Effect of retinol and retinol esters on performance, egg quality, and blood and egg vitamin A levels in laying quails

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of retinol and retinol ester supplementation on performance, egg quality, serum and egg oxidative status, and vitamin A levels in laying quails. Three hundred quails were divided into 5 groups. The control group received a basal diet that contained vitamin premix without vitamin A or vitamin A precursors. The treatment groups received dietary supplementation with retinol and retinol esters [retinyl acetate (R-acetate), retinyl palmitate (R-palmitate), retinyl propionate (R-propionate), 3300 IU/kg]. Egg production and feed conversion ratio improved in all experimental groups. Serum beta-carotene and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased and serum retinol levels increased in all experimental groups. Yolk color in the 8th week decreased in the R-propionate group. Serum antioxidant activity levels increased in the R-palmitate and R-propionate groups. Yolk retinol levels increased in the R-palmitate and R-acetate groups. Yolk MDA level decreased in the retinol, R-acetate, and R-propionate groups on the 8th and 30th days and in the retinol and R-propionate groups on the 15th day of storage. In conclusion, the supplementation of laying quail diets with retinol and retinol esters affects performance and egg quality positively, while egg vitamin A and oxidative status differ depending on variations in dietary retinol and retinol ester supplementation.