Effects of antioxidants consumption and low protein diets on liver and intestine histopathology and performance of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The study investigated the effects of two types of antioxidants, a natural antioxidant (Eselenium) and a synthetic antioxidant (loxidan) in diets containing protein value lower than essential requirements, on performance and histopathological changes in the liver and intestine of Japanese quails. The experimental diets were: Group A – basal diet (control), Group B – 15 % crude protein reduction without recommended antioxidant, Group C – 15 % crude protein reduction plus 1 g/kg E-selenium, Group D – 15 % reduction in crude protein plus 0.2 g/kg loxidan, Group E – 30 % reduction in crude protein without recommended antioxidant, Group F – 30 % reduction in crude protein plus 1 g/kg E-selenium. Group G - 30 % reduction in crude protein plus 0.2 g/kg loxidan. Birds in groups B and E showed a significant reduction (p<0.05) in body weight compared to the control group. Birds fed E-selenium and loxidan exhibited significantly better (p<0.05) body weights compared to the birds in groups D and F groups. Birds in group E fed with 30 % reduction in the dietary protein had significantly higher (p<0.05) liver weights. The relative weight of the intestine decreased in the birds in groups B and E compared to the control group. 15 and 30 % reduction in dietary protein intake of birds caused mild hyperemia and edema of the intestine. The severity of liver congestion and edema were lower in group E birds when compared with birds in group B. Results indicated that the used of two kinds of antioxidants (natural and synthetic) effect on the performance parameters of Japanese quails which were exposed to nutritional stresses (such as reducing dietary protein) compensated parts of the adverse effects. Therefore, antioxidants intake is useful for recovery of quails performance fed low-protein diets.Keywords: E-Selenium, Loxidan, Intestine, Liver, Performance, Protein, Quai

Effects of low-protein diets supplemented with antioxidants on histopathology of testis and testosterone and performance of male Japanese quail ( Coturnix coturnix japonica )

ABSTRACT The present study sought to examine the effects of low-protein diets supplemented with natural and synthetic antioxidants on reproductive traits and performance of male Japanese quail. A total of 144 one-day-old quail chicks were randomly assigned to receive four different treatments, including a control diet (a basal diet) without antioxidant supplementation, low-protein diet without antioxidant supplementation, low-protein diet supplemented with the E-selenium antioxidant (a combination of vitamin E and selenium), and low-protein diet supplemented with the antioxidant Loxidan (a combination of propyl galat, ethoxyquin, and citric acid). Throughout the study, feed and water were provided ad libitum from one to 45 days of age. Performance values were calculated at the end of the experimental period. Blood samples were collected from the wing vein of six male birds randomly selected from each treatment group. Subsequently, blood samples were used to measure serum testosterone levels by ELISA. A total of 36 slides were prepared from testes of 12 adult quail for histological studies. Results from this study showed that there was a significant increase in blood testosterone levels of quail fed the antioxidant Loxidan. An increased number of spermatogonia was found in quail fed both antioxidants. In addition, a significant increase was found in the number of spermatid cells in quail fed a low-protein diet with antioxidants. Surprisingly, spermatozoa cells showed a significant elevation in quail fed antioxidants as compared with those fed low-protein diets. Interestingly, a significant increase was observed in the final body weight of the quail fed antioxidants. Therefore, it can be deduced that antioxidant intake not only can improve reproductive indices, such as testosterone levels and testicular tissue in Japanese quail, but is also useful for performance of quail fed low-protein diets