Abstract:
The study was conducted to determine the effect of water restriction and
ascorbic acid supplementation on body weight, cloacal temperature and
hematological parameters of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
during the early dry season (November to December). Temperature and
relative humidity during the first, second and third weeks of the experiment
were 37.7 0C and 19 %, 28.9 0C and 33 % and 25.5 0C and 78 % respectively.
One hundred and fifty (n=150) three-week old male (30) and female (120).
The birds were assigned to groups A, B and C comprising of fifty birds per
group. Fifty percent water restriction was tested on groups B and C while
group C was supplemented with 250mg Ascorbic acid (AA). The results of
the study demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) increase in body temperature in
the group supplemented with vitamin C compared with the non-supplemented
groups in the first week. While, a significant (P < 0.05) increase in body
temperature between the control and the water deprived and also water
deprived and supplemented with vitamin C was recorded in the second week.
However, no corresponding increase in body temperature between all the
groups was observed in the third week. There was also no significant
difference between any of the groups in red blood cell (RBC) count,
hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), total white blood
cell count and differential cell count. There was significant (P < 0.05)
increase in serum glucose level in group C compared to the other groups.
Significant (P < 0.05) increase in urea and creatinine were recorded in groups
B and C, but there was no significant difference in total protein, albumin,
sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, and uric acid. Histopathology of
the liver and kidney tissues indicated varying level of necrosis in groups B
and C. Base on the findings of this research, it is concluded that, the quail
appeared not to be affected by water restriction and 250mg AA
supplementation was not beneficial in quail subjected to water restriction. We
recommend that other researches should be conducted at different season of
the year using different doses of AA.
