Serum biochemical profiling in different varieties of Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica (Temminck and Schlegel, 1849)

A good quantum of reports is in record on serum biochemical analysis of Japanese quail. But the serum biochemical parameter of different varieties of healthy Japanese quail is poorly understood, and reference values are sparsely available. The investigation focuses to assess serum biochemical profiles of three different varieties of Japanese quail, i.e. brown-feathered, grey-feathered, and white-feathered at different age groups with sexual dimorphism. The five parameters taken for the analyses include glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, and globulin. Two millilitre of blood was collected from the ulnar vein of 90 individual birds, comprising of 05 males and 05 females, from three age groups and three varieties of Japanese quail. For biochemical analyses, three age groups were considered, i.e. chick (0–3 weeks), grower (4–5 weeks), and adult (above 5 weeks), respectively. Data were analysed through standard statistical methods such as ANOVA and test of significance by using Paleontological Statistics (PAST) version 2.17. The data were presented as mean ± standard error, and the significant difference both in age and sex has been recorded at p < 0.01. Throughout the study, a decrease in serum glucose level was observed with increase in age. The serum cholesterol level increased with age, and more serum cholesterol concentration is seen in adult females. The results were similar for serum total protein, albumin, and globulin. The results of serum biochemical analysis reflect a difference at p < 0.01 in experimental birds which were similar to that of chickens and other poultry birds. © 2019, Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature.