Songklanakarin Journal of Science and Technology (SJST) (May 2003)
Effect of dexamethasone on differential white blood cell counts and heterophil / lymphocyte ratio in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Abstract
Laying Japanese quails (n = 60), 30 weeks of age reared at the experimental laboratory unit of the Faculty of Technology, Maha Sarakham University, Maha Sarakham province, Thailand. Birds were in cages with wire floors. Randomized Complete Block was the design of the experiment. During the first 4 days of experimental period, quails were fed on a standard commercial diet with four treatments: supplemented with dexamethasone at 4 levels namely 0 (control group), 1.25, 2.50 and 5.00 mg/kg diet. On days 1, 3, 7, 10 and 14 of the experimental period, percentage of heterophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, basophil, eosinophil, and heterophil/ lymphocyte ratio values of laying quails were examined. The results revealed that percentage of heterophil of laying quail with added dexamethasone at 1.25 and 2.50 mg/kg in diets were significantly higher than others (P0.05). After discontinuing dexamethasone administration on day 4 of the experimental period, percentage of heterophil, lymphocyte and eosinophil, monocyte, and heterophil: lymphocyte ratio, of quails recovered to normal within 10 days.
