Authors: MEHMET AVCI, MUĞDAT YERTÜRK, OKTAY KAPLAN
Abstract: The effects of ascorbic acid on the performance and some blood parameters of Japanese quails reared under hot conditions were investigated. Three hundred Japanese quails, 7 days of age, were randomly divided into one control and two experimental groups, comprising five replicates of 20 birds each. Ascorbic acid (500 and 1000 mg/kg) was given to the experimental groups. The body weight gain increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the group given 500 mg/kg of ascorbic acid until the fourth week. Feed consumption also increased (P < 0.05), depending on the quantity of ascorbic acid supplementation until the fourth week. However, ascorbic acid did not affect the concentrations of blood pH, PCO_{2}, sodium (Na), potassium (K), hematocrit (PCV), bicarbonate (HCO_{3}), or hemoglobin (Hb). In conclusion, 500 mg/kg of ascorbic acid may be added to the quail diet to prevent heat stress until the fourth week.
Keywords: Quail, heat stress, ascorbic acid, performance, blood parameters
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