Effect of feed granulometry on haematological parameters of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) at different stages of growth in Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

The study was carried at the ISMOREL farm of Adiaké in Côte d’Ivoire to determine the effect of feed’s grain size (the granulometry) on haematological parameters of Japanese quail according to the age. Fourteen (14) days old quails were distributed in metallic cages into 5 sub-groups of 5 quails each, according to the type and the food granulometry. From 2 types of food (grower diet and layer diet), 5 different food types by their granulometry were developed. LD 100, LD 50 and LD 75 were developed for the layer diet, then GD 100 and GD 50 for the grower diet. Twenty-five quails on the whole were used in this study. Blood samples were taken on the 10, 28, 42 and 56th day of age in order to perform blood count of each animal. The results showed a significant impact (p < 0.05) of the feed granulometry on the white blood cells parameters. At weeks 4 and 6, a very highly significant increase (p < 0.001) in white blood cells as a whole was observed. The best value for this parameter was obtained in the LD 50 sub-group. At week 8, the best value was obtained in LD 100 for this same parameter. However, despite variations observed in the red blood cells, no influence of food granulometry on these parameters was noted.