Effect of Adding Alcoholic Extract of Lycium barbarum L. to Drinking Water on Some Reproductive Characteristics of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)

Abstract

Abstract:

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding Lycium barbarum  extract to drinking water on some reproductive characteristics of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). A total of 270 chicks aged one week old of brown-colored quail were used in this study. The birds were divided into six treatments (45 for each). For T2, T3, T4, and T5, 400 mg of Lycium barbarum extract from leaves, fruits, stems, and roots were added to each liter of drinking water. While, (T6), 400 mg of a mixed extract of Lycium  barbarum's leaves, fruits, stems, and roots was added to the drinking water. The control treatment (T1) was without addition. The LH and FSH hormone levels in the serum of males and females of T2 and T3 were significantly higher (P≤0.05) compared to other treatments. There was a significant increased (P≤0.05) in the testosterone hormone in the serum of males of T2 and T3 compared to other treatments. On the other hands, there was a significant increased (P≤0.05) in the estrogen hormone in the serum of females of T2 and T3 compared to other treatments. There was a significant increased (P≤0.05)  in the seminiferous tubules diameter and germinal layer thickness in the testes of T2 and T3 compared to other treatments. While there was, also a significant decrease (P≤0.05)  in the seminiferous tubules lumen diameter of T2 and T3 compared to other treatments. There was a significant increased (P≤0.05) in the number and diameter of ovarian follicles in the ovary of T2 and T3 compared to other treatments. It can be concluded that the leaves and fruits of Lycium barbarum  extract  improved the reproductive characteristics of Japanese quail.