Effect of Garlic Supplemented Diets on the Haematologic and Lipid Profiles of Japanese Quail (Cotunix coturnix japonica)

Abstract

The increasing demand for quail products is mounting immense pressure on its production in Nigeria. The effect of Allium sativum (garlic) supplements on plasma lipid profile and haematological indices of adult quail (16weeks) was investigated in a randomized controlled experiment. There was significant increase in the platelet and leucocyte counts (P<0.05). The increase in triglyceride and HDL values were also significant (P<0.05). The increase in leucocyte differential was only significant for lymphocyte count and not significant for heterophil, monocyte, eosinophil and basophil counts respectively. The utilization of garlic, balanced and formulated in a suitable dose can decrease mortality rate and increase immunity in locally raised quail.

KEYWORDS: Quail, Allium sativum, Garlic, Haematology, Lipid, lmmunostimulant