Influence of anti-heat stress agents on growth, immunity, lipid oxidation and some physiological traits in Japanese quail during hot summer season

Abstract EN

The effect of anti-heat stress agents on growth, immunity, lipid peroxidation and some physiological traits in Japanese quail during hot summer season were investigated.

A total of 360 one day old Japanese quail chicks were randomly distributed into six groups of 60 chicks, with almost similar initial average live body weight (LBW) in three replicates of 20 birds each.

Experimental treatments included three vitamin C (AA) levels (0.0, 0.5 and 1g / kg diet) and two acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) levels (0.0 and 0.5 g / kg diet) in a factorial design (2 x 3).

All groups were exposed to high ambient temperature of Egyptian summer season until the end of experimental period with the lay of the 1st egg.

The result showed that, the highest (P < 0.05) LBW and body weight gain (BWG) and the best feed conversion ratio (FCR), from 0 to 6 week of age (WOA), were observed for chicks of ASA or ascorbic acid (AA) at both levels.

Moreover, chicks in control group consumed insignificantly less feed during the whole experimental period when compared with the non-supplemented.

Additionally, there was no significant difference between the low and high level of AA.

Lower rectal temperature (RT) and respiration rate (RR) were associated with dietary provision of either AA or ASA.

Serum concentration of total protein, albumin, glucose, total lipids, cholesterol, uric acid and the activity of malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as, AST and ALT were significantly decreased in chicks received either ASA or AA indicating better protection of liver tissues from being destroyed in response to heat stress of summer season.

On the other hand, significant increase in serum concentration of thyroid gland hormones (T3 and T4) and their conversion ratio (T3 / T4 ratio) were detected comparable to the non-supplemented control group.

Chicks of either AA or ASA had higher total and IgG anti NDV antibodies seven d post-secondary NDV immunization.

However, the relative weights of thymus, spleen and bursa were significantly increased with the addition of AA but not with ASA.

Earlier age at sexual maturity and higher relative weights of reproductive organs (testis, ovary and oviduct) was found for the supplemented birds compared with the non-supplemented ones.

The interaction between AA and ASA was significant for LBW, BWG, serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, total lipid and MDA and not significant for the FC, FCR, and serum total protein and its fraction during the whole experimental period.

Moreover, insignificant difference was found between the high and low level of AA.

It could be concluded that, addition of either ASA or AA at the dosage of 0.5g / kg diet is practically effective in ameliorating the deleterious effects of hot summer and enhancing the general performance, immunity and physiological homeostasis of Japanese quail during the grower period.