EN
Chitosan is the simplest form of chitin, found in carapaces of crabs, prawns, and krill. Due to its chemical and physical properties and biological activity, chitosan is widely applied in, i.a., medicine, animal care, and agriculture. Chitosan effects on poultry health and production have been studied to a limited degree only. The present study was thus aimed at elucidating chitosan effects on the utility and reproduction-related characteristics of quail. The experiment involved the quail aged 5 weeks which were divided into two groups, each consisting of 36 females and 12 males. The birds belonging to Group I (control) were fed a standard feed mix for laying quail, while the feed offered to Group II (experimental) was enriched with 5.2 ml chitosan added to 1.2 kg feed. Compared to the control, the experimental quail showed a lower daily feed consumption, lower number of eggs laid, and a higher feed consumption per egg.