Influence of Juniper (Juniperus communis) oil on growth performance and meat quality as a natural antioxidant in quail diets

Abstract

1. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of juniper oil on growth performance and meat quality in quails to determine its use as a safe and natural method to reduce overdependence on the use of antibiotic. 2. A total of 1000 1-d-old Pharaoh (Coturnix coturnix Pharaoh) quails, including both males and females, were divided into 4 groups containing 250 quails and treated as follows: (1) a control group with 0 mg volatile oil/kg diet; (2) 100 mg/kg juniper oil; (3) 150 mg/kg juniper oil and (4) 200 mg/kg juniper oil. The diets were prepared fresh for each treatment. The experiment was carried out for 42 d. 3. The results of the study showed that supplementation with juniper oil (100 and 150 mg/kg) caused a significant increase in live weight, live weight gain and carcass yields during the growing and finishing periods. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not significantly influenced by treatments. 4. The quails given rations containing juniper oil had reduced thiobarbituric acid levels in raw thigh meat samples at different storage times. Juniper oil was found to have significant antioxidant activity and prevented lipid oxidation in stored meat. 5. In conclusion, natural antioxidants such as a juniper oil can be used instead of synthetic antioxidants to retard lipid oxidation in animal diets to improve meat product quality and animal performance.

Potential of Juniperus communis L as a nutraceutical in human and veterinary medicine

“…Similarly, juniper essential oil added at 100 and 150 mg/kg feed of quails daily for 42 days during growing and finishing periods induced a significant increase in live weight, live weight gain, and carcass yield. However, feed intake and feed conversion ration were not significantly influenced by such treatments (Yesilbag et al., 2014).…”

“…Natural antioxidants such as juniper oil have been used in place of synthetic antioxidants to retard lipid peroxidation in stored meat (Yesilbag et al., 2014). Such incorporation of oil is not only increased the shelf-life of stored meat but also improved the meat product quality.…”

Effects of juniper berry oil on growth performance and blood parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

“…Studies have demonstrated the chemical compositions of oils acquired from different parts (such as leaves and burls) of the juniper (Adams, ; Hernandez, Martinez, & Villanova, ; Milos & Radonic, ). Its components have been reported to have effects on the intestinal microbiota (Chaves, He, et al, ), growth performance (Yesilbag, Cengiz, Cetin, Meral, & Biricik, ) and egg and meat quality (Cengiz, Yesilbag, Meral, Cetin, & Biricik, ) in farm animals.…”

Screening North American plant extracts in vitro against Trypanosoma brucei for discovery of new antitrypanosomal drug leads

“…The Nuphar lutea was identified as the most active antitrypanosomal plant extract with IC 50 0.42 μg/mL Few additional plant extracts showed activity (IC 50 ) in the range of 2–10 μg/mL. Antioxidant activity has been reported in extracts from Rhus hirta [ 21 ], a different species of Rhus integrifolia ( T. brucei IC 50 - 2.97 μg/mL), Juniperus communis [ 22 ] ( T. brucei IC 50 - 2.40 μg/mL) Sanguisorba officinalis [ 23 ] ( T. brucei IC 50 3.56 μg/mL), Syzygium malaccense [ 24 ] ( T. brucei IC 50 2.76 μg/mL) and Syzygium aqueum [ 25 ] ( T. brucei IC 50 1.84 μg/mL). Eucalyptus citriodora [ 26 ] ( T. brucei IC 50 3.34 μg/mL), Acer rubrum [ 27 ] ( T. brucei IC 50 2.07 μg/mL), Yucca glauca [ 28 ] ( T. brucei IC 50 3.56 μg/mL) plants have also been reported for anticancer activity.…”