The effect of diferent body weight categories on plasma macromineral levels in four close-bred focks of adult Japanese quails ( Coturnix coturnix japonica )

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate plasma macrominerals (Ca, P, Na, K, and Mg) in adult male and female quailsaccording to diferent body weights in four close-bred focks of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica ) maintained at the AvianResearch and Training Center of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. Te results showed that mean plasma Naconcentration was signifcantly (P < 0.05) diferent in female quails with respect to body size categories. Te interaction between focksand body size for plasma Ca levels was signifcant (P < 0.05) in both sexes of quails, whereas plasma Na was signifcant (P < 0.05) infemale quails. Te mean plasma P and K levels in imported and local focks of Japanese quails were signifcantly (P < 0.05) diferent infemale quails, whereas plasma Mg was signifcantly (P < 0.05) diferent in male quails. However, with respect to body size categories,plasma P, K, and Mg were signifcantly (P < 0.05) diferent in female quails only. Te interaction between focks and body size wassignifcant for K and P in female quails and for plasma Mg levels in both sexes of quails.