria count in quails fed with 5% G. persica seaweed increased, compared to those fed with 1% G. persica seaweed diet (P < 0.05). Table 8 Effect of diets containing different Gracilariopsis persica seaweed1 on the cecal microbial population (log cfu g− 1) of Japanese quails on d 42. Items Gracilariopsis persica seaweed (%) SEM P -value 0 1 3 5 Lactobacillus (cfu/g − 1 ) 5.71 c 6.00 bc 6.07 b 7.04 a 0.231 0.001 Total bacteria count (cfu/g − 1 ) 6.06 ab 6.01 b 6.53 ab 7.27 a 0.283 < 0.0001 a–d Means with different superscripts within a column are different at P < 0.05. SEM = Standard Error of means. 1 Gracilariopsis persica seaweed was added to each diet at four levels: 0, 1, 3 and 5%, respectively. Discussion In this experiment, the dietary inclusion of Gracilariopsis persica seaweed at varying levels had no significant effect on the overall growth performance of Japanese quails throughout the experimental period (9–42 days). However, during specific time intervals, certain levels of G. persica seaweed demonstrated significant effects. For example, during days 9–15, quails fed a 3% G. persica diet showed significantly higher weight gain (WG) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control and 5% G. persica groups. However, the observed trend in this experiment indicates that increasing the level of seaweed in the diet (beyond the levels used in this study) may negatively impact growth performance. In general, low dietary inclusion of seaweed, up to 10%, has been shown to significantly improve growth, feed utilization, and the assimilation of essential nutrients (Peixoto et al. 2016 ). Overall, these findings indicate that the inclusion of seaweed in diets, when applied at appropriate levels, can significantly improve or maintain growth performance comparable to non-seaweed diets. However, higher inclusion levels may have detrimental effects on growth and health. The observed improvements in growth with seaweed supplementation are likely due to the elevated concentrations of bioactive compounds (such as essential vitamins and minerals) in seaweed, which play a critical role in enhancing the assimilation of dietary nutrients (Lordan et al. 2011 ). Interestingly, it has been speculated that seaweed contains a variety of polysaccharides and oligosaccharides that function as prebiotics, promoting the activity of beneficial bacteria. This, in turn, enhances the digestion and absorption of essential nutrients, ultimately improving growth performance (Xu et al. 2023 ). However, reduced growth performance at higher inclusion levels of seaweed in aqua-feed may be attributed to the presence of substantial concentrations of anti-nutritional substances in the seaweed. These compounds can exert toxic effects and hinder the absorption of essential nutrients (Ghosh et al. 2019 ). For example, protease inhibitors are commonly found in many plant-based feeds, including seaweed. These molecules inhibit the activity of protease enzymes, which are responsible for breaking down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. When quails are fed higher quantities of seaweed, these inhibitors can bind to proteolytic enzymes and interfere with the normal digestive process by inhibiting enzyme activity. This disruption can result in incomplete protein digestion, reduced nutrient absorption, and ultimately poor growth performance (Vizcaíno et al. 2019 ). Further, instances of growth reduction may also be attributable to the polysaccharide content in seaweed, which may influence the rapid transition of feed through the digestive tract, in turn causing enhanced feed uptake while lowering the absorption of nutrients (Ashour et al. 2020 ). Improvements in FCR could be partly attributed to the presence of various bioactive compounds (such as carotenoids, polysaccharides, amino acids, and fatty acids) that significantly enhance the palatability of the diet. This increased palatability likely leads to higher feed intake, thereby improving feed utilization and, ultimately, growth performance (Sattanathan et al. 2020 ). Bioactive substances have been demonstrated to stimulate the secretion of various digestive enzymes, including amylase, lipase, and protease, which play a crucial role in enhancing the digestion and assimilation of essential nutrients into tissues (Abdel-Tawwab et al. 2022 ). Similarly, the improvement in FCR may be attributed to the polysaccharides in seaweed, which slow the passage of feed through the digestive tract, thereby enhancing nutrient assimilation and bioavailability (Sotoudeh & Jafari, 2017 ). Additionally, seaweed, as a source of prebiotics, may promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, leading to significant improvements in digestibility and feed efficiency (Sharawy et al. 2020 ). Moutinho et al. ( 2018 ) reported that dietary seaweed did not significantly affect feed utilization. In our experiment, performance traits improved in quails fed diets containing 5% G. persica seaweed up to 22 days of age. On the other hand, birds receiving 3% G. persica increased weight gain in the first two weeks of the experiment, compared to the control diet, but as the period progressed in the final weeks, no significant difference was observed between these two groups. It appears that as bird's age and progress through the experimental period, physiological adaptations and reduced growth demands beyond the first week of life enable them to efficiently utilize diets with varying levels of seaweed, resulting in improved performance traits. Levels higher than 5% G. persica seaweed may need to be introduced in the later stages of the rearing period to observe potential positive effects on growth performance. The variation in feed intake between layer hens fed diets with high levels of seaweed and those fed control diets suggests that seaweed may be palatable (Vosough-Sharifi et al. 2012 ). Martínez et al. ( 2019 ) reported that feeding broiler chickens with 2 and 4% algae in the diet resulted in improved daily weight gain and greater muscle mass, which could be attributed to increased nutrient absorption in the small intestine due to the presence of insoluble fiber. Gracilariopsis persica seaweed is a rich source of amino acids, especially sulfur-containing amino acids, lysine, and threonine, which are usually considered growth-limiting factors in corn- and soybean meal-based broiler diets (Kidd 2000 ). Lahaye and Jegou ( 1993 ) explained the anti-nutritional properties of algae at 15 and 20% of the diet by stating that Ulva lactuca algae contains 21.3% soluble fiber and attributed the reduced absorption of nutrients from the intestinal wall to increased viscosity of digested materials in the intestine and thickening of the intestinal wall. The association between serum lipid concentrations—specifically triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)—and cardiovascular disease has been well established in humans. Elevated serum LDL and triglyceride levels are recognized as major risk factors for atherosclerosis, heart disease, and arterial stiffening (Higashi, 2023). In this study, the HDL level increased in the blood serum of birds fed a diet containing 3% G. persica seaweed. In recent years, HDL has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Its key role as a carrier of excess cellular cholesterol in the reverse cholesterol transport pathway is believed to provide protective effects against atherosclerosis (Adegoke et al. 2024 ). El-Deek et al. ( 2011 ) reported that the inclusion of brown seaweed ( Ecklonia maxima ) in broiler diets at levels of 2%, 4%, and 6% led to an increase in HDL levels. VLDL primarily consists of triglycerides (TG), and a reduction in blood VLDL concentrations reflects lower fat accumulation in the body. Consequently, VLDL levels are negatively correlated with weight gain, making this parameter a potential indicator in poultry breeding (Whitehead et al. 1984 ; Shafik et al. 2022 ). Saeidniaa et al. (2012) reported that G. persica seaweed contains various bioactive sterols, including fucosterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol, which can effectively increase HDL levels while reducing plasma cholesterol, LDL, and fat. The mechanism underlying cholesterol reduction is attributed to the properties of soluble fiber present in the diet, which influences viscosity, negatively affects nutrient absorption, inhibits micelle formation, and reduces fat absorption (Jesch and Carr, 2017 ). In addition, the reduction in serum cholesterol can be attributed to the breakdown of bile acids in the upper intestine and the subsequent stimulation of their increased secretion (Glore, 1994). Our findings align with those of Carvalho et al. ( 2009 ) and Ginzberg (2000), who reported that the inclusion of 5% and 10% Ulva fasciata in broiler diets reduced serum cholesterol levels due to the presence of soluble fiber. Similarly, Dvir (2009) observed significant differences in cholesterol, triglyceride, and VLDL levels in the plasma of rats fed G. persica , concluding that seaweed polysaccharides play a crucial role in cholesterol excretion through the elimination of bile acids. Additionally, Dvir et al. (2009) investigated the effect of supplementing rat diets with the red microalga Porphyridium sp. which led to an increase in plasma cholecystokinin (CCK) levels, further influencing cholesterol metabolism. As a result, increased CCK and cholesterol levels influence the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, and its inhibition leads to reduced cholesterol production (Reshma et al. 2023 ). In this experiment, the relative weight of abdominal fat was found to be higher in female birds compared to male birds, and birds fed a diet containing 5% G. persica seaweed exhibited a reduced relative weight of abdominal fat. These results are consistent with those of Ito and Hori ( 1989 ) and Lahaye and Jegou ( 1993 ), who reported that the inclusion of Ulva lactuca algae led to a decrease in abdominal fat. This effect is likely attributed to the presence of soluble fiber (21.3%) and high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Additionally, a reduction in the synthesis of the enzyme delta-6-desaturase in the liver may further decrease fat synthesis and storage in the abdominal cavity (Mititelu et al. 2024 ). In our experiment, the relative weight of the gut in birds fed a diet containing 5% G. persica seaweed increased compared to those on the control diet. This could be attributed to the increase in dietary fiber, which likely enhanced the volume and activity of the digestive tract in processing the diet. However, since there were no significant differences in the body weights of birds across the different treatments, the increase in the relative weight of the digestive tract may have led to a reduction in the percentage of carcass yield in quails receiving G. persica seaweed treatments. Additionally, in females, due to their faster growth rate compared to males during the breeding period, there is a greater need for feed, and an increase in the percentage of G. persica seaweed in the diet may have contributed to an increase in the volume and weight of the intestine, as well as the relative weight of the entire digestive tract, when compared to male birds. In our experiment, the interaction effect of sex × diet and the effect of diet on the relative weight of the cecum were not significant. However, an increase in the level of algae was associated with a rise in cecum weight. Most studies agree that the cecum serves as the primary site for fermentation in the digestive tract of poultry (Marounek et al. 1999 ). Undigested carbohydrates in the upper parts of the digestive tract are transferred to the cecum, where they are fermented into short-chain fatty acids and gases (Jamroz et al. 2002 ). The shape, size, and capacity of the cecum depends on the bird species and its adaptation to its environment. It has been reported that the weight of the cecum in broilers fed with 1% G. persica seaweed constitutes about 1% of their total body weight. Bedford et al. ( 2024 ) noted that feeding poultry a high-fiber diet can increase fermentation in the cecum and even enlarge the cecum due to heightened fermentative activity. Similarly, Hao et al. ( 2022 ) observed a 25% increase in cecum size with the addition of higher levels and different types of dietary fiber. Thus, there is a significant relationship between diet type and cecum development in quails (Bamedi et al. 2024 ). In this study, the relative weight of the cecum in female birds was greater than that of male birds, and with increasing levels of G. persica seaweed, the increase in cecum weight was more pronounced in female birds compared to males. This may be attributed to the higher growth rate observed in female birds, which surpasses that of males up to eight weeks of age. The increased growth rate leads to a greater need for feed intake. As the birds consumed diets containing seaweed, the accumulation of fiber in the cecum of female birds likely increased. This, in turn, enhanced the activity of the cecum in fiber fermentation, leading to a corresponding increase in its size and weight. In our experiment, the height of the villi in the duodenum of birds that received 5% G. persica seaweed was increased, indicating enhanced nutrient absorption in this part of the intestine. Wu et al. ( 1994 ) reported that the number of mature myosin-producing cells in the duodenum is higher than in other parts of the intestine, which facilitates nutrient absorption. An increase in villi height slows the passage of intestinal contents, thereby enhancing the absorptive capacity of the intestine (Duangnumsawang et al. 2021 ). This could be a contributing factor to the lack of a significant increase in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in birds fed 5% G. persica seaweed. Matshogo et al. ( 2021 ) suggested that low-fiber diets, which reduce intestinal epithelial cell turnover, could allocate more energy for connective tissue production and body growth, potentially leading to a reduced FCR in birds fed G. persica seaweed. In this experiment, the lowest crypt depth and the highest intestinal index (the ratio of villus height to crypt depth) in the jejunum and duodenum were observed in birds fed a diet containing 5% G. persica seaweed. The primary function of crypt glands is to undergo mitotic divisions, producing absorptive cells, goblet cells, and mucus-producing cells to replace dead cells. Increased crypt depth reflects the activity of these glands in generating new mucosal cells (Miles et al. 2006 ). Conversely, a shallower crypt depth in the gut suggests lower energy expenditure in this region and improved nutrient utilization by the bird. This could also explain the bird's adaptability to consuming diets with up to 5% G. persica seaweed. In this experiment, diet containing 5% G. persica seaweed significantly increased the cecal populations of Lactobacillus and total bacteria in Japanese quails. This suggests that higher levels of G. persica may positively influence gut microbiota, potentially enhancing digestive health. Several studies have demonstrated that algae serve as a good source of prebiotics for poultry (Abdel-Wareth et al. 2024 ; Muraoka et al. 2008 ; Gomez-Zavaglia et al. 2019 ). Kuda et al. ( 2005 ) reported that feeding diets containing 1% Laminaria algae increased Bifidobacterium populations in the cecum of rats, although it did not significantly alter Lactobacillus numbers. Wang et al. ( 2006 ) found that the use of alginate oligosaccharides and hydrolyzed agarose increased the populations of beneficial Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the cecum and feces by 2.5% and 5%, respectively, compared to control treatments. The increased population of Lactobacillus suggests that feeding a diet containing 5% G. persica seaweed may positively influence gut microbial composition, specifically enhancing the growth of beneficial Lactobacillus strains. Several studies have suggested that the antibacterial effects of G. persica seaweed are influenced by various factors, including its habitat, the season of collection, the plant’s growth stage, species, carbohydrate extraction methods, and evaluation techniques (Khosravi et al. 2018 ; Manivannan et al. 2011 ). G. persica has been shown to limit the heme-oxygenase-1 pathway (Ribeiro et al. 2014 ), induce interleukin-10 (IL-10) production (Cian et al. 2012 ; Cian et al. 2015 ), and exhibit probiotic-like effects on intestinal microbiota by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in poultry (Kulshreshtha et al. 2014). Lactobacillus , which is stimulated by G. persica , produces short- and medium-chain fatty acids that can lower the intestinal pH (Dempsey and Corr 2022 ), thereby playing a significant role in suppressing pathogenic bacteria. This, in turn, may contribute to enhanced disease resistance in Japanese quail. Conclusions In conclusion, dietary inclusion of G. persica seaweed at moderate levels (up to 5%) can enhance growth performance and gut health in Japanese quails, with a 3% inclusion improving weight gain and feed conversion in the early stages. However, higher inclusion levels may reduce growth performance due to anti-nutritional factors. Seaweed’s bioactive compounds, particularly its effects on gut microbiota, such as increasing Lactobacillus populations, suggest potential benefits for digestive health and disease resistance. Careful inclusion of G. persica in poultry diets is recommended for optimal results. Abbreviations G. persica : Gracilariopsis persica ; DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid; I, iodine; CP, crude protein; ME, metabolizable energy; NRC, national Research Council; BW, body weight; WG, Weight gain; FI, Feed intake; FCR, Feed conversion ratio; LBW, Live body weight; T3, Triiodothyronine; T4, tetraiodothyronine; TSH, Thyroid-stimulating hormone; TG, triglyceride, LDL-c, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; HDL-c, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, VLDL-c, very low-density lipoprotein; PBS, phosphate-buffered saline; GLM, general linear models. Declarations CRediT authorship contribution statement R.M.T and S.D.S led the investigation, supervision, formal analysis, writing-original draft. S.D.S and H.R participated in conceptualization, funding acquisition, writing - review & editing. R.M.T and H.R participated in supervision, software, validation, writing - review & editing. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. Funding sources This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Availability of data and materials Upon reasonable request, the datasets of this study can be available from the corresponding author. Ethics approval and consent to participate Not available. Consent for publication Not applicable. Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests. Acknowledgments The authors would like to thank the support of the Office of Research Affairs of the University of Tehran, grant number 345/27/2012. 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Effect of various sources and levels of iodine, as well as the kind of diet, on the performance of young laying hens, iodine accumulation in eggs, egg characteristics, and morphotic and biochemical indices in blood. Poult. Sci. 93, 2536-2547. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2014-03959 Słupczyńska, M. Jamroz, D. Orda, J. Wiliczkiewicz, A. Kuropka, P. Król, B. 2022. The Thyroid Hormone and Immunoglobulin Concentrations in Blood Serum and Thyroid Gland Morphology in Young Hens Fed with Different Diets, Sources, and Levels of Iodine Supply. Anim. 13, 158. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13010158 Sotoudeh, E. Jafari, M. 2017. Effects of dietary supplementation with red seaweed, Gracilaria pygmaea, on growth, carcass composition and hematology of juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Aquac. Int. 25, 1857-1867. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-017-0158-6 Tripathi, M.K. Agrawal, I.S. Sharma, S.D. Mishra, D.P. 2001. Effect of substitution of soybean meal with treated or untreated high glucosinolate mustard (Brassica juncea) meal on intake, digestibility, growth performance and body composition of calves. Anim. Feed. Sci. Technol. 94, 137-146. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0377-8401(01)00286-3 Tapia-Paniagua, S.T. Fumanal, M. Anguís, V. Fernández-Díaz, C. Alarcón, F.J. Moriñigo, M.A. Balebona, M.C. 2019. Modulation of intestinal microbiota in Solea senegalensis fed low dietary level of Ulva ohnoi. Front. Microbiol. 10, 171. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2019.00171 Uni, Z. Gal-Garber, O. Geyra, A. Sklan, D. Yahav, S. 2001. Changes in growth and function of chick small intestine epithelium due to early thermal conditioning. Poult. Sci. 80, 438-445. https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/80.4.438 Vazirzadeh, A. Marhamati, A. Chisti, Y. 2022. Seaweed-based diets lead to normal growth, improved fillet color but a down-regulated expression of somatotropic axis genes in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Aquac. 554, 738183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2022.738183 Vizcaíno, A.J. Fumanal, M. Sáez, M.I. Martínez, T.F. Moriñigo, M.A. Fernández-Díaz, C. Alarcón, F.J. 2019. Evaluation of Ulva ohnoi as functional dietary ingredient in juvenile Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis): Effects on the structure and functionality of the intestinal mucosa. Algal. Res. 42, 101608. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2019.101608 Vishwanath, B. G. Kumar, S. V. Baig, M. R. Paramesh, R. 2020. The effect of replacing inorganic with organic trace minerals in broiler diets on growth performance, carcass traits, immunity, tissue mineral content, and mineral excretion. Indian. J. Anim. Nutr. 37, 358-369. http://dx.doi.org/10.5958/2231-6744.2020.00058.4 Vosough-Sharifi, O. Yaghoubfar, A. Sharifi, S.D. Mirzadeh, G. Askari, F. 2012. Study on the possibility of Gracilariopsis persica utilization in layer diets. Anim. Prod. 14, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.22059/jap.2012.28888 Wang, Y. Han, F. Hu, B. Li, J. Yu, W. 2006. In vivo prebiotic properties of alginate oligosaccharides prepared through enzymatic hydrolysis of alginate. Nutr. Res. 26, 597-603. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2006.09.015 Whitehead, C.C. Hood, R.L. Heard, G.S. Pym, R.A.E. 1984. Comparison of plasma very low density lipoproteins and lipogenic enzymes as predictors of fat content and food conversion efficiency in selected lines of broiler chickens. Br. Poult. Sci. 25, 277-286. https://doi.org/10.1080/00071668408454867 World Health Organization, W. H. O. 2019. Global Scorecard: 30 years of iodine status monitoring. IDD Newsletter. 48:5–8. Wu, Z. Sadik, M. Sleiman, F.T. Simas, J.M. Pessarakli, M. Huber, J.T. 1994. Influence of yucca extract on ruminal metabolism in cows. J. Anim. Sci. 72, 1038-1042. https://doi.org/10.2527/1994.7241038x Xu, J. Liao, W. Liu, Y. Guo, Y. Jiang, S. Zhao, C. 2023. An overview on the nutritional and bioactive components of green seaweeds. Food. Prod. Proc. Nutr. 5, 18. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s43014-023-00132-5 Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-7140998","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":491754314,"identity":"46573d47-f15e-4be4-8d22-915c3b4bdeda","order_by":0,"name":"Razieh Moazeni Torghi","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Tehran","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Razieh","middleName":"Moazeni","lastName":"Torghi","suffix":""},{"id":491754315,"identity":"9f18c63a-0ad5-4d0e-8458-d38af5fbc4e6","order_by":1,"name":"Seyed Davood Sharifi","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAyklEQVRIiWNgGAWjYFCCBDYgIcHPxt4A4bMRq0WyjecAYwMpWhgkGyQSGBuIcpZ8e/qzBz/3WEjwSb4xf8BQY8fAJ30AvxaDM2/MDXueSUiwSecYNjAcS2Zg40sgoEUih02C54BEHUQL2wEGNh5CDpuR/kzyzwGgLZJngFr+EaGF4UaCmTQPSIsEj2EDYxsRWoB+MZOWAWnhSSuckdiXzEPYYcAQk3xzoE5Cvv3whg8fvtnJyfcQchgKSGBgIOiTUTAKRsEoGAVEAACjfDZZRXZrxQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"University of Tehran","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Seyed","middleName":"Davood","lastName":"Sharifi","suffix":""},{"id":491754317,"identity":"5e871d95-db6d-436f-b992-24e0585ce8bf","order_by":2,"name":"Mohammad Amir Karimi Torshizi","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Tarbiat Modares University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Mohammad","middleName":"Amir Karimi","lastName":"Torshizi","suffix":""},{"id":491754321,"identity":"3998592d-8db0-440d-914c-fb83e9e14737","order_by":3,"name":"Hasan Rouhanipour","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Tehran","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Hasan","middleName":"","lastName":"Rouhanipour","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-07-16 14:23:23","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7140998/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7140998/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":91807599,"identity":"dca160b0-a162-453a-9559-6f72bddb8d1b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-09-22 03:31:33","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1399028,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7140998/v1/a8b4a6db-e48a-4e03-ac26-b0805ce4f182.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Gracilariopsis persica seaweed as a feed ingredient in Japanese quail: impacts on growth performance, blood biochemistry, carcass traits, cecal microflora, and intestinal morphology","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) has recently become a widely used animal model across various research fields due to its physiological similarities to humans (Batool et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). These birds are also recognized for their sexual precocity, short generation intervals, small size, and high egg productivity (Roza et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). Such traits make them highly appealing for both the poultry industry and scientific studies, particularly as avian models. Japanese quails have been proposed as a representative species for poultry research, with dietary interventions in quails expected to produce effects comparable to those in other poultry species (Park et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeaweeds are a rich source of essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Their polysaccharide content makes seaweeds valuable dietary supplements with potential health benefits and prebiotic effects (Vazirzadeh et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR65\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Gracilaria, a genus of red algae (Rhodophyceae) from the Gracilariaceae family, is notable for its nutritional properties (Long et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). \u003cem\u003eGracilaria persica\u003c/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e) one of the most abundant red algae species in the Persian Gulf, was classified based on its morphological and DNA sequence data (Vazirzadeh et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR65\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). This seaweed produces sulfated polysaccharides with a backbone of 3-linked β-D-galactopyranosyl and 4-linked α-L-galactopyranosyl (or 3, 6-anhydro-galactopyranosyl) residues, which vary across species due to structural substitutions (Khosravi et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Research has demonstrated the dietary benefits of \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed. For example, its inclusion in laying hen diets up to 100 g/kg has been found valuable (Abbaspour et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). However, Michalak and Mahrose (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e) caution that seaweed levels in poultry diets should not exceed 10%, as excessive inclusion may impair gut microbial diversity. A high inclusion level (8%) of red seaweed \u003cem\u003eGracilaria gracilis\u003c/em\u003e was shown to reduce gut microbial diversity, but this negative effect was mitigated at a lower level (4%) (Ferreira et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Tapia-Paniagua et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR63\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e) found that administering less than 3% of green seaweed \u003cem\u003eUlva ohnoi\u003c/em\u003e enhanced gut microbial diversity, though no significant effects were observed at a 5% inclusion level. Kessi and Mwaipopo (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) also reported that a 1.5% inclusion of seaweed significantly improved growth rates and body weight in broiler chickens.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese findings underscore the potential of seaweed as a functional feed additive, particularly for improving gut health and nutrient utilization. Poultry farmers should be encouraged to incorporate seaweed into feed formulations within recommended limits. Notably, \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed has a unique ability to concentrate oceanic minerals, making it a rich source of essential trace elements such as calcium, iron, and iodine. Enrichment of animal-origin products with iodine (I) could be achieved nutritionally by an application of seaweed added into the animal diet (Słupczyńska et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR59\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). Absorption and utilization of I from seaweed could be negatively modified by goitrogenic substances that are present in some plant-origin feeds, especially those originating from plants of the Gracilariaceae family (Tripathi et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR62\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e). The biological necessity of I is mainly related to the thyroid gland and a component of thyroxin hormone, which regulates body metabolism, and it has a strong influence on the growth and performance of poultry (Słupczyńska et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). \u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed has a high concentration of iodine (Abbaspour et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). Abbaspour et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e) observed that feeding diets containing 50 g/kg of \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed significantly increased blood iodine levels in laying quails. Vosough-Sharifi et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR68\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e) reported that \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e can be included up to 5% in layer diets, resulting in increased iodine content in the yolk and improved egg durability.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLimited data are available regarding the nutritional value of \u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e and its effects on poultry metabolism. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying levels of \u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed supplementation on growth performance, blood biochemistry parameters, carcass characteristics, cecal microflora, and intestinal morphology in Japanese quail.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and methods","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnimal ethics\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e All experimental procedures were confirmed by the Animal Welfare Committee of the Department of Animal Science, University of Tehran.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBird Management and Treatments\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA total of 600 one-day-old Japanese quail chicks (\u003cem\u003eCoturnix japonica\u003c/em\u003e) with an average weight of 7\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2 g were randomly assigned to 16 cages (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4 treatments; 4 replicates, and 30 birds per replicate). The feeding experiment was conducted for 6 weeks. The dietary inclusion rates of \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed were as follows: 0 (control group), 1, 3, and 5%. In the first week, lights were on continuously, and thereafter, a controlled photoperiod regimen (23L: 1D h light: dark cycle, temperature of 33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2\u0026deg;C, water temperature at about 20\u0026ndash;24\u0026deg;C, and RH\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;60%).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe quail chicks were fed with control diet until 8 days of age, and then experimental treatments were provided to them from 9 days of age. Before diet formulation, whole \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweeds were ground in a hammer mill using a 1mmmesh. A \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e sample (1 kg) was prepared and after grinding finely the sample was subjected to chemical analysis (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Moisture, ash, crude fiber, ether extract, crude protein, Ca, P, and Na content were determined using standard AOAC (2005) methods. The experimental diets were formulated (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, for \u003cem\u003eCoturnix japonica\u003c/em\u003e) to meet the crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) requirements of the birds; an analysis of the diets showed that the CP and ME levels matched closely the calculated values. All Japanese quail chicks were fed with a standard iso-caloric (2900 kcal/kg) and iso-nitrogenous diet (26% protein). The nutritional composition of the diets was prepared by NRC (1994). The experimental diets were produced, first, by mixing all ingredients, except the \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed. \u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed was measured using a sensitive digital scale with an accuracy of 0.01 g and mixed with other ingredients and nutrient composition using a mixer and was added to the diets.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMetabolizable energy (kcal/kg\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1 dry matter) and chemical composition (g/kg\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1 dry matter) of Gracilariopsis persica seaweed.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"2\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNutrient\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmount\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAMEn\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2195.72\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDry matter\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e964.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrude protein\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e230.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrude fiber\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e72.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEther extract\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCalcium\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePhosphorous\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSodium\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAsh\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e255.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIngredient and chemical composition of basal diets (%, as fed basis).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIngredient (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed (% of diet)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYellow corn (CP\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;7.20%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e49.57\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e48.83\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47.36\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e45.83\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSoybean meal\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e (CP\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;48.00%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e44.92\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e44.65\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e44.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e43.47\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSoybean oil\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.47\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.54\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.73\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.95\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDicalcium phosphate\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.85\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.84\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.84\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.84\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLimestone\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.05\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.99\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.91\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSalt\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.31\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.26\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVitamin-mineral premix\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDL-Methionine\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.30\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.30\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.30\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.30\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCalculated Nutrients\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAMEn (kcal/kg)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2900\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2900\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2900\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2900\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrude Protein (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMethionine (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMethionine\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;cysteine (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.92\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.92\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.92\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.92\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLysine (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCalcium (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e Non-Dehulled Soybean meal (44% crude protein)\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e Vitamin and mineral Premix supplied per kilogram of diet: Vitamin A, 7700 IU. Vitamin D3, 3300 IU. Vitamin E, 600 mg. Vitamin K3, 550 mg. thiamin, 2200 mg. riboflavin, 4400 mg. Niacin, 2200 mg. D-Calcium pantothenate, 5500 mg. Vitamin B6, 4400 mg. Biotin, 55000 \u0026micro;g. Folic acid, 110 mg. Vitamin B12, 8800 mg. Choline 275000 mg. manganese oxide 66000 mg. ferrous sulfate 33000 mg. zinc oxide 66000 mg. copper sulphate 8800 mg. calcium iodate 900 mg. sodium selenite, 300 mg.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe quails were housed in a cage of size 90 L \u0026times; 40W \u0026times; 40H cm lined with wood crisps in an environmentally controlled room, with each pen equipped with a feeder and a manual bell-shaped drinker. All cages including coils, feeders, and waste trays were made of hot-dip galvanized steel Q235. The source used during the experiment period was the standard white light-emitting diodes (LEDs\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;6 Watt, 365 lm, 6200 Kelvin, 100% light, 220\u0026ndash;240 Volt, 50\u0026ndash;60 Hz). All light sources in the first 3 days were equalized to a light intensity of 20 to 30 lx and from the third day to the end of the experiment with an intensity of 5\u0026ndash;10 lx, as recorded by a lux meter (TES 1335, Digital Light Meter). The diets and fresh water were given to the quails \u003cem\u003ead libitum\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe required amount of feed was weighed at the beginning of each week and stored in a special bucket for the same repetition. Daily feed was provided for the bird at 8 am. At the end of each week, the remaining feed was collected in the feeders and returned to the bucket for the same repetition. By weighing the remaining feed in the bucket and subtracting it from the initial amount of feed, feed consumption per week was calculated. Then, by dividing the amount of feed consumed per week by the number of bird days per replication, daily feed intake of each bird, and the average daily feed intake for each bird were calculated. The unit of daily feed consumption is g/bird/day.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGrowth Performance\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e The feed intake, body weight gain, and mortality were recorded daily at first, and then weekly, followed by calculations of feed conversion ratio (FCR as\" kg feed intake / 1 kg body weight gain\").\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBlood samples and Collection\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the final week of the experiment, blood parameters were assessed by selecting 10 quails from each dietary treatment (2 quails per pen). Blood samples (~\u0026thinsp;5 mL) were collected from the wing vein following a 2-hour feed withdrawal. The samples were immediately transferred into non-heparinized vacuum tubes, allowed to clot at room temperature for 2 hours, and centrifuged at 3,000 \u0026times; g for 15 minutes. The serum was carefully separated, transferred into vials, and stored at -20\u0026deg;C before being promptly delivered to the laboratory for lipid analyses.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSerum samples were analyzed for triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c) using commercial colorimetric diagnostic kits, following the manufacturer\u0026rsquo;s instructions (Diagnostic Products Corporation, Pars Azmoon, Tehran, Iran).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCarcass characteristics\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSix quails (three males and three females) with an average body weight were randomly selected from each pen and slaughtered on day 42 for carcass evaluation. The abdominal cavity was surgically opened, and the entire alimentary canal was carefully excised. The gastrointestinal tract, liver, intestine, abdominal fat and ceca were then collected and weighed individually. The carcass weight was measured after removing feathers, blood, head, feet, and internal organs (Celik et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). Carcass yield and the relative weights of the internal organs were calculated as percentages of the live body weight.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCecal Microbial Populations\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn day 42, for the assessment of cecal microflora, one cecum from two birds in each replicate, euthanized by cervical dislocation, was used. The cecal contents were collected into separate sterile culture tubes using aseptic techniques, promptly placed on ice, and transported to the microbiological laboratory. A 1 g sample of cecal digesta from each bird was aseptically transferred into 9 mL of sterile saline solution and serially diluted. Lactobacillus was enumerated on de Man\u0026ndash;Rogosa\u0026ndash;Sharpe (MRS) agar after incubation at 37\u0026deg;C for 48 hours in an anaerobic chamber and 24 hours in an aerobic chamber, respectively. All samples were plated in duplicate (Masouri et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIntestinal Morphological Assay\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHistological examination was performed according to the method described by Uni et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR64\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e). Briefly, at the end of 6 weeks, 12 birds from each treatment were euthanized. Immediately after euthanasia, a 3-cm sample of the liver and the middle portion of the jejunum (midpoint between the bile duct entry and Meckel's diverticulum) were collected, opened longitudinally, washed with PBS, and fixed in 10% formaldehyde and 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.3). The tissue samples were then histologically processed and embedded in paraffin. For each segment, a 5-\u0026micro;m cross-section was prepared using a microtome, placed on a glass slide, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Histopathological changes in all sections were examined using a light microscope (Discover Echo, San Diego, CA, USA) with a digital camera (BX51; Olympus Corp. Tokyo, Japan) at a magnification of 200\u0026times;. The indices of the sections were calculated using digital image software v2.0 (Motic Images Plus 2.0). In each hen, 30 well-oriented villi and 30 longitudinally sectioned crypts were measured, and the average values were used as an experimental unit in statistical analysis. Villus height was measured from the extremity of the villi to the villus\u0026ndash;crypt junction, while width was measured in the middle portion of the villi. The villus: crypt was determined as the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (Berg et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStatistical analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe data were tested for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk and Levene tests. The data were analyzed using a completely randomized design with 5 treatments, employing the PROC GLM of SAS (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC, USA, version 9.4). The pen was considered the experimental unit for all traits. The carcass traits were analyzed using a 2\u0026times;5 factorial arrangement to assess the effects of diet and sex. Microbiological counts underwent base-10 logarithm transformation before analysis. The study evaluated significant differences between the treatments using Duncan\u0026rsquo;s multiple range test with a significant level of \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGrowth performance\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e presents the effects of dietary \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed on growth performance of Japanese quails. The study found that diet had no significant effect on weight gain (WG) from days 23\u0026ndash;29, 30\u0026ndash;36, and 37\u0026ndash;42; daily feed intake (DFI) from days 9\u0026ndash;15, 16\u0026ndash;22, 23\u0026ndash;29, 30\u0026ndash;36, and 37\u0026ndash;42; feed conversion ratio (FCR) from days 16\u0026ndash;22, 23\u0026ndash;29, 30\u0026ndash;36, and 37\u0026ndash;42; and live body weight (LBW) from days 23\u0026ndash;29, 30\u0026ndash;36, and 37\u0026ndash;42. However, during days 9\u0026ndash;15, quails fed a diet containing 3% \u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed exhibited significantly higher WG compared to those fed the control and 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diets (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05), while FCR was significantly lower in the 3% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e group (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05).Additionally, the LBW of quails increased when fed with control and 3% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diets, compared to those fed 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diet (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). During days 16\u0026ndash;22, quails fed a diet containing 1% \u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed exhibited significantly higher weight gain (WG) compared to those fed the control and 3% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diets (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). Additionally, the inclusion of 1% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed in the diet resulted in a significant increase in live body weight (LBW) compared to the control group (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). However, the overall effects of dietary \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed on the growth performance of Japanese quails throughout the entire experimental period (9\u0026ndash;42 days) were not significant (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEffect of diets containing different Gracilariopsis persica seaweed1 on performance in Japanese quails.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eItems\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" 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colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(9\u0026ndash;15 d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.10\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.26\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.47\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.33\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.124\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0002\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd 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colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.721\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.485\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(37\u0026ndash;42 d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.25\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.99\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.09\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.420\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.912\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDFI\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e (g/bird per d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(9\u0026ndash;15 d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.58\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.81\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" 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colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(23\u0026ndash;29 d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.62\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.32\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.27\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.68\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.797\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.489\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(30\u0026ndash;36 d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.48\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.37\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.69\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.062\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.906\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(37\u0026ndash;42 d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.52\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.98\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.440\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.609\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFCR\u003csup\u003e4\u003c/sup\u003e (g feed/g gain)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(9\u0026ndash;15 d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.81\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.93\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.93\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.34\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.294\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.033\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(16\u0026ndash;22 d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.45\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.28\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.95\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.263\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.610\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(23\u0026ndash;29 d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.65\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.57\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.44\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.199\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.335\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(30\u0026ndash;36 d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.37\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.96\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.77\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.76\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.367\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.720\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(37\u0026ndash;42 d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.81\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.01\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.90\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.421\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.817\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLBW\u003csup\u003e5\u003c/sup\u003e (g)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(9\u0026ndash;15 d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e44.53\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42.10\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e44.02\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39.80\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.086\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.037\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(16\u0026ndash;22 d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e78.32\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e84.00\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e81.99\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e78.98\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.308\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.313\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(23\u0026ndash;29 d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e138.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e139.37\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e143.23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e135.43\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.442\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.205\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(30\u0026ndash;36 d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e193.12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e187.86\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e187.32\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e185.82\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.313\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.784\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(37\u0026ndash;42 d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e227.55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e221.85\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e217.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e223.74\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.573\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.887\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003ea\u0026ndash;d\u003c/sup\u003e Means with different superscripts within a column are different at \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSEM\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Standard Error of means.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed was added to each diet at four levels: 0, 1, 3 and 5%, respectively.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e Weight gain\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Weight gain per experimental unit (g) / number of hen days\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e Daily feed intake\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;The amount of feed given week (g) - The amount of feed left at the end of the week (g) / number of hen days.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e4\u003c/sup\u003e Feed conversion ratio = (kg feed / 1 kg weight gain)\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e5\u003c/sup\u003e Live body weight\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;End live body weight / number of hens.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEffect of diets containing different Gracilariopsis persica seaweed1 on performance at total period (9-42d) in Japanese quails.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eItems\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWG\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e (g/bird per d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.43\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.78\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.665\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.852\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFI\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e (g/bird per d)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.91\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.64\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.325\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.072\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFCR\u003csup\u003e4\u003c/sup\u003e (g feed/g gain)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.32\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.80\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.91\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.239\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.439\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLBW\u003csup\u003e5\u003c/sup\u003e (g)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e136.31\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e135.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e134.71\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e132.76\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.256\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.998\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003ea\u0026ndash;d\u003c/sup\u003e Means with different superscripts within a column are different at \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSEM\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Standard Error of means.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed was added to each diet at four levels: 0, 1, 3 and 5%, respectively.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e WG\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Weight gain; \u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003eFI = Feed intake; \u003csup\u003e4\u003c/sup\u003eFCR = Feed conversion ratio; \u003csup\u003e5\u003c/sup\u003eLBW = Live body weight\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBlood Biochemistry Parameters\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e presents the effects of dietary Gracilariopsis persica seaweed supplementation on the blood biochemistry parameters of Japanese quails at day 42. Specifically, serum triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower in quails supplemented with a 1% \u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diet compared to those in the control and 3% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed groups (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels increased in the blood serum of quails fed a diet containing 3% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed compared to the control and 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diets (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). Additionally, quails fed the 3% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diet exhibited lower very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels than those fed 1% and 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diets (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEffect of diets containing different levels of Gracilariopsis persica seaweed1 on blood biochemistry parameters in Japanese quails on d 42.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eItems\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTG (mg/dl)\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e391.50\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e126.75\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e153.75\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e276.50\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27.611\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCholesterol (mg/dl)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e436.00\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e216.00\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e185.00\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e227.00\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.435\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHDL (mg/dl)\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e63.00\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e93.67\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e115.00\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e69.33\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.207\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0028\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLDL (mg/dl)\u003csup\u003e4\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e69.75\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e74.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52.33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e53.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.344\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.805\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLDL/HDL\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.95\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.45\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.84\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.372\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.540\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVLDL (mg/dl)\u003csup\u003e5\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68.75\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e45.33\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30.75\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e73.67\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.558\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.045\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003ea\u0026ndash;d\u003c/sup\u003e Means with different superscripts within a column are different at \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSEM\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Standard Error of means.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed was added to each diet at four levels: 0, 1, 3 and 5%, respectively.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e Triglycerides\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e High Density Lipoprotein\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e4\u003c/sup\u003e Low Density Lipoprotein\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e5\u003c/sup\u003e Very-Low Density Lipoprotein\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCarcass Characteristics\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e presents the effects of dietary \u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed and sex on the carcass characteristics of Japanese quails. In male quails, the carcass yield percentage was highest in female quails (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). Female birds also exhibited higher levels of intestinal, liver, fat, and cecal percentages compared to male birds (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). Additionally, carcass yield in quails was higher when fed the control diet compared to those supplemented with 3% and 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). The relative weight of the digestive system and intestine was significantly lower in groups supplemented with 3% and 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed compared to those fed the control diet (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). Quails fed control and 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diets had a lower relative weight of fat compared to those fed the 3% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diet (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). The relative weight of the cecum was significantly higher in quails fed a 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diet compared to those fed the control and 3% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diets (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEffect of diets containing different Gracilariopsis persica seaweed1 on carcass yield and relative weight of internal organs of Japanese quails on d 42 (as a percentage of live body weight).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eItems\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCarcass yield (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGut (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIntestine (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLiver (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFat\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCeca\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e(%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e75.82\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.29\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.40\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.22\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.06\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.63\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e59.84\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.06\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.94\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.27\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.98\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.554\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.398\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.221\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.209\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.043\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.065\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDiets\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e71.87\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.43\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.14\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.81\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.16\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.69\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e70.54\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.42\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.00\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.27\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.20\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.80\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e63.50\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.04\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.21\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.34\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.78\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e61.98\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.19\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.58\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.64\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.03\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.92\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.898\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.621\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.354\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.310\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.076\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.098\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSex \u0026times; Diets\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e74.52\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.69\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.92\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.06\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.66\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e56.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.73\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.60\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.74\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.32\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.96\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e77.96\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.53\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.45\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.89\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.70\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e63.13\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.31\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.56\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.66\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.36\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.91\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e71.09\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.47\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.01\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.78\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52.86\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.60\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.87\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.54\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.79\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e74.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.32\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.58\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52.51\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.30\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.84\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.70\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.687\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.887\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.498\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.454\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.111\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.132\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e---------------------------------------P\u003c/em\u003e-value----------------------------------\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.196\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.045\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.018\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.006\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDiets\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.003\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.822\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.047\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.045\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSex \u0026times; Diets\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.297\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.855\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.835\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.438\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.040\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.105\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"8\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003ea\u0026ndash;b\u003c/sup\u003e Means with different superscripts within a column are different at \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"8\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSEM\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Standard Error of means.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed was added to each diet at four levels: 0, 1, 3 and 5%, respectively.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIntestine morphology\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere was a significant effect of dietary \u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed on the morphology of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum in Japanese quails on day 42, as shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e. In the duodenum, the villus height of quails fed 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed was significantly higher than that of quails fed the control and 3% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diets (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). Crypt depth was increased in the group supplemented with 1% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed compared to birds fed the control and 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diets (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). Additionally, the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in the duodenum was higher in quails fed 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed compared to those fed 1% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). In the jejunum, the inclusion of 1% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed increased villus width compared to birds fed the control diet (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). A higher crypt depth was observed in quails receiving 3% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diet compared to those fed the control and 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diets (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). In the ileum, villus width was increased in the group supplemented with 1% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed compared to birds fed the 3% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diet (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab7\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 7\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEffect of diets containing different Gracilariopsis persica seaweed1 on morphology of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum in Japanese quails on d 42.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eItems\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDuodenum\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVillus height (\u0026micro;m)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.02\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.23\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.33\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.69\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.346\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVillus width (\u0026micro;m)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.13\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.41\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.115\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.090\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrypt depth (\u0026micro;m)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.69\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.01\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.89\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.82\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.025\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.003\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVillus height/ Crypt depth ratio\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.62\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.10\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.52\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.45\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.594\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eJejunum\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVillus height (\u0026micro;m)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.82\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.66\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.383\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.209\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVillus width (\u0026micro;m)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.71\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.11\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.99\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.96\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.072\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.004\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrypt depth (\u0026micro;m)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.90\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.86\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.93\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.71\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.061\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVillus height/ Crypt depth ratio\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.67\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.72\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.410\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.063\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIleum\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVillus height (\u0026micro;m)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.72\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.93\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.91\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.43\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.218\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.052\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVillus width (\u0026micro;m)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.89\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.10\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.83\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.88\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.056\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.023\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrypt depth (\u0026micro;m)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.91\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.76\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.70\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.074\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.077\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVillus height/ Crypt depth ratio\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.94\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.41\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.42\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.872\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.141\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003ea\u0026ndash;d\u003c/sup\u003e Means with different superscripts within a column are different at \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSEM\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Standard Error of means.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed was added to each diet at four levels: 0, 1, 3 and 5%, respectively.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIntestine Microbial Population\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e shows the effects of dietary \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed on the cecal microbial population of Japanese quails. The use of a diet containing 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed increased the cecal microbial populations of \u003cem\u003eLactobacillus\u003c/em\u003e, compared to control and 3% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diets (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). Also, the total bacteria count in quails fed with 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed increased, compared to those fed with 1% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diet (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab8\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 8\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEffect of diets containing different Gracilariopsis persica seaweed1 on the cecal microbial population (log cfu g\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1) of Japanese quails on d 42.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eItems\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLactobacillus\u003c/em\u003e (cfu/g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.71\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.00\u003csup\u003ebc\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.07\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.04\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.231\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal bacteria count (cfu/g\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.06\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.01\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.53\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.27\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.283\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003ea\u0026ndash;d\u003c/sup\u003e Means with different superscripts within a column are different at \u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSEM\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Standard Error of means.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed was added to each diet at four levels: 0, 1, 3 and 5%, respectively.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn this experiment, the dietary inclusion of Gracilariopsis persica seaweed at varying levels had no significant effect on the overall growth performance of Japanese quails throughout the experimental period (9\u0026ndash;42 days). However, during specific time intervals, certain levels of G. persica seaweed demonstrated significant effects. For example, during days 9\u0026ndash;15, quails fed a 3% G. persica diet showed significantly higher weight gain (WG) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control and 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e groups. However, the observed trend in this experiment indicates that increasing the level of seaweed in the diet (beyond the levels used in this study) may negatively impact growth performance.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn general, low dietary inclusion of seaweed, up to 10%, has been shown to significantly improve growth, feed utilization, and the assimilation of essential nutrients (Peixoto et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Overall, these findings indicate that the inclusion of seaweed in diets, when applied at appropriate levels, can significantly improve or maintain growth performance comparable to non-seaweed diets. However, higher inclusion levels may have detrimental effects on growth and health. The observed improvements in growth with seaweed supplementation are likely due to the elevated concentrations of bioactive compounds (such as essential vitamins and minerals) in seaweed, which play a critical role in enhancing the assimilation of dietary nutrients (Lordan et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eInterestingly, it has been speculated that seaweed contains a variety of polysaccharides and oligosaccharides that function as prebiotics, promoting the activity of beneficial bacteria. This, in turn, enhances the digestion and absorption of essential nutrients, ultimately improving growth performance (Xu et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR73\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). However, reduced growth performance at higher inclusion levels of seaweed in aqua-feed may be attributed to the presence of substantial concentrations of anti-nutritional substances in the seaweed. These compounds can exert toxic effects and hinder the absorption of essential nutrients (Ghosh et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). For example, protease inhibitors are commonly found in many plant-based feeds, including seaweed. These molecules inhibit the activity of protease enzymes, which are responsible for breaking down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. When quails are fed higher quantities of seaweed, these inhibitors can bind to proteolytic enzymes and interfere with the normal digestive process by inhibiting enzyme activity. This disruption can result in incomplete protein digestion, reduced nutrient absorption, and ultimately poor growth performance (Vizca\u0026iacute;no et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR66\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). Further, instances of growth reduction may also be attributable to the polysaccharide content in seaweed, which may influence the rapid transition of feed through the digestive tract, in turn causing enhanced feed uptake while lowering the absorption of nutrients (Ashour et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eImprovements in FCR could be partly attributed to the presence of various bioactive compounds (such as carotenoids, polysaccharides, amino acids, and fatty acids) that significantly enhance the palatability of the diet. This increased palatability likely leads to higher feed intake, thereby improving feed utilization and, ultimately, growth performance (Sattanathan et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR54\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Bioactive substances have been demonstrated to stimulate the secretion of various digestive enzymes, including amylase, lipase, and protease, which play a crucial role in enhancing the digestion and assimilation of essential nutrients into tissues (Abdel-Tawwab et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, the improvement in FCR may be attributed to the polysaccharides in seaweed, which slow the passage of feed through the digestive tract, thereby enhancing nutrient assimilation and bioavailability (Sotoudeh \u0026amp; Jafari, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR61\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Additionally, seaweed, as a source of prebiotics, may promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, leading to significant improvements in digestibility and feed efficiency (Sharawy et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR58\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Moutinho et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e) reported that dietary seaweed did not significantly affect feed utilization.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn our experiment, performance traits improved in quails fed diets containing 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed up to 22 days of age. On the other hand, birds receiving 3% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e increased weight gain in the first two weeks of the experiment, compared to the control diet, but as the period progressed in the final weeks, no significant difference was observed between these two groups. It appears that as bird's age and progress through the experimental period, physiological adaptations and reduced growth demands beyond the first week of life enable them to efficiently utilize diets with varying levels of seaweed, resulting in improved performance traits. Levels higher than 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed may need to be introduced in the later stages of the rearing period to observe potential positive effects on growth performance. The variation in feed intake between layer hens fed diets with high levels of seaweed and those fed control diets suggests that seaweed may be palatable (Vosough-Sharifi et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR68\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e). Mart\u0026iacute;nez et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e) reported that feeding broiler chickens with 2 and 4% algae in the diet resulted in improved daily weight gain and greater muscle mass, which could be attributed to increased nutrient absorption in the small intestine due to the presence of insoluble fiber. \u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed is a rich source of amino acids, especially sulfur-containing amino acids, lysine, and threonine, which are usually considered growth-limiting factors in corn- and soybean meal-based broiler diets (Kidd \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2000\u003c/span\u003e). Lahaye and Jegou (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1993\u003c/span\u003e) explained the anti-nutritional properties of algae at 15 and 20% of the diet by stating that \u003cem\u003eUlva lactuca\u003c/em\u003e algae contains 21.3% soluble fiber and attributed the reduced absorption of nutrients from the intestinal wall to increased viscosity of digested materials in the intestine and thickening of the intestinal wall.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe association between serum lipid concentrations\u0026mdash;specifically triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)\u0026mdash;and cardiovascular disease has been well established in humans. Elevated serum LDL and triglyceride levels are recognized as major risk factors for atherosclerosis, heart disease, and arterial stiffening (Higashi, 2023). In this study, the HDL level increased in the blood serum of birds fed a diet containing 3% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed. In recent years, HDL has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Its key role as a carrier of excess cellular cholesterol in the reverse cholesterol transport pathway is believed to provide protective effects against atherosclerosis (Adegoke et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). El-Deek et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e) reported that the inclusion of brown seaweed (\u003cem\u003eEcklonia maxima\u003c/em\u003e) in broiler diets at levels of 2%, 4%, and 6% led to an increase in HDL levels. VLDL primarily consists of triglycerides (TG), and a reduction in blood VLDL concentrations reflects lower fat accumulation in the body. Consequently, VLDL levels are negatively correlated with weight gain, making this parameter a potential indicator in poultry breeding (Whitehead et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR70\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1984\u003c/span\u003e; Shafik et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR57\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Saeidniaa et al. (2012) reported that \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed contains various bioactive sterols, including fucosterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol, which can effectively increase HDL levels while reducing plasma cholesterol, LDL, and fat. The mechanism underlying cholesterol reduction is attributed to the properties of soluble fiber present in the diet, which influences viscosity, negatively affects nutrient absorption, inhibits micelle formation, and reduces fat absorption (Jesch and Carr, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn addition, the reduction in serum cholesterol can be attributed to the breakdown of bile acids in the upper intestine and the subsequent stimulation of their increased secretion (Glore, 1994). Our findings align with those of Carvalho et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e) and Ginzberg (2000), who reported that the inclusion of 5% and 10% \u003cem\u003eUlva fasciata\u003c/em\u003e in broiler diets reduced serum cholesterol levels due to the presence of soluble fiber. Similarly, Dvir (2009) observed significant differences in cholesterol, triglyceride, and VLDL levels in the plasma of rats fed \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e, concluding that seaweed polysaccharides play a crucial role in cholesterol excretion through the elimination of bile acids. Additionally, Dvir et al. (2009) investigated the effect of supplementing rat diets with the red microalga \u003cem\u003ePorphyridium sp.\u003c/em\u003e which led to an increase in plasma cholecystokinin (CCK) levels, further influencing cholesterol metabolism. As a result, increased CCK and cholesterol levels influence the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, and its inhibition leads to reduced cholesterol production (Reshma et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn this experiment, the relative weight of abdominal fat was found to be higher in female birds compared to male birds, and birds fed a diet containing 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed exhibited a reduced relative weight of abdominal fat. These results are consistent with those of Ito and Hori (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1989\u003c/span\u003e) and Lahaye and Jegou (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1993\u003c/span\u003e), who reported that the inclusion of \u003cem\u003eUlva lactuca\u003c/em\u003e algae led to a decrease in abdominal fat. This effect is likely attributed to the presence of soluble fiber (21.3%) and high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Additionally, a reduction in the synthesis of the enzyme delta-6-desaturase in the liver may further decrease fat synthesis and storage in the abdominal cavity (Mititelu et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn our experiment, the relative weight of the gut in birds fed a diet containing 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed increased compared to those on the control diet. This could be attributed to the increase in dietary fiber, which likely enhanced the volume and activity of the digestive tract in processing the diet. However, since there were no significant differences in the body weights of birds across the different treatments, the increase in the relative weight of the digestive tract may have led to a reduction in the percentage of carcass yield in quails receiving \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed treatments. Additionally, in females, due to their faster growth rate compared to males during the breeding period, there is a greater need for feed, and an increase in the percentage of \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed in the diet may have contributed to an increase in the volume and weight of the intestine, as well as the relative weight of the entire digestive tract, when compared to male birds. In our experiment, the interaction effect of sex \u0026times; diet and the effect of diet on the relative weight of the cecum were not significant. However, an increase in the level of algae was associated with a rise in cecum weight. Most studies agree that the cecum serves as the primary site for fermentation in the digestive tract of poultry (Marounek et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1999\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUndigested carbohydrates in the upper parts of the digestive tract are transferred to the cecum, where they are fermented into short-chain fatty acids and gases (Jamroz et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e). The shape, size, and capacity of the cecum depends on the bird species and its adaptation to its environment. It has been reported that the weight of the cecum in broilers fed with 1% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed constitutes about 1% of their total body weight. Bedford et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e) noted that feeding poultry a high-fiber diet can increase fermentation in the cecum and even enlarge the cecum due to heightened fermentative activity. Similarly, Hao et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) observed a 25% increase in cecum size with the addition of higher levels and different types of dietary fiber. Thus, there is a significant relationship between diet type and cecum development in quails (Bamedi et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn this study, the relative weight of the cecum in female birds was greater than that of male birds, and with increasing levels of \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed, the increase in cecum weight was more pronounced in female birds compared to males. This may be attributed to the higher growth rate observed in female birds, which surpasses that of males up to eight weeks of age. The increased growth rate leads to a greater need for feed intake. As the birds consumed diets containing seaweed, the accumulation of fiber in the cecum of female birds likely increased. This, in turn, enhanced the activity of the cecum in fiber fermentation, leading to a corresponding increase in its size and weight.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn our experiment, the height of the villi in the duodenum of birds that received 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed was increased, indicating enhanced nutrient absorption in this part of the intestine. Wu et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR72\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1994\u003c/span\u003e) reported that the number of mature myosin-producing cells in the duodenum is higher than in other parts of the intestine, which facilitates nutrient absorption. An increase in villi height slows the passage of intestinal contents, thereby enhancing the absorptive capacity of the intestine (Duangnumsawang et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). This could be a contributing factor to the lack of a significant increase in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in birds fed 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed. Matshogo et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e) suggested that low-fiber diets, which reduce intestinal epithelial cell turnover, could allocate more energy for connective tissue production and body growth, potentially leading to a reduced FCR in birds fed \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn this experiment, the lowest crypt depth and the highest intestinal index (the ratio of villus height to crypt depth) in the jejunum and duodenum were observed in birds fed a diet containing 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed. The primary function of crypt glands is to undergo mitotic divisions, producing absorptive cells, goblet cells, and mucus-producing cells to replace dead cells. Increased crypt depth reflects the activity of these glands in generating new mucosal cells (Miles et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e). Conversely, a shallower crypt depth in the gut suggests lower energy expenditure in this region and improved nutrient utilization by the bird. This could also explain the bird's adaptability to consuming diets with up to 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn this experiment, diet containing 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed significantly increased the cecal populations of Lactobacillus and total bacteria in Japanese quails. This suggests that higher levels of \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e may positively influence gut microbiota, potentially enhancing digestive health. Several studies have demonstrated that algae serve as a good source of prebiotics for poultry (Abdel-Wareth et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Muraoka et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e; Gomez-Zavaglia et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). Kuda et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2005\u003c/span\u003e) reported that feeding diets containing 1% \u003cem\u003eLaminaria\u003c/em\u003e algae increased \u003cem\u003eBifidobacterium\u003c/em\u003e populations in the cecum of rats, although it did not significantly alter \u003cem\u003eLactobacillus\u003c/em\u003e numbers. Wang et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR69\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e) found that the use of alginate oligosaccharides and hydrolyzed agarose increased the populations of beneficial \u003cem\u003eLactobacillus\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eBifidobacterium\u003c/em\u003e in the cecum and feces by 2.5% and 5%, respectively, compared to control treatments. The increased population of \u003cem\u003eLactobacillus\u003c/em\u003e suggests that feeding a diet containing 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed may positively influence gut microbial composition, specifically enhancing the growth of beneficial \u003cem\u003eLactobacillus\u003c/em\u003e strains. Several studies have suggested that the antibacterial effects of \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed are influenced by various factors, including its habitat, the season of collection, the plant\u0026rsquo;s growth stage, species, carbohydrate extraction methods, and evaluation techniques (Khosravi et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e; Manivannan et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e). \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e has been shown to limit the heme-oxygenase-1 pathway (Ribeiro et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e), induce interleukin-10 (IL-10) production (Cian et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e; Cian et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e), and exhibit probiotic-like effects on intestinal microbiota by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in poultry (Kulshreshtha et al. 2014). \u003cem\u003eLactobacillus\u003c/em\u003e, which is stimulated by \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e, produces short- and medium-chain fatty acids that can lower the intestinal pH (Dempsey and Corr \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e), thereby playing a significant role in suppressing pathogenic bacteria. This, in turn, may contribute to enhanced disease resistance in Japanese quail.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusions","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, dietary inclusion \u003cem\u003eof G. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed at moderate levels (up to 5%) can enhance growth performance and gut health in Japanese quails, with a 3% inclusion improving weight gain and feed conversion in the early stages. However, higher inclusion levels may reduce growth performance due to anti-nutritional factors. Seaweed\u0026rsquo;s bioactive compounds, particularly its effects on gut microbiota, such as increasing Lactobacillus populations, suggest potential benefits for digestive health and disease resistance. Careful inclusion of \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e in poultry diets is recommended for optimal results.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e: \u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e; DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid; I, iodine; CP, crude protein; ME, metabolizable energy; NRC, national Research Council; BW, body weight; WG, Weight gain; FI, Feed intake; FCR, Feed conversion ratio; LBW, Live body weight; T3, Triiodothyronine; T4, tetraiodothyronine; TSH, Thyroid-stimulating hormone; TG, triglyceride, LDL-c, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; HDL-c, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, VLDL-c, very low-density lipoprotein; PBS, phosphate-buffered saline; GLM, general linear models.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCRediT authorship contribution statement\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eR.M.T and S.D.S led the investigation, supervision, formal analysis, writing-original draft. S.D.S and H.R participated in conceptualization, funding acquisition, writing - review \u0026amp; editing. R.M.T and H.R participated in supervision, software, validation, writing - review \u0026amp; editing. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding sources\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUpon reasonable request, the datasets of this study can be available from the corresponding author.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot available.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors would like to thank the support of the Office of Research Affairs of the University of Tehran, grant number 345/27/2012.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eORCID\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRazieh Moazeni Targhi\u003cimg 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width=\"30\" height=\"30\"\u003e\u003c/strong\u003ehttps://orcid.org/0009-0008-5157-7973\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAbbaspour, B. 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Nutr. 5, 18. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s43014-023-00132-5\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Cecal microflora, Gracilariopsis persica, Growth performance, Intestinal morphology, Japanese quail","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7140998/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7140998/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eIn this study, different levels of \u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica (G. persica\u003c/em\u003e) seaweed were examined on growth performance, blood biochemistry parameters, carcass characteristics, cecal microflora counts, and intestinal morphology in Japanese quail. A total of 480 one-day-old Japanese quail chicks (\u003cem\u003eCoturnix japonica\u003c/em\u003e) were completely randomized design to 16 cages (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4 treatment; 4 replicates and 30 birds per replicate). The dietary inclusion rates of \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed were as follows: 0 (control group), 1, 3, and 5%. The experimental duration lasted for 6 weeks. The live body weight of quails increased when fed with control and 3% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diets, compared to those fed 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diet (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). In the jejunum, the use of a diet containing 1% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed increased villus width, compared to birds fed with control diet (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). Additionally, the use of a diet containing 5% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed increased the cecal microbial populations of \u003cem\u003eLactobacillus\u003c/em\u003e, compared to control and 3% \u003cem\u003eG. persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed diets (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05). Based on the results, incorporating up to 5% \u003cem\u003eGracilariopsis persica\u003c/em\u003e seaweed into the diet of Japanese quails not only enhanced performance during the first three weeks but also improved carcass characteristics, cecal microflora counts, and intestinal morphology.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Gracilariopsis persica seaweed as a feed ingredient in Japanese quail: impacts on growth performance, blood biochemistry, carcass traits, cecal microflora, and intestinal morphology","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-07-29 13:06:31","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7140998/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"62789351-b70d-4180-8984-91af7cdc2be9","owner":[],"postedDate":"July 29th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-09-22T03:23:25+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-07-29 13:06:31","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7140998","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7140998","identity":"rs-7140998","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}