Effects of dietary zinc and L-arginine supplementation on total antioxidants capacity, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, egg weight, and blood biochemical values in Japanese quails.

The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of dietary zinc and L-arginine supplementation on blood total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), some blood chemistry parameters, and egg weights of laying quails. Three groups of Japanese quails were fed with a diet containing L-arginine (5 mg/kg), zinc (60 mg/kg), and normal basal diet (control) for 30 days. TAC, lipid peroxidation, and biochemical analysis were performed in the blood of animals. L-Arginine and zinc supplementation improved TAC and reduced MDA concentrations compared to the control (P<0.05). In comparison to the control, blood NO concentrations were increased by Larginine (P<0.01) and zinc treatment (P<0.05). Both zinc (P<0.001) and L-arginine (P< 0.01) supplementation significantly increased egg weight in laying quails. Some of the blood chemistry parameters were also altered by the treatment of L-arginine and zinc supplementation. No difference was found in blood albumin and creatinine levels among the groups. Blood glucose (P=0.833) and total protein (P=0.264) levels in control and Larginine-treated groups were found to be similar. Glucose and total protein levels were decreased in zinc-supplemented animals compared to the control and L-arginine groups (P< 0.05). No difference was found in triglyceride levels between control and zinc-applied groups (P=0.197). However, L-arginine treatment reduced the blood triglyceride levels compared to the control (P<0.05). In conclusion, L-arginine and zinc supplementation could be beneficial and effective for decreasing oxidative stress, boosting antioxidant capacity, and improving egg weight in the blood of the animals.