Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the supplementation (of drinking water) effects of L-Carnitine (LC) and/or calf thymus extract (TE) on immunity, antioxidant, duodenal histomorphometric, growth, and economic performance of Japanese quail. Six hundred, one day old unsexed quail were divided into four groups, the control group (G1) received plain drinking water, while G2, G3, and G4 were supplemented with LC and/or TE, respectively. The treated groups recorded a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the final body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, phagocytic activity %, phagocytic index, lymphocytes %, and plasma glutathione level compared to the G1. On the other hand, these supplementations significantly lower the mortality rate %, heterophil %, H/L ratio and plasma malondialdehyde level of the supplemented groups relative to G1. The supplemented groups recorded a non-significant increase in duodenal histomorphometric parameters (villous height, villous width, surface area, and crypt depth) relative to G1. Generally, LC and/or TE improve the values of economic profile (total returns, net profit, total return/total costs %, etc.) in treated groups compared to the control one. In conclusion, L-carnitine supplementation was more effective than TE or their combination with TE in the immunological, anti-oxidative, growth, and economic performance.
Highlights
The introduction of Japanese quail into intensive poultry rearing systems could be an alternative to meet the increasing demands for poultry meat and eggs [1]
/or thymus extract (TE) of Group 2 (G2), Group 3 (G3), and Group 4 (G4) improve the values of total returns, net profit, total return/total costs percentage, net profit/total costs percentage, and capita return rate in treated groups compared to the control one (G1)
The improvements in quail performance fed LC supplemented feeds may be attributed to improvements in the efficiency with which dietary long chain fatty acids are oxidized by mitochondria, and to the energy released in such process [32]
Summary
The introduction of Japanese quail into intensive poultry rearing systems could be an alternative to meet the increasing demands for poultry meat and eggs [1]. Quail meat and eggs are prized for their high protein content, biological value, and low calorie content [2]. The poultry meat industry has been continually seeking strategies to improve the performance of commercial flocks and reduce carcass fat deposition [3]. Due to its beneficial effects on enhancing resistance to metabolic diseases, preventing some diseases, boosting the immune system, and improving poultry performance, LC is being considered as an alternative feed additive in poultry diets [2]. Carnitine could improve the utilization of fat as energy, and it could improve feed conversion and carcass traits. No positive benefits of LC were recorded on the performance of quail [6] and layer [7]
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