Indian Journal of Poultry Science
Year : 2005, Volume : 40, Issue : 2
First page : ( 187) Last page : ( 190)
Print ISSN : 0019-5529.

Effect of antioxidants on immune response in Japanese quail

Biswas A.¹, Mohan J.*, Sastry K.V.H., Tyagi J.S.

Division of Physiology and Reproduction, Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar - 243 122 (UP)

* Corresponding author

¹ Part of M.V.Sc thesis submitted to IVRI Deemed University, Izatnagar-243122 (UP)

Received:  16  March,  2005; Accepted:  19  May,  2005.

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the effect of antioxidants on immune response in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Nine experimental diets were prepared to contain three levels of vitamin E (Vit.E) (0, 150 and 300 IU/kg diet), three levels of selenium (Se) (0, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg diet) and their combinations (150 IU Vit.E + 0.5 mg Se; 150 IU Vit.E + 1.0 mg Se; 300 IU Vit.E + 0.5 mg Se; 300 IU Vit.E + 1.0 mg Se). A total of 378 quails of 6 weeks age were fed the diets, eggs collected and chicks hatched. The day old chicks were also fed the nine experimental diets. Chicks were examined at 28 day of age for humoral immunity and 35 day for cell mediated immunity. Significantly (P<0.05) higher humoral immune response was observed with diets having lower levels of Se (0.5 mg/kg) along with higher levels of Vit.E (300 IU/kg). Whereas, significantly (P<0.05) better cell mediated immune response was noticed with diets having higher levels of Vit.E (300 IU/kg) along with higher level of Se (1 mg/kg). It may be concluded that feeding lower and higher levels of Se in combination with higher level of Vit. E was beneficial for humoral and cell mediated immune responses respectively in Japanese quail.

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Key words

Antioxidants, immune response, vitamin E, selenium, Japanese quail.

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