The Effect of Orange Peel Oil Addition to Laying Quail Diets on Performance, Eggshell Quality and Some Serum Parameters

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of adding different levels (0, 50, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg) of orange peel oil to the laying quail diets on performance, eggshell quality and some serum parameters. During the experiment, a total of 120 female Japanese quails at the age of 20 weeks were randomly distributed to 6 treatment groups with 4 replicates, each with 5 quail, for six weeks. The supplementation of different levels orange peel oil to the diets did not affect the performance and eggshell quality parameters, except for eggshell thickness. Eggshell thickness was significantly reduced with the addition of orange peel oil to the diet, and this decrease was more pronounced at the level of 200 mg / kg. Serum glucose, creatinine, albumin, globulin, total protein, ALT and AST concentrations were not affected by orange peel oil. Serum cholesterol concentration considerably declined with the supplementation of 400 mg / kg orange peel oil to the diet. Serum calcium level significantly improved with the addition of 100 and 200 mg / kg orange peel oil to the diet compared to the control group. Additionally, serum phosphorus concentration was considerably increased by 100 mg / kg and more levels orange peel oil. According to these results, it is possible to say that the orange essential oil has the effect of reducing cholesterol at 400 mg / kg and improving mineral metabolism at 100 mg / kg, but this positive effect could not prevent the decrease in eggshell thickness.