Use of valerian in Japanese quail diet during the laying period)

Abstract

The effects of feeding levels of Valeriana offi cinalis on the performance, behavior and physiologic parameters of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) in the laying periods were evaluated. In the laying period, 192 quails were distributed in a randomized block design according to four nutrition plans (control, 250, 500 and 750mg of valerian/kg of ration) with eight replicates and six birds per cage. Performance (feed intake, egg production, feed conversion per dozen eggs, feed conversion per egg kg, egg weight and viability), behavior (body injury, tonic immobility and focal observation) and physiological parameters (heterophil/lymphocyte ratio and corticosterone blood plasma) were evaluated. The tested valeriana levels did not affect the performance, behavior or physiological parameters of Japanese quails in the laying phases.

Keywords

• corticosterone
• Coturnix coturnix japonica
• hererophil: lymphocyte ratio
• tonic immobility
• Valeriana officinalis