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Egg production performance, egg yolk antioxidant profile and excreta concentration of corticosterone in golden pheasants ( Chrysolophus pictus ) fed diets containing different levels of green vegetables
Author(s) -
Kullu S. S.,
Das A.,
Bajpai S. K.,
Garg A. K.,
Yogi R. K.,
Saini M.,
Sharma A. K.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.651
H-Index - 56
eISSN - 1439-0396
pISSN - 0931-2439
DOI - 10.1111/jpn.12555
Subject(s) - yolk , biology , zoology , antioxidant , carotenoid , corticosterone , completely randomized design , antioxidant capacity , malondialdehyde , food science , biochemistry , hormone
Summary In order to study the effect of feeding graded levels of green vegetables on egg production performance and egg yolk antioxidant status, 27 female golden pheasants ( GP ) were randomly distributed into three groups of nine each in an experiment based on completely randomized design. The diets of the birds in groups T 1 , T 2 and T 3 contained 1.4%, 2.7% and 5.0% of green vegetables respectively. Feeding of experimental diets started on 12th February (day 1) and was continued till 30 June 2012. Average number of eggs laid and egg mass produced by the hens in group T 3 was higher (p < 0.004) than those of T 1 and T 2 . Hen day egg production was lowest (p < 0.001) in group T 1 . Roche yolk colour score was highest (p < 0.01) in T 3 followed by T 2 and was lowest in T 1 . Other external and internal egg quality parameters were similar among the groups. Total antioxidant capacity ( TAC ) of egg yolk was higher (p < 0.04) in group T 3 as compared to other two groups. Egg yolk concentration of total carotenoids, β ‐carotene, total sulfhydryl, protein‐bound sulfhydryl and non‐protein‐bound sulfhydryl was higher (p < 0.05), whereas concentration of malondialdehyde was lower (p < 0.024) in group T 3 as compared to other two groups. Excreta concentration of corticosterone was highest (p < 0.012) in T 1 , followed by T 2 , and was lowest in T 3 . Egg yolk concentration of TAC and TSH was positively and that of malondialdehyde was negatively correlated with carotenoids intake. Excreta concentration of corticosterone was negatively correlated with carotenoids intake. It was concluded that incorporation of green vegetables in the diet at 5% on dry matter basis would improve egg production, egg yolk antioxidant status and the ability of the captive GP to combat stress.