Effects of Feeding Oak Acorn Flour on Hematology and Serum Biochemical Profile, and Carcass Characteristics of Japanese Quail

Abstract

T HIS research was aimed to determining the influence of oak acorn flour on the body, liver and kidney weight, and some (hematological and biochemical) parameters of quail. One hundred quail birds (7 days old) were divided into five groups (n = 20 for each group). Group 1: Control group received a normal protein diet (NPD) containing no oak flour (0%). Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 (experimental groups) received 5, 10, 15, and 20% oak flour in NPD, respectively. The results showed no significant differences in mean body and organ weight between treated and control groups, but except for the concentration of 5% showed significant increase in body weight over six weeks when compared with control. No significant differences were also recorded in the hemoglobin and packed cell volume in both treated and control groups. When compared to the control group, group 5 (20%) had a significant increase in the number of heterophils cells and a significant decrease in the number of lymphocytes. While other types of leucocytes showed no significant changes in their numbers in all groups. Treatment with oak acorn flour showed no significant effects on levels of all biochemical parameters enrolled in this study in all groups. In conclusion: Quail feeds could contain 20% oak acorn flour seemed to be save and without adverse effects on the body and organ weight, and all blood parameters. Oak acorns could be employed as a source of energy in a quail diet, and their nutritional value is equivalent to that of cereal grains.