Hematological and Growth Response of Japanese Quail Fed an Iron-Copper Deficient Diet

Abstract

The effects of iron, copper deficient skim-milk diets on hematology and growth of Japanese quail were determined. The feeding of iron, copper deficient diets resulted in rapid and severe reductions in packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, mean cell hemoglobin concentration and rate of growth, although livability was only slightly affected. Addition of iron and copper to the skim-milk diet only partially alleviated its adverse effects on hematology and growth.