The effects of Ephedra (Ephedra funereal) and protexin probiotic on some blood parameters in male Japanese quail (Coturnix Japonica)

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding Ephedra and protexin on performance and some hematological parameters of male Japanese quail. A total of 240 seven days old quail chicks were divided into 8 treatments with 3 replicates as factorial randomized design. The treatments were divided as basal diet with no protexin and Ephedra kept as control, and 0.02 % (E1), 0.04% (E2) and 0.06 % (E3) Ephedra with 0.01 % or without protexin as P0 and P 1 were used respectively. The live body weight gains and feed consumption of birds were measured individually feed conversion efficiency were calculated. At the end of the trial for investigating the effect of using protexin and Ephedra supplementation on performance of quails, 2 birds (male) form each replicates were slaughtered and some blood samples were taken for hematological parameters determination. Data showed that using of protexin and Ephedra increased feed intake (FI) in treatments compared to control. Also body weight (BW) (g/d) and Pre-slaughter weigh (g) were higher in protexin and Ephedra compared to the control. There were no significant differences (p<0.05) for feed conversation ratio (FCR) among treatments. As result was relevant from this study there were significant differences (p≤0.05) between blood parameters. Data showed that the glucose level had increased none significantly by using Ephedra and protexin. The triglyceride, cholesterol and LDL were increased significantly (p≤0.05) by using experimental diets. HDL, albumin and globulin levels were decreased by using Ephedra and protexin. In conclusion we demonstrated that protexin and Ephedra may be used as ingredient in quails ration without harming effects on performance and some blood parameters of male Japanese quails.