Effect of Rice Bran on Productivity, Hatchability and Yolk and Blood Lipid Profile of Laying Japanese Quail

Abstract

A total number of 216 female and 108 male Japanese quail at 14 wks of age were used in a 7-week-trial to investigate the effect of rice bran on the quality and quantity of egg production as well as blood lipid profile. There were three dietary treatment groups: a control group fed on a corn-soybean based diet, 12.5 and 25.0 % rice bran diets. Results showed that egg laying rate, egg weight, egg mass and feed conversion ratio were insignificantly affected by treatments. Egg quality insignificantly affected by different treatments. The results showed significant decrease in egg yolk total lipids and cholesterol due to inclusion of rice bran in the diets in comparison with the control group. Hatchability and fertility was not influenced by different treatments. Blood serum total lipids, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein were significantly decreased, however, high density lipoprotein increased with increasing level of rice bran in the diet. Rice bran treatments showed significant (P ≤ 0.01) increase in concentration of TAC than control group reached to 32.6 and 66.3 % for birds fed 12.5 and 25 % rice bran containing diets, respectively. Numerical increase in glutathione peroxidase in the group given 12.5 and 25 % rice bran containing diet as compared to the control group. In conclusion, egg laying rate and egg quality insignificantly affected by rice bran, however, the results showed significant improvements in blood and egg lipid profile, beside the antioxidative status as a result of inclusion fresh rice bran in the diet.