•  
  •  
 

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

DOI

10.3906/vet-1506-100

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of retinol and retinol ester supplementation on performance, egg quality, serum and egg oxidative status, and vitamin A levels in laying quails. Three hundred quails were divided into 5 groups. The control group received a basal diet that contained vitamin premix without vitamin A or vitamin A precursors. The treatment groups received dietary supplementation with retinol and retinol esters [retinyl acetate (R-acetate), retinyl palmitate (R-palmitate), retinyl propionate (R-propionate), 3300 IU/kg]. Egg production and feed conversion ratio improved in all experimental groups. Serum β-carotene and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased and serum retinol levels increased in all experimental groups. Yolk color in the 8th week decreased in the R-propionate group. Serum antioxidant activity levels increased in the R-palmitate and R-propionate groups. Yolk retinol levels increased in the R-palmitate and R-acetate groups. Yolk MDA level decreased in the retinol, R-acetate, and R-propionate groups on the 8th and 30th days and in the retinol and R-propionate groups on the 15th day of storage. In conclusion, the supplementation of laying quail diets with retinol and retinol esters affects performance and egg quality positively, while egg vitamin A and oxidative status differ depending on variations in dietary retinol and retinol ester supplementation.

Keywords

Retinol, retinol ester, performance, egg quality, lipid oxidation, laying quail

First Page

590

Last Page

597

Download

Share

COinS