Effects of Vitamin C and Vitamin E on Lipid Peroxidation Status, Serum Hormone, Metabolite, and Mineral Concentrations of Japanese Quails Reared under Heat Stress (34º C)

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) on lipid peroxidation status measured as MDA and serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), as well as some other serum metabolite and mineral concentrations of Japanese quails reared under heat stress (34 degrees C). One hundred-eighty 10-day-old Japanese quails were randomly assigned to six treatment groups, three replicates of 10 birds each. Using a 2 x 3 factorial design, the birds received two levels of vitamin C (100 and 200 mg/kg of diet) or three levels of vitamin E (125, 250, or 500 mg/kg of diet). Greater dietary vitamin E and vitamin C resulted in a greater serum T3, T4, and TSH (p = 0.001), but lower ACTH (p = 0.001) concentrations. Serum concentrations of T4 and TSH increased to a greater extent by increasing dietary vitamin C when greater vitamin E levels were fed (interaction, p = 0.001). Serum glucose, urea, triglycerides, and cholesterol concentrations decreased (p = 0.001), while protein and albumin concentrations increased (p = 0.001) when both dietary vitamin C and vitamin E were increased. Serum activities of SGOT and SGPT were not influenced by dietary vitamin C and vitamin E (p > 0.43). However, serum activity of AP increased (p = 0.001) by increasing both dietary vitamin C and vitamin E. Increasing both dietary vitamin C and vitamin E caused an increase in serum concentrations of Ca, P, K (p = 0.001), Fe, and Zn (p = 0.01) but a decrease in serum concentrations of Na (p = 0.001) and Cu (p = 0.01). Interactions between vitamin C and vitamin E were detected for Ca, P, Na, and K (p = 0.001). Greater dietary vitamin C and vitamin E resulted in a greater serum and liver vitamin E, C, and A (p < or = 0.05), but lower MDA (p = 0.001) concentrations. Results of the present study conclude that supplementing a combination of dietary vitamin C (200 mg) and vitamin E (250-500 mg) offers a good management practice to reduce heat stress-related decreases in performance of Japanese quails.

Welfare improvement in laying hens during the hot period under a semi-open rearing system through dietary arginine and vitamin C supplementation

“…The lower plasma corticosterone concentration in hens was probably due to various anti-stress effect mecha-nisms of the arginine and vitamin C combination (Bozakova & Gerzilov, 2014). Apart the discussed inhibiting role of arginine metabolite on ACTH and corticosterone secretion, vitamin C further reduces corticosterone levels by participating in gluconeogenesis during stress (Jones et al, 1996;Sahin et al, 2002). This way the results of the present experiment provide evidence for the synergistic activity of L-arginine and vitamin C for heat stress reduction and poultry welfare improvement.…”

“…Sahin et al (2002) found that in Japanese quails subjected to heat stress, the supplementation of 250 mg/kg vitamin C lowered blood ACTH concentrations. McDowell (1989) affirmed that vitamin C alleviated the negative effects of stress by decreasing the synthesis and secretion of corticosteroids.…”

“…Vitamin C has also a strong anti-stress effect (Bains, 1996;Sahin et al, 2002;Bartlett & Smith, 2003). Sahin et al (2002) found that in Japanese quails subjected to heat stress, the supplementation of 250 mg/kg vitamin C lowered blood ACTH concentrations.…”

Serum antioxidants and trace minerals as influenced by vitamins, probiotics and proteins in broiler breeders

“…However, overall serum Zn concentration was significantly high in the vitamin E fed group compared to control. In support to our study, Sahin et al (2002) found that three levels of vitamin E (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) significantly increased egg yolk Zn concentration in laying Japanese quails. In another study, Sahin et al (2003) documented that vitamin E increases the retention of Zn, and decreased its secretion from the body of Japanese quails, when they were supplemented 250 mg/kg vitamin E. Zn plays a very important role in the anti-oxidant defence system of the body, and its deficiency has been linked with oxidative damage of the cell membrane leading to oxidative stress (Salgueiro et al 2000;Prasad & Kucuk 2002).…”

Effect of different levels of alpha tocopherol on performance traits, serum antioxidant enzymes, and trace elements in Japanese quail ( Coturnix coturnix japonica ) under low ambient temperature

“…Sahin et al (2003b) and Khan et al (2014b) reported that vitamin E supplementation increased serum concentration of Zn in birds subjected to various kinds of stresses. Sahin et al (2002) concluded that vitamin E supplementation at various levels (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) increased significantly the Zn concentration in the egg yolk in laying Japanese quail. Environmental stress has been found to reduce the concentration of certain vitamins and minerals (Khan et al, 2014a(Khan et al, , 2014b.…”