Effects of vitamin C on production performance, egg Quality and hematological parameters in Japanese quails under dexamethasone-induced stress

Articles in Press

Document Type : Full Research Paper

Authors

1 P.hD Student of Animal Nutrition, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Animal Science, Lorestan University.

3 Professor, Department of Animal Science, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Science, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran

5 PhD of Animal Science, Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Khorramabad, Iran

Abstract

Background: Using vitamins is an effective way to control stress in laying quails. Objectives: The present research was conducted for determining the effects of vitamin C on production performance, egg Quality and hematological parameters in Japanese quails under dexamethasone-induced stress. Methods: In a 2×2 factorial arrangement the effects of dietary vitamin C (0, and 300 mg/kg of diet) and dexamethasone (0 and 1 g/kg of diet), and their interactions were investigated on production performance, egg quality and hematological parameters in Japanese quails. Results: Supplemental vitamin C significantly improved egg production, feed intake, egg weight and egg mass compared to the control birds (P < 0.05). The quails consumed vitamin C containing diets showed better feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control chicks (P < 0.05). Dietary dexamethasone supplementation induced physiological stress indicated by decreased egg production, feed intake, egg weight and egg mass compared to the control birds (P < 0.05). Moreover, the birds fed with dietary dexamethasone demonstrated greater FCR than control birds (P < 0.05). The interaction effect of vitamin C and dexamethasone on the percentage of egg production was significant, so that the treatment containing vitamin C and without dexamethasone showed the highest percentage of egg production (P < 0.05). Dexamethasone treatment significantly reduced egg shell thickness in layer quail hens (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In general, dietary supplementation of vitamin C at 300 mg/kg of diet improved egg production, egg mass and FCR in layer quail hens.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Veterinary Research & Biological Products

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 07 January 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 November 2024
  • Revise Date: 04 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 06 January 2025

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