Selenium and zinc in quail diets

Abstract

The quail production in the word and in Brazil is so important. Quail egg production increase much, by that way more studies have to be done, with the aim to increase egg production, and with consequence a better egg quality. The literature shows that selenium and zinc increase egg production, and egg quality. Inorganic selenium, in the form of sodium selenite is normaly add in the animal diet, but nowadays is known that this substance is carcinogenic. In the year of 2000 a source of organic selenium was approved to use as a diet supplement to poultry diet (FDA, 2000). That source is a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisie) enriched with selenium. Selenium are essential part of selenium-protein group, one more studied is a glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) that are involved with the cell antioxidant protection. Some studies are done with laying hens related with more disponibility of organic minerals when compared with inorganic sources. The substitution by organic selenium resulted in increase of egg production and more heavy eggs, better feed conversion, increase body weight and better egg white consistency (RUTZ et al., 2004). Zinc participates of collagen synthesis, by that way, zinc is an important in formation of egg shell membrane, and it is a part of carbonic anidrase, that is an important enzyme correlated with carbonate ions disponibility during egg shell formation. The reduction of that enzyme could result in light weight of egg shell weight (NYS et al., 1999).Many works were done with laying hens, but a scarce literature with minerals and quail was done. By that way the aim of this study is measure the effect of selenium and zinc addition in diet on quail egg production and egg quality. To make this, two trail will be conduct with the principal aim measure the effects os organic minerals (selenium and zinc) on the performance and internal and external qualities on quail eggs (Experiment 1), the internal quality of stored egg, according ambient temperatures submitted (environment and refrigerate) (Experiment 2). Both trials will be conducted in Experimental Campus of Dracena, in São Paulo State University (UNESP). Birds will housed in a quail facility, built in east-west direction. (AU)