Effect of Water Restriction and Ascorbic acid Supplementation on Hematology and Serum biochemistry of Japanese Quails in Sokoto, Nigeria

Bashir Saidu*, Peter Ibrahim Rekwot, Lawrence Okwonko Aka, Aminu Mohammed Umaru, Abdullahi Ja'afaru Is'haq, Mustapha Mamman Oyiza, Hassan Maina Ibrahim, Bashiru Garba, Danladi Mohammed Salihu, Bashir Sani, Mika'eel Bala Abubakar, Abdullahi Abdullahi Raji, Yusha'u Shu'aibu Baraya, Abubakar Musa Mayaki, Aliyu Jibril, Abdurrahman Hassan Jibril, Muhammad Bashar Bello

Usman danfodiyo University Sokoto.; National Animal production research institute, Zaria.; University of Nigeria Nsuka, Enugu.; Usman danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto.

Corresponding author email: dr.bashvet11@gmail.com

Abstract :

recent times, a new genus of poultry, Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) was introduced into Nigeria by the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom to expand the poultry subsector and help supplement the domestic chicken production through meat and eggs 1, 2. The quails have unique characteristics and advantages over other species of poultry which include early attainment of sexual maturity, short generation interval making it possible to have many generations in a year 3 , high rate of egg production between 200-300 eggs in 360 days and are very resistant to common epidemics of poultry 4 . The quail are hardy birds that can adapt to many different environments 5 . Their meat and eggs are renowned for their high quality protein, high biological value and low caloric content, making it a choice product for hypertensive patient 6, 7 . Japanese quail is reared by many farmers in different parts of the country and accepted by the populace especially because of their prolific nature, less susceptibility to diseases, lean meat and low level of cholesterol in both meat and egg 3 . Quail production is becoming fast growing in most parts of the country particularly in the northern part. Several factors affect the physiology of birds creating discomfort sometimes death. These factors include air temperature changes, high ambient temperature and relative humidity, and restricted access to food and water 8, 9 . It has been observed that temperature and moisture of air are two major environmental factors controlling the heat-stress of livestock 10, 11. Heat stress to different extent adversely affects egg size, laying percentage, mortality, body weight gain and egg shell durability. High ambient temperature in this part of the world constitutes stressful condition that affects animal production