Effect of supplementation of nano zinc in male quail diets on performance, some blood parameters, testis morphology and meat colour properties

Abstract

This research was conducted to determine the effects of different levels (0, 50 or 100 mg/kg) of nano zinc (nano Zn) supplementation as a zinc source in male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) diets on performance, some serum parameters, testis characteristics and meat colour. In the four-week study, a total of 60 male Japanese quails (190.4 ± 2.4 g body weight) at the age of 49 days were distributed to three treatment groups and each treatment group was divided into four subgroups, each containing five male quails. As a result of this study, in the current study, the addition of nano Zn to the diet had no effect on feed intake, testis morphology, serum cholesterol, total protein, calcium and phosphorus levels (P>0.05). Addition of nano Zn to diet increased body weight gain (BGW) (P<0.05). With the addition of nano Zn, serum glucose level increased while serum triglyceride level decreased (P<0.05). Breast and thigh + drumstick L* values among meat parameters increased with the addition of nano Zn to male quail diets (P<0.05). As a result, adding nano Zn to male quail diets increased serum glucose level and meat L* value, decreased serum triglyceride concentration, and testis morphology was not affected.