Effects of dietary fats on reproductive performance , egg quality, fatty acid composition of tissuse and Yolk and prostaglandin levels of embryonic tissues in Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Abstract

The effect of dietary fats on reproductive performance, egg quality, fatty acid composition of tissues and egg yolk, and prostaglandin levels in embryonic tissues in Japanese quail (Coturnix, coturnix japonica) were evaluated. The addition of 5.0% chicken fat (CHX), hydrogenated soybean oil (HSBO), menhaden fish oil (MENH) or soybean oil (SBO) to the maternal and paternal diet altered tissue and yolk composition of the hens and tissue composition of the males to reflect the dietary source. Comparisons were made to chicken fat which served as a control. Feeding MENH increased the omega three fatty acid concentrations in liver, heart, testicle, and yolk. Feeding HSBO and SBO increased the omega six fatty acid concentrations in yolk. Feeding MENH and SBO increased the total monosaturated fatty acids in yolk. The concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids were increased by feeding MENH and SBO. Feeding MENH decreased egg production. Feeding MENH and HSBO decreased hatchability. Feeding MENH decreased specific gravity of eggs at day 30, 60, and 90. Feeding CHX increased specific gravity at day 30, 60 and 120. In addition, feeding CHX increased chick weight. Feeding SBO decreased early embryonic death. There were no consistent differences noted in tissue prostaglandin levels of embryos from hens on the differing diets.