The effects of red chilly pepper seed addition to quail rations onperformance, slaughter traits and blood parameters

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of red chili pepper seeds (RCPS) added in different amounts to Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) rations on performance, slaughter characteristics, blood parameters and oxidative stress. 240 Japanese Quail chicks were used in the experiment and the study lasted for 42 days. Experimental groups were formed by using control and 3 different doses of red chili pepper seeds (2, 4, 6%). In the 0-6 week period, the difference between the groups in terms of live weight was significant (P<0.01), body weight decreased in RCPS groups. The difference between the groups in terms of feed consumption was significant (P<0.05), the lowest feed consumption was in the 2% RCPS group. The difference between the groups in terms of feed conversion ratio was significant (P<0.01), the lowest feed consumption ratio was in the 6% RCPS group. The difference between the groups in terms of livability was insignificant. While there was no significant difference between the control and treatment groups in terms of carcass, liver, heart and abdominal fat weights, gizzard weight was significantly lower (P<0.05) in the control group. Among the oxidative stress parameters, the total antioxidant status (TAS) increased significantly (P<0.01) in the RCPS groups compared to the control, and the total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) decreased significantly (P<0.01). The difference between the control and RCPS groups in terms of total cholesterol blood parameters was found to be significant (P<0.05), the lowest cholesterol was in the control group. HDL cholesterol was very important (P<0.01) among the groups, the highest HDL cholesterol in the 2% RCPS group. LDL cholesterol was very important (P<0.01) among the groups, the lowest LDL cholesterol in the control group. The difference between the control and RCPS groups in terms of total triglyceride was found to be significant (P<0.01), the lowest trigliserit in the 2% RCPS group. As a result, when the best feed conversion ratio is considered, it can be said that RCPS can be added to quail rations at the level of 4% as an alternative feed source.