The Effect of Vitamin E and Vitamin C on the Performance of Japanese Quails (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica) Reared under Heat Stress during Growth and Egg Production Period

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effect of vitamin E and vitamin C on the performance of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) reared under heat stress during the growth and egg production period. A total of 810 seven-day-old Japanese quails were used in the trial. The birds received a diet with either three levels of vitamin E (DL-α Tocopheryl acetate) (60, 120 and 240 mg/kg of diet) and vitamin C (ROVIMIX STAY-C 35) (60, 120 and 240 mg/kg of diet). Live weight on day 35 and weight gain were the lowest in the group of chicks on a combination of 60 mg of vitamin E and 60 mg of vitamin C, whereas the highest live weight was demonstrated in chicks on a combination of 240 mg of vitamin E and 240 mg of vitamin C (p<0.01). The effects of treatments on cumulative feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, age at 5% lay , sexual maturity weight, rate of lay and mean egg weight values were found to be significant (p<0.01). The highest feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, age at 5% lay, sexual maturity weight, rate of lay and mean egg weight values were found in the group on a combination of 240 mg of vitamin E and 240 mg of vitamin C. The effect of treatments on the mortality ratio was found to be insignificant (p>0.01). The cost of supplementing diets with vitamin E and vitamin C is very low. Therefore such a combination of supplement can offer a potential protective management practice in preventing heat stress related losses in performance of Japanese quails.

Effect of different levels of alpha tocopherol on performance traits, serum antioxidant enzymes, and trace elements in Japanese quail ( Coturnix coturnix japonica ) under low ambient temperature

“…During environmental stress, the serum and tissue level of vitamin E decreases; thus, supplementation of vitamin E is beneficial (Ipek and 2014). Secondly, poultry cannot synthesize vitamin E, unlike vitamin C, and therefore it must be added to the diet Ipek and Dikmen, 2014). In the present study, the inclusion levels of vitamin E had no significant effect on the performance traits of quails reared under low ambient temperature.…”

“…Previously, improved performance in poultry has been reported under higher doses ranging from 250 to 500 mg/kg. Improved body weight, digestibility, and carcass characteristics have been documented in Japanese quail under environmental heat stress (Sahin and Kucuk, 2001;Ipek and Dikmen, 2014). Sahin et al (2003a) reported improved body weight, dry matter intake, FCR, and egg production when vitamin E was supplemented at the level of 250 mg/kg of feed in Japanese quail under cold stress condition (6 °C).…”

“…Exposure to cold temperature increases the excretion of vitamins and minerals in poultry, thus increasing the requirements of vitamins C, E, and A (Sahin et al, 2003a;Ipek and Dikmen, 2014). For birds, the thermoneutral (TN) temperature is 18 to 22 ºC and, within this zone, birds do not feel any problem.…”

“…The results of experiments are variable chiefly depending upon the dose and duration of feeding, genetics, and age . Unfortunately, birds are unable to synthesize vitamin E in their body and, therefore, they largely depend upon external sources of this vitamin in their diet (Khan, 2011;Ipek and Dikmen, 2014). The minimum requirement of vitamin E in the feed is 10 mg/kg of feed, and a deficiency of this vitamin may result in retarded performance .…”

“…Such ambient temperature can also result in increased mineral excretion (Khan et al, 2014a). To augment production under low ambient temperature, enhanced energy intake is usually suggested; however, it has been previously reported that the negative effects of the environment could be prevented by the use of vitamin and mineral supplements such as vitamin C and chromium (Chand et al, 2014;Ipek and Dikmen, 2014;Khan et al, 2014a).…”