Effect of Sodium Levels on Growth Performance, Haematological Indices and Carcass Characteristics of Japanese Quail in a Humid Tropical Environment
Effect of Sodium Levels on Growth Performance, Haematological Indices and Carcass Characteristics of Japanese Quail in a Humid Tropical Environment
Oluwakamisi F. Akinmoladun1,2*, Olusegun O. Ikusika1, Conference T. Mpendulo1
ABSTRACT
Electrolytes, including sodium, are required for optimum performance, and their imbalance can generate acidosis or alkalosis, thus making the metabolic pathways in the animal organism inefficient. This research aimed to evaluate the optimum sodium requirements for growing Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica). Two hundred growing quails were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and five replicates, with eight birds each. The treatment consisted of a basal diet (control) containing 0.101% of Na in the diet. In the remaining treatment groups, sodium carbonate was supplemented to reach levels of 0.144, 0.187, 0.231, and 0.274% of Na. After the 20-d of the feeding trial, data obtained on growth performance (final weight (FW), total weight gain (TWG), total feed intake (TFI), nutrients intake), selected blood indices (packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), differential counts (lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils) and carcass characteristics (dressing %, eviscerated weight, drumstick, chest, back) were taken and subjected to a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS, v 26) software. TWG, TFI, AFI, Total protein and energy intake were highest (P<0.05) at 0.187%, and the FW was lowest (P<0.05) at 0.101% of Na in the diet, respectively. Similar (P>0.05) RBC, heterophil and monocytes were recorded for dietary Na supplementation range of 0.144% to 0.274%. Dietary Na supplementation of either 0144% or 0.187% produced the highest (P<0.05) eviscerated weight, chest and back were highest (P<0.05). The relative organs’ (liver, heart, gizzard and neck) weights were similar (P>0.05) irrespective of dietary Na supplementation. In conclusion, the performance of the Japanese quail from 22 to 42 days appears to be at an optimum range of 0.187% to 0.231% for dietary Na supplementation.
Keywords | Carcass traits, Coturnix coturnix Japonica, Growth performance, Haematology, Sodium
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