The Effects of Licorice Root Powder (Glycyrrhriza glabra) on Performance, Serum Parameters, Egg Yolk Cholesterol and Antioxidant Capacity of Laying Japanese Quail

Abstract

This study was conducted with the objectives to determine the effects of licorice root powder (Glycyrrhriza glabra) on performance, serum parameters, egg yolk cholesterol and antioxidant capacity in laying Japanese quail. Two hundred and forty 10-wk-old Japanese quails were randomly assigned to four dietary groups, each one four times replicated with fifteen quails per dietary groups. Control group fed the basal diet; other groups were fed basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% licorice root powder. There were no significant differences in terms of final live weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, serum cholesterol, triglyceride and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) concentration between treatment groups. Egg production was higher in control group and 0.5% licorice root powder supplemented groups. 1.0% licorice root powder supplemented group had lower egg production rate. Licorice root powder supplementation decreased Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) concentration and increased glucose concentration significantly. Licorice root powder supplementation increased total antioxidant status (TAS) and reduced total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI). It was concluded from this study that supplementation of licorice root powder at the level of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% to the feed of laying quails had no adverse effects on performance. Licorice root powder supplementation can be used to reduce cholesterol level and increase antioxidant status in quails.