Serum Biochemical Indices of Young and Adult Japanese Quails Raised in Semi-Arid Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

The effects of sex and body weight on serum biochemistry profiles of young and adult Japanese quails were determined at the university of Maiduguri Livestock Teaching and Research Farm. Serum indices examined were albumin, calcium, chlorine, biocarbonate, potassium, sodium, total protein, total cholesterol and glucose. The range values for albumin, calcium, protein, cholesterol and glucose of sex group were: 17.00 - 21.23 (young), 14.00 - 19.00 (adult); 2.58 - 2.87 (young), 2.97 - 3.13 (adult); 35.33 - 40.00 (adult); 3.33 - 5.13 (adult) and10.73 - 11.77 (adult), respectively. The respective values for weight group were: 16.47-24.57 (young), 13.50 - 19.5 (adult); 2.55 - 2.87 (young), 2.65 - 3.50 (adult); 34.00 - 48.00 (adult); 3.65 - 4.78 (adult); and 9.95 - 13.40 (adult). Sex related differences were observed in the adult female birds having higher albumin, total protein, cholesterol and glucose concentrations than males. Young heavy quails had maximum values for albumin and calcium. Adult light birds had maximum values for albumin and total protein. These results could be incorporated into pathology studies and breeding programmes to produce quails that are fit and more productive.