Research shows that adding 10% dried orange pomace to Japanese quail feed increases egg production and reduces blood cholesterol without harming egg quality. According to Gram Research analysis of this 84-day study with 144 quails, the orange pomace improved laying percentage and egg mass while lowering serum cholesterol levels. When combined with digestive enzymes, the quails converted feed into eggs more efficiently, requiring less food to produce the same amount of eggs.
Researchers tested whether adding dried orange pomace (the leftover pulp from orange juice) to quail feed could improve egg production and bird health. According to Gram Research analysis, adding 10% orange pomace to the diet increased egg production and reduced cholesterol in the birds’ blood. When combined with special enzymes that help digestion, the quails also used their food more efficiently. The study found no negative effects on egg quality or the birds’ organs, suggesting that orange pomace could be a cost-effective and sustainable ingredient for quail farming.
Key Statistics
A 2026 study of 144 Japanese quails found that replacing 10% of maize with dehydrated orange pomace increased egg mass and laying percentage while reducing serum cholesterol concentrations with no negative effects on egg quality.
In a 2026 research article with 144 female quails, supplementation with beta-glucanase and xylanase enzymes improved feed conversion for egg mass and increased nitrogen retention and fat digestibility coefficients.
A 2026 experiment spanning 84 days across 144 Japanese quails demonstrated that 10% dehydrated orange pomace inclusion enhanced commercial viability of egg production while maintaining normal pancreatic parameters and gastrointestinal tract development.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether adding dried orange pomace (leftover orange juice pulp) to quail feed improves egg production, egg quality, and bird health, especially when combined with digestive enzymes.
- Who participated: 144 female Japanese quails divided into four groups over 84 days. Some groups got regular feed, others got feed with 10% orange pomace, and some received special digestive enzymes or a combination of both.
- Key finding: Quails fed 10% orange pomace laid more eggs and had lower cholesterol levels. When digestive enzymes were added, the birds converted their food into eggs more efficiently, meaning less wasted feed.
- What it means for you: If you raise quails or work in poultry farming, orange pomace could be a cheaper, more sustainable feed ingredient that improves production. For consumers, this could eventually mean more affordable quail eggs from healthier birds. However, this study only tested quails, so results may not apply to chickens or other birds.
The Research Details
Researchers divided 144 female quails into four equal groups in a controlled experiment lasting 84 days. The groups tested two main variables: whether the birds received 10% orange pomace in their feed or regular feed, and whether they received special digestive enzymes (beta-glucanase and xylanase) or not. This created four combinations: regular feed without enzymes, regular feed with enzymes, orange pomace feed without enzymes, and orange pomace feed with enzymes. Each group had six smaller units with six birds each, allowing researchers to see if results were consistent across multiple groups. The experiment was divided into three 28-day cycles to track changes over time.
This research design is important because it tests two things at once, which helps identify whether orange pomace works alone, whether enzymes help, or whether they work best together. By using multiple replicates (copies of each group), the researchers could confirm their findings weren’t just luck. The 84-day length allowed them to see effects across the entire laying cycle of the quails.
The study used a randomized design, meaning birds were randomly assigned to groups to avoid bias. Researchers measured many outcomes including feed conversion, egg production, nutrient digestion, blood chemistry, and organ development. The use of statistical testing (ANOVA and Tukey’s test) helps confirm that differences between groups were real and not due to chance. Published in a peer-reviewed journal means other experts reviewed the work before publication.
What the Results Show
Adding 10% orange pomace to quail feed increased egg mass (the total weight of eggs produced) and laying percentage (how many days the birds laid eggs). The birds also had lower cholesterol in their blood, which could indicate better metabolic health. When digestive enzymes were added to the feed, the quails converted their food into eggs more efficiently, meaning they needed less feed to produce the same amount of eggs. This is measured as improved feed conversion ratio for egg mass, a key indicator of efficiency in poultry farming. The combination of orange pomace and enzymes appeared to work better than either ingredient alone for some measures.
The enzymes improved how well the quails digested and absorbed nutrients, particularly fats and nitrogen (a key component of protein). Researchers found no negative effects on egg quality, meaning the eggs were just as good in terms of shell strength, yolk color, and other important traits. The birds’ pancreases (organs that help with digestion) showed normal development, and their digestive organs were appropriately sized. Feed intake remained normal across all groups, indicating the birds ate similar amounts regardless of treatment.
This research builds on earlier studies showing that agricultural byproducts like orange pomace can be used in animal feed. Previous research suggested that digestive enzymes could improve nutrient absorption in poultry. This study is one of the first to test orange pomace specifically in Japanese quails and to combine it with enzyme supplementation. The findings align with the growing interest in sustainable farming practices that use food industry waste products.
The study only tested Japanese quails, so results may not apply to chickens, turkeys, or other poultry. The experiment lasted 84 days, which covers the main laying period but may not show long-term effects. The study didn’t test different amounts of orange pomace (only 0% or 10%), so researchers don’t know if higher or lower amounts might work better. The cost-effectiveness wasn’t calculated, so while orange pomace improved production, it’s unclear if it’s actually cheaper than regular feed. The study was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions, which may differ from real farm environments.
The Bottom Line
For quail farmers, consider testing 10% orange pomace inclusion in feed as a potential cost-saving and sustainability measure. The addition of digestive enzymes appears to enhance the benefits, particularly for feed efficiency. Start with small-scale trials before switching entire flocks. For consumers interested in sustainable food production, supporting farms that use agricultural byproducts like orange pomace supports environmentally friendly practices. Confidence in these recommendations is moderate to high for Japanese quails but lower for other poultry species.
Quail farmers and commercial quail operations should find this most relevant. Poultry nutritionists and feed manufacturers could use this information to develop new feed formulations. Consumers interested in sustainable agriculture and food waste reduction may appreciate the environmental benefits. Chicken and turkey farmers should wait for similar studies on their species before making changes. People with no connection to poultry farming can appreciate this as an example of how food waste is being repurposed.
Effects on egg production and feed efficiency appeared within the 84-day study period, suggesting benefits could be seen within 2 to 3 months of dietary change. Blood cholesterol improvements likely occur gradually over weeks. Long-term effects beyond 84 days are unknown and would require additional research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can orange pomace improve egg production in quails?
Research shows that adding 10% dried orange pomace to quail feed increased egg mass and laying percentage in a 144-bird study. The birds also had lower cholesterol levels, suggesting improved metabolic health without any negative effects on egg quality.
Do digestive enzymes help quails use their feed better?
Beta-glucanase and xylanase enzymes improved feed conversion efficiency in the 144-quail study, meaning birds needed less feed to produce eggs. The enzymes also enhanced nutrient absorption, particularly for fats and protein components.
Is orange pomace safe for quail feed?
The 84-day study found no negative effects on egg quality, pancreatic health, or gastrointestinal organ development when 10% orange pomace was included in quail diets. Feed intake remained normal across all treatment groups.
Would orange pomace work the same way in chickens?
This study only tested Japanese quails, so results may not apply to chickens or other poultry species. Separate research would be needed to confirm whether orange pomace provides similar benefits in different bird types.
How long does it take to see benefits from orange pomace feed?
The 84-day study divided into three 28-day cycles suggests benefits in egg production and feed efficiency could appear within 2 to 3 months of dietary change. Blood cholesterol improvements likely occur gradually over several weeks.
Want to Apply This Research?
- If managing a quail flock, track daily egg production (number and weight), feed consumption, and feed costs weekly. Compare these metrics between birds on standard feed versus orange pomace feed to calculate actual cost savings and production improvements.
- For quail farmers using a farm management app, log feed ingredient changes and set reminders to monitor egg production metrics daily. Create alerts if egg production drops below expected levels, which could indicate the feed change isn’t working as planned.
- Establish a baseline of current production metrics before switching feed. After introducing orange pomace feed, track metrics for at least 84 days (three full production cycles) to see if improvements match the research findings. Document any changes in egg quality, bird health, or feed costs to determine if the switch is worthwhile for your operation.
This research applies specifically to Japanese quails and may not reflect results in other poultry species. The study was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions and may differ from real-world farm environments. Before making significant changes to quail feed, consult with a poultry nutritionist or veterinarian. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional agricultural or veterinary advice. Individual results may vary based on quail genetics, housing conditions, and management practices.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.