Modulatory Effects of Dietary Betaine and Ascorbic Acid on Some Production Parameters of Sexually Mature Japanese quails during the Dry Season in Derived Savannah Ecological zone of Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the modulatory effects of dietary betaine and/or ascorbic acid modulate some production parameters in sexually mature Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) during the dry season. A total of 388 quails, 2 week–old, were randomly allotted into 4 groups and 3 replicate per group (32 per replicate). Group I: given basal diet; Group II, basal diet + 200 mg/ kg diet ascorbic acid (AA); Group III – basal diet + 2 g betaine/kg diet, and Group IV – basal diet + 200 mg AA + 2 g betaine/kg. Dry–bulb temperature (DBT) was measured thrice daily with hygrometer; for relative humidity (RH) – hygrometric tables; temperature–humidity index (THI) was derived. Feed conversion efficiency to egg mass and per dozen eggs (FCE, FEPD) were derived. The DBT, RH and THI were predominantly outside thermoneutral zone. Betaine increased (P < 0.05) AVDFI, AVDWC, live weight; but decrease FCE and FEDP. Dietary AA increased (P < 0.05) AVDFI; AVDWC, live weight, FCE and FEPD, but decreased AVDFI. Betaine + AA increased (P < 0.05) AVDWC; live weight but lowered FCE and FEPD. Betaine and/or AA enhances AVDFI, AVDWC, live weight and feed conversion to egg mass and per dozen production of sexually mature Japanese quails during dry season.