Effect of different levels of cholecal ciferol (vitamin D3) on performance and skeletal bone formation of laying Japanese quail reared under hot climate region [electronic resouce].

Includes references.

This experiment was conducted to determine whether production traits, egg quality (shell quality), bone mineralization and some metabolic functions of calcium and phosphorus could be improved by adding different levels of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) 2000, 2500 and 3000 ICU/Kg of diets to laying hen of Japanese quail reared under hot climate region. The experiment lasted 16 weeks during summer season. A total number of 480 laying Japanese quail were used at the start of laying (7th weeks of age) and randomly divided into four experimental groups. Birds were received diets designed to satisfy the recommendation of the NRC (1994). Fertility and hatchability experiment was conducted at the end of experiment (at 23 weeks of age) after the calculation of egg production and feed consumption. Diet and water were provided ad libitum. Birds received 16 h of light along the experimental period. Temperature degree (Co) and relative humidity (%) were recorded daily, since, it was 35C° and 70% as average. Results indicated that all production traits and egg quality characteristics improved (P<0.05) as the level of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) increased in tested diets. Also, the composition, measurements of tibia and plasma parameters increased (P<0.05) by the increase level of cholecalciferol in the diets. Results of the studied traits revealed that the best fertility and hatchability percentages for group fed 3000 ICU/Kg of vitamin D3 as compared with other dietary treatments. Furthermore, dead embryos decreased with the increases of vitamin D3 in the diet. Shell calcium and phosphorus contents increased (P<0.05) as the level of vitamin D3 increase in the diet. In general conclusion, these results indicated that the addition of vitamin D3 in diet of laying Japanese quail under hot climate conditions improved bone formation and shell thickness.

Summary in Arabic.

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