Effects Of Dietary L-carnitine Supplementation Research Articles

The effects of dietary L-carnitine supplementation in fish diet containing high corn gluten meal on immunity, lipid metabolism, and metabolomics in juvenile hybrid grouper (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂Epinephelus lanceolatus)

The effects of dietary L-carnitine supplementation in fish diet containing high corn gluten meal on immunity, lipid metabolism, and metabolomics in juvenile hybrid grouper (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂Epinephelus lanceolatus)

Dietary L-Carnitine Affects Leukocyte Count and Function in Dairy Cows Around Parturition.

In early lactation, an energy deficit leading to a negative energy balance (NEB) is associated with increased susceptibility to disease and has been shown to be an important factor during transition in dairy cows. L-carnitine as a key factor in the mitochondrial transport of fatty acids and subsequently for β-oxidation and energy release is known to modulate mitochondrial biogenesis and thus influence metabolism and immune system. In the current study, we characterized hematological changes around parturition and investigated the potential effects of dietary L-carnitine supplementation on immune cell functions. For this approach, dairy cows were assigned either to a control (CON, n = 30) or an L-carnitine group [CAR, n = 29, 25 g rumen-protected L-carnitine per cow and day (d)]. Blood samples were taken from d 42 ante partum (ap) until d 110 post-partum (pp), with special focus and frequent sampling from 0.5 to72 h post-calving to clarify the impact of L-carnitine supplementation on leukocyte count, formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) and peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC) and their phagocytosis activity. Blood cortisol concentration and the capacity of PBMC proliferation was also investigated. All populations of leukocytes were changed during the peripartal period, especially granulocytes showed a characteristic increase up to 4 h pp. L-carnitine supplementation resulted in increased levels of eosinophils which was particularly pronounced one day before to 4 h pp, indicating a possible enhanced support for tissue repair and recovery. Non-supplemented cows showed a higher phagocytic activity in PBMC as well as a higher phagocytic capacity of PMN during the most demanding period around parturition, which may relate to a decrease in plasma levels of non-esterified fatty acids reported previously. L-carnitine, on the other hand, led to an increased efficiency to form ROS in stimulated PMN. Finally, a short period around calving proved to be a sensitive period in which L-carnitine administration was effective.

Effect of Dietary L-Carnitine Supplementation on Growth, Serum Biochemical Indices, Oxidative and Growth-Related Gene Expressions in Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis)

Effect of Dietary L-Carnitine Supplementation on Growth, Serum Biochemical Indices, Oxidative and Growth-Related Gene Expressions in Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis)

Effects of dietary l-carnitine supplementation on the response to an inflammatory challenge in mid-lactating dairy cows: Hepatic mRNA abundance of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism

This study aimed at characterizing the effects of dietary l-carnitine supplementation on hepatic fatty acid (FA) metabolism during inflammation in mid-lactating cows. Fifty-three pluriparous Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to either a control (CON, n = 26) or an l-carnitine supplemented (CAR; n = 27) group. The CAR cows received 125 g of a rumen-protected l-carnitine product per cow per day (corresponding to 25 g of l-carnitine/cow per day) from d 42 antepartum (AP) until the end of the trial on d 126 postpartum (PP). Aside from the supplementation, the same basal diets were fed in the dry period and during lactation to all cows. In mid lactation, each cow was immune-challenged by a single intravenous injection of 0.5 μg of LPS/kg of BW at d 111 PP. Blood samples were collected before and after LPS administration. The mRNA abundance of in total 39 genes related to FA metabolism was assessed in liver biopsies taken at d -11, 1, and 14 relative to LPS (d 111 PP) and also on d 42 AP as an individual covariate using microfluidics integrated fluidic circuit chips (96.96 dynamic arrays). In addition to the concentrations of 3 selected proteins related to FA metabolism, acetyl-CoA carboxylase α (ACACA), 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and solute carrier family 25 member 20 (SLC25A20) were assessed by a capillary Western blot method in liver biopsies from d -11 and 1 relative to LPS from 11 cows each of CAR and CON. On d -11 relative to LPS, differences between the mRNA abundance in CON and CAR were limited to acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (ACAD) very-long-chain (ACADVL) with greater mRNA abundance in the CAR than in the CON group. The liver fat content decreased from d -11 to d 1 relative to the LPS injection and remained at the lower level until d 14 in both groups. One day after the LPS challenge, lower mRNA abundance of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), CPT2, ACADVL, ACAD short-chain (ACADS), and solute carrier family 22 member 5 (SLC22A5) were observed in the CAR group as compared with the CON group. However, the mRNA abundance of protein kinase AMP-activated noncatalytic subunit gamma 1 (PRKAG1), ACAD medium-chain (ACADM), ACACA, and FA binding protein 1 (FABP1) were greater in the CAR group than in the CON group on d 1 relative to LPS. Two weeks after the LPS challenge, differences between the groups were no longer detectable. The altered mRNA abundance before and 1 d after LPS pointed to increased transport of FA into hepatic mitochondria during systemic inflammation in both groups. The protein abundance of AMPK was lower in CAR than in CON before the LPS administration. The protein abundance of SLC25A20 was neither changing with time nor treatment and the ACACA protein abundance was only affected by time. In conclusion, l-carnitine supplementation temporally altered the hepatic mRNA abundance of some genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis and very-low-density lipoprotein export in response to an inflammatory challenge, but with largely lacking effects before and 2 wk after LPS.

Dietary l-carnitine Supplementation Modifies the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Phase Reaction in Dairy Cows.

Simple Summaryl-carnitine might limit the mitochondrial energy generation from fatty acids, particularly in periods of enhanced energy requirement such as during lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mediated innate immune responses. This study examined the influence of a dietary l-carnitine supplementation on dairy cows in mid-lactation which were challenged by an injection with LPS. Results suggest that this intervention supported the energy metabolism of the cows during LPS-induced acute phase reaction (APR).l-carnitine plays an important role in energy metabolism through supporting the transport of activated fatty acids to the subcellular site of β-oxidation. An acute phase reaction (APR) is known as an energy consuming process. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are often used in animal models to study intervention measures during innate immune responses such as APR. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the effects of dietary l-carnitine supplementation during an LPS-induced APR in mid-lactating German Holstein cows. Animals were assigned to a control (CON, n = 26) or l-carnitine group (CAR, n = 27, 25 g rumen-protected l-carnitine/cow/d) and received an intravenous injection of LPS (0.5 μg/kg body weight) at day 111 post-partum. Blood samples were collected from day 1 pre-injection until day 14 post-injection (pi). From 0.5 h pi until 72 h pi blood samplings and clinical examinations were performed in short intervals. Clinical signs of the APR were not altered in group CAR except rumen motility which increased at a lower level compared to the CON group after a period of atonia. Group CAR maintained a higher insulin level compared to group CON even up to 72 h pi which might support glucose utilization following an APR.

Effects of Dietary L-Carnitine Supplementation on Platelets and Erythrogram of Dairy Cows with Special Emphasis on Parturition

During late gestation and early lactation, many proliferative processes and metabolic adaptions are involved in homeorhesis. An adjusted supply of oxygen is a precondition for an optimized cellular energy metabolism whereby erythrocytes play a central role. Endogenous L-carnitine modulates the mitochondrial fatty acid utilization for generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP). As it might be insufficient around calving due to increased need, L-carnitine supplementation is frequently recommended. Thus, the present study addressed the interplay between the red hemogram, platelets, oxidative stress indices, and L-carnitine supplementation of dairy cows around calving. German Holstein cows were assigned to a control (n = 30) and an L-carnitine group (n = 29, 25 g of rumen-protected L-carnitine per cow and per day), and blood samples were taken from day 42 ante partum (ap) until day 110 postpartum (pp), with a higher sampling frequency during the first three days pp. The time courses of the erythrogram parameters reflected the physiological adaptations to the oxygen need without being influenced by L-carnitine supplementation. Erythrocytic antioxidative enzymatic defence paralleled the relative development of polycythemia ap, while non-enzymatic total plasma antioxidative capacity continuously increased pp. In contrast to erythrocytes, the platelet counts of the L-carnitine supplemented cows varied at significantly higher levels. This can be interpreted as a result of a membrane-stabilizing effect of L-carnitine.

Effect of dietary L-carnitine supplementation to sows during gestation and/or lactation on sow productivity, muscle maturation and lifetime growth in progeny from large litters.

Genetic selection for increased sow prolificacy has resulted in decreased mean piglet birth-weight. This study aimed to investigate the effect of L-carnitine (CAR) supplementation to sows during gestation and/or lactation on sow productivity, semitendinosus muscle (STM) maturity, and lifetime growth in progeny. Sixty-four sows were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments at breeding until weaning; CONTROL (0mg CAR/d), GEST (125mg CAR/d during gestation), LACT (250mg CAR/d during lactation), and BOTH (125mg CAR/d during gestation & 250mg CAR/d during lactation). The total number of piglets born per litter was greater for sows supplemented with CAR during gestation (17.3 v 15.8 ± 0.52; P<0.05). Piglet birth-weight (total and live) was unaffected by sow treatment (P>0.05). Total myofibre number (P=0.08) and the expression level of selected myosin heavy chain genes in the STM (P<0.05) was greater in piglets of sows supplemented with CAR during gestation. Pigs from sows supplemented with CAR during gestation had lighter carcasses at slaughter than pigs from non-supplemented sows during gestation (83.8 v 86.7 ± 0.86kg; P<0.05). In conclusion, CAR supplementation during gestation increased litter size at birth without compromising piglet birth-weight. Results also showed that the STM of piglets born to sows supplemented with CAR during gestation was more developed at birth. However, carcass weight at slaughter was reduced in progeny of sows supplemented with CAR during gestation. The CAR supplementation strategy applied during gestation in this study could be utilized by commercial pork producers to increase sow litter size and improve offspring muscle development.

Effect of Dietary L-Carnitine Supplementation with Animal Fat on Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chicken

Study was carried out to find out the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on carcass characteristics in Venncobb broiler chicks fed with diet containing animal fat. Eighty day old commercial broiler chicks were randomly allotted to two treatment groups (T1 and T2) with four replicates of ten chicks each. The birds were fed with standard broiler chicken ration (BIS, 1992) containing 5% animal fat. T1 was the control, while T2 was supplemented with L-carnitine (900 mg/kg feed). At the end of 42 days, five birds from each treatment were slaughtered in order to determine carcass traits and organ weights. The results revealed that the supplementation of L-carnitine lowered the abdominal fat content of birds. However, L-carnitine supplementation had no effect on the body weight gain, slaughter weight, carcass weight, dressing percentage, giblet yield percentage and weight of internal organs.

Influence of Dietary L-Carnitine on Productive Performance, Internal Organs and Carcass Characters of Two Duck Breeds Reared for Foie Gras Production

120 male Muscovy ducks and 120 male Moulord ducks reared for foie gras production were used to study the effect of dietary L-carnitine supplementation on productive performance traits, internal organs and carcass characters. Ducks of each genotype were allotted into two groups (n=60), the first group received dietary L-carnitine at level of 500mg/kg ration and the other is control. 2. L-carnitine supplementation increased body weights at 2 and 4 weeks significantly than control groups also weight gain and relative growth rate from hatch to 2 weeks were significantly increased in L-carnitine groups. From the 6 week of age the effect of L-carnitine on body weight and weight gain were not significant. 3. Dietary L-carnitine increased significantly heart weight and heart percentage of life weight in Muscovy ducks and pancreas percentage of life weight in Moulord ducks compared to their control groups. However, all other body organs, carcass characters and carcass parts chemical composition did not differ significantly. 4. Muscovy ducks recorded significantly higher life weight, carcass weight, dressing %, total fillet weight, shoulder weight and thigh weight and percentage of life weight than Moulord ducks. 3. The benefit from dietary L-carnitine on productive performance traits can be obtained within the first 4 weeks of life also marketing of Mule ducks should be at 8weeks old age, however Muscovy ducks marketing could be delayed till 10 weeks old age.

Effects of Dietary L-carnitine Supplementation on Growth Performance, Organ Weight, Biochemical Parameters and Ascites Susceptibility in Broilers Reared Under Low-temperature Environment.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of L-carnitine on growth performance, organ weight, biochemical parameters of blood, heart and liver, and ascites susceptibility of broilers at different ages reared under a low-temperature environment. A total of 420 1-d-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments with fifteen replicates of fourteen broilers each. Treatment diets consisted of L-carnitine supplementation at levels of 0 and 100 mg/kg. At 11-d of age, low temperature stress was used to increase ascites susceptibility. Blood, heart and liver samples were collected at different ages for analysis of boichemical parameters. The results showed that, there was no significant difference in growth performance with L-carnitine supplementation, but the mortality due to ascites was significantly decreased. Dietary L-carnitine supplementation significantly reduced heart index (HI) and ascites heart index (AHI) on d 21, lung index (LUI) on d 35 and liver index (LI) on d 42. The broilers fed diets containing L-carnitine had significantly lower red blood cell counts (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB) concentration and hematocrit (HCT) on d 42. Dietary L-carnitine supplementation significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content of heart tissue on d 21 and 35, and significantly increased total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity of the heart on d 21 and 42. L-carnitine supplementation significantly reduced serum triglyceride (TG) content on d 28 and 35 and serum glucose (GLU) on d 35 and 42, and significantly increased serum total protein (TP) and globulin (GLO) content on d 42. L-carnitine supplementation significantly enhanced liver succinodehydrogenase (SDH), malic dehydrogenase (MDH) and Na+-K+-ATPase activity on d 28, and tended to reduce the lactic acid (LD) level of liver on d 35 (p = 0.06). L-carnitine supplementation significantly reduced serum uric acid (UA) content on d 28, 35 and 42. Based on the current results, it can be concluded that dietary L-carnitine supplementation reduced organ index, red blood cell counts and hematocrit, enhanced antioxidative capacity of the heart, enhanced liver enzymes activity involved in tricarboxylic acid cycle, and reduced serum glucose and triglyceride. Therefore, it is suggested that L-carnitine can potentially reduce susceptibility and mortality due to ascites.

Effect of dietary l-carnitine supplementation on semen characteristics of male Japanese quail

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of various levels of dietary l-carnitine supplementation (0, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) on quail semen characteristics during liquid storage. Semen was collected using abdominal massage and suitable samples were mixed together, and sperm characteristics including percentage of motile, live, abnormal, semen pH, volume, and concentration were assessed. This experiment was carried out on the basis of completely randomized design. Results showed that the effect of l-carnitine on semen concentration was significant (P 0.05). The effect of l-carnitine on motile and live percentage of sperm in milk and tris extenders in fresh condition was significant (P < 0.05). The highest motile and live sperms were obtained at the 125 mg/kg l-carnitine level. Therefore, use of l-carnitine supplementation (125 mg/kg) in male Japanese quail feeding is recommended to improve semen quality.

Investigation the Effects of Dietary L-Carnitine Supplementation on Characteristics of Rooster Semen During Liquid Storage

Investigation the Effects of Dietary L-Carnitine Supplementation on Characteristics of Rooster Semen During Liquid Storage

Dietary L-Carnitine Supplementation Protected Turbot (Scophthalmusmaximus) Against Streptococcus parauberis Infection

The protective effect of dietary L-carnitine supplementation was accessed in turbot (Scophthalmusmaximus) challenged with Streptococcus parauberis. Infected fish fed 240mg L-carnitine showed significantly (P < 0.01) higher survival (78%) than infected fish fed 40mg L-carnitine (11%). When dietary L-carnitine supplementation was suspended, a significant increase in mortality was observed in infected fish. The present report documents that dietary L-carnitine fed on a continuous basis may act as an immunostimulant in turbot.

Comparative effects of dietary l-carnitine supplementation on diploid and triploid rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This study compared the effects of dietary l-carnitine and ploidy on growth performances and fatty acid content in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish [initial body weight (BW) = 30 g] reared under high density (50 kg biomass m−3) were hand-fed in triplicate (3 tanks treatment−1, 34 fish tank−1) twice a day, with three nutritionally identical diets containing 15, 200 or 530 mg l-carnitine kg−1 of diet. No significant growth differences were observed over a 56-day grow-out period, during which BWs increased threefold. Growth performances and survival were not significantly affected by either ploidy or dietary l-carnitine content, although daily growth index showed an increasing trend (2.52–2.65% day−1) with increasing dietary l-carnitine. Body l-carnitine content increased significantly with dietary l-carnitine content. Diploid fish had higher plasma ammonia (716–725 μmol L−1) and osmolality (297–303 mOsm) levels than triploid trout (523–649 μmol L−1 and 285–291 mOsm, respectively). l-carnitine, ploidy and their interaction showed to affect significantly the concentration of several fatty acids. Palmitoleic (16:1), oleic (18:1) and erucic (22:1) acids showed lower concentrations, while the eicosadienoic (20:2n-6) and arachidonic (20:4n-6) acids were elevated in liver of triploid fish. Eicosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-3) was significantly higher in fish fed 200 mg than in fish fed 15 mg l-carnitine.

Effects of Dietary L-carnitine Supplementation on Growth, Muscle Fatty acid Composition and Economic Profit of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

In this study, the effect of dietary L-carnitine on growth, proximate and muscle fatty acid compositions of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were investigated. The fish were fed with diets containing 300 mg kg -1 L-carnitine (LC300), other group was fed with diets containing 600 mg kg -1 L-carnitine (LC600) and control group was not supplementary L-carnitine for 63 days. The weight gain of LC600 fed with L-carnitine supplemented was found to be 7.73% higher than in control group. Feed conversion ratio in LC600 (1.66) and LC300 (1.60) is better than in control group (2.00). L-carnitine supplemented groups would be lower cost of production than control. Economic conversion ratio (ECR) of LC300 (2.71 US.$ kg -1 ) would represent a saving of 0.44 US.$ kg -1 compared to the control. L-carnitine administration did not affect proximate composition of muscle except for protein percent. Protein content of L-carnitine supplemented groups was higher than control group. Total saturated monounsaturated and polyunsaturated muscle fatty acid content increased by L-carnitine supplementation in rainbow trout. The results indicate that supplementation of 600 mg L-carnitine/kg diet is more effective on growth than the other L-carnitine supplementation level 300 mg kg -1 and control diet in commercial cage conditions.

Effects of supplementary dietary L-carnitine on performance and egg quality of laying hens fed diets different in fat level

The present study aimed to examine the effects of dietary L-carnitine supplementation on performance parameters and egg quality measurements of white Leghorn hens at two dietary fat levels. Two hundred 22-weeks old white Leghorn hens were randomly distributed into 40 cages of five birds each. Two basal diets different in added fat level (0 or 3%) were formulated and supplemented with incremental levels of L-carnitine (0, 50, 100, 150 mg/kg diet). The experiment lasted 98 d (two weeks for adaptation and 12 weeks as the main experimental period). At the final day of trial, ten randomly selected hens per treatment were euthanized to measure abdominal fat content. Dietary inclusion of 3% soybean oil caused a significant (P<0.05) increase in egg weight and egg mass, and decrease in feed consumption by the birds. Daily energy intake, however, was not affected by dietary fat supplementation. Except of feed conversion ratio, none of performance parameters were found to be influenced by dietary fat by carnitine interaction. Feed conversion ratio improved (P<0.05) when L-carnitine was supplemented to diets contained in 3% added fat. The albumen height and subsequently Haugh unit were improved (P<0.05) by dietary supplementation of L-carnitine, particularly the level of 150 mg/kg; however, eggshell quality indexes (thickness and breaking strength) were not affected by dietary L-carnitine inclusion, but influenced (P<0.05) by fat supplementation of diets. Moreover, dietary addition of fat increased abdominal fat percentage and supplementary dietary L-carnitine significantly (P<0.05) decreased abdominal fat and yolk cholesterol contents. From the present results, it can be seen that although the supplemental L-carnitine had no considerable effect on most performance parameters, it had a beneficial impacts on lipid metabolism and internal egg quality indexes of 24 to 36 wk-aged laying hens.

Influence of l-carnitine on metabolism and performance of sows

In recent years, l-carnitine has been used increasingly as a supplement in livestock animals. The present review gives an overview of the effects of dietary l-carnitine supplementation on the reproductive performance of sows. Results concerning the effect of l-carnitine supplementation during pregnancy on litter sizes are controversial. There are some studies reporting an increased number of piglets born alive per litter, while others could not find such an effect. In contrast, most studies performed show consistently that l-carnitine supplementation to a sow diet low in native carnitine during gestation increases piglet and litter weights at birth and enhances growth of litters during the suckling period. Biochemical mechanisms underlying the favourable effect of carnitine on intra-uterine growth have not been fully elucidated. There is, however, some evidence that carnitine influences the insulin-like growth factor-axis in sows and leads to greater placentae, which in turn improves intra-uterine nutrition, and stimulates oxidation of glucose in the fetuses. These effects may, at least in part, be responsible for higher birth weights of piglets. The stimulating effect of carnitine on growth of the litters might be due to an improved suckling behaviour of piglets born to l-carnitine-supplemented sows, causing the sows' milk production to rise. In conclusion, recent studies have clearly shown that dietary l-carnitine supplementation increases the reproductive performance of sows. These findings suggest that endogenous de novo synthesis of carnitine is insufficient to meet the metabolic requirement of sows during gestation.

Effects of L-carnitine and iron diet supplementations on growth performance, carcass characteristics and blood metabolites in fattening pigs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary L-carnitine supplementation either with or without extra Fe supplementation from Fe-amino acid (Fe-AA) complex on body weight gain, feed conversion, carcass characteristics and blood metabolite concentrations in fattening pigs. The study was carried out with 75 fatteners (30.100 kg body weight), divided into three groups, of 25 pigs each. The control group was given a basal diet that contained 85 mg/kg of Fe from premix. A L-carnitine group was given a basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg of L-carnitine, and a L-carnitine+Fe group was given a basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg of L-carnitine and 60 mg/kg of Fe from a Fe-AA complex. The supplement of L-carnitine to the diets did not have any effects on the growth performance and carcass traits. The L-carnitine supplement decreased the concentration of triglycerides (p.0.05), cholesterol (p .0.05) and low-density lipoproteins (p .0.01) in the blood serum of pigs, while it increased (p.0.01) the concentration of high-density lipoproteins. The combination of L-carnitine+Fe increased the growth performance of growing pigs (p .0.05) and the lean percentage and fatless ham weight in carcass and also increased (p .0.05) the Fe content in the blood serum and the longissimus dorsi muscle of pigs. The results suggest the more effective outcomes can be reached when L-carnitine+Fe rather than only L-carnitine is used in diets.;

暑熱環境下の雄豚へのL-カルニチン給与が精液性状に及ぼす影響

暑熱環境下の雄豚へのL-カルニチン給与が精液性状に及ぼす影響

The Effects of Dietary l-Carnitine Supplementation on Semen Traits, Reproductive Parameters, and Testicular Histology of Japanese Quail Breeders

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of supplemental dietary l-carnitine at different levels on semen traits, reproductive parameters, and testicular histology in male Japanese quail breeders. Forty-five 5-wk-old male Japanese quail breeders were fed the same basal diet that was supplemented with 0 (control), 250, or 500 mg of l-carnitine/kg of diet. There were no significant effects of dietary l-carnitine supplementation at different levels on BW, feed intake, testes weight, fertility rate, hatchability rate of set and fertile eggs, and malonaldehyde production (μg/mL of semen) of male Japanese quail breeders. However, the supplementation of dietary l-carnitine at levels of 250 or 500 mg/kg to a basal diet significantly increased sperm viability and decreased multinucleated giant cells per testes in mature male Japanese quail breeders. Additional studies are required to explore the antioxidant role that l-carnitine has in Japanese quail breeders.