Effects of Vitamin E and Selenium supplementation on blood biochemical parameters in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with different levels of vitamin E and inorganic selenium (as sodium selenite) on blood plasma biochemical parameters in male and female Japanese quails (coturnix japonica). The experiment was conducted at the Animal Management Laboratory, Veterinary Techniques Department, Kalar Technical Institute, Garmian Polytechnic University. A total of 128 twelve-week-old quails were randomly assigned to four dietary treatment groups, each with eight replicates (one male and three females per replicate). The experimental diets included: T0 (basal diet, control), T1 (basal diet + 1.0 g/kg vitamin E–selenium powder), T2 (basal diet + 1.5 g/kg), and T3 (basal diet + 2.0 g/kg). From the total population, 78 birds (24 males and 54 females) were randomly selected for blood sampling and biochemical analysis. The results showed that supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.01) total protein levels in females, as well as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, urea, and triglycerides. No significant effects were observed for cholesterol, creatinine, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), or glucose. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with combined vitamin E and selenium positively influenced specific blood plasma parameters, particularly in female quails, suggesting potential benefits for metabolic