Effects of Supplementation of Saviotan Feed (Chestnut Tannin) on Blood Parameters and Yolk Cholesterol Concentration in Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica)

Abstract

Tannins are secondary metabolites and active compounds widely present in plants. Tannins have several properties, such as astringent, antiparasitic, anti-diarrheal, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant. Hence, plants containing tannins are a major study subject for a natural alternative to in-feed antibiotics or antioxidants. The functions of tannin extracted from chestnut wood, namely Saviotan Feed (SF) in poultry, especially in quails, have not yet been fully understood. The current study aimed to examine the effect of SF supplementation on some plasma metabolites, including glucose (GLU), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TCHO) concentration, and yolk cholesterol in quails (Coturnix japonica). A total of 100 unsexed quails were divided into 4 groups, with 25 quails in each group. These quails were then placed into 20 experimental pens, with 5 quails per pen. Each treatment was replicated 5 times, and the quails were fed a commercial rations diet supplemented with different SF doses of 0% (control), 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%. Quails were provided with SF supplementation from 14 to 56 days of age. A sample of 40 plasma and eggs were randomly collected and analyzed for GLU, TG, and TCHO. The results indicated no significant effects of SF on plasma GLU and TG concentration, but a significant effect was found regarding TCHO. Moreover, supplementation of SF from 0.1 to 0.3% significantly decreased TCHO concentration in the yolk. In conclusion, it has been determined that supplementation of SF may play a significant role in decreasing TCHO in yolk eggs in quails.