Effect of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Essential Oil and Ascorbic Acid on Growth Performance and Intestinal Villi Morphology in Japanese Quail Following Oral Administration of Lead

Many of the negative effects of heavy metals can be reduced by diets containing anti-oxidant compounds such as vitamins and herbs.

The aim of this study is evaluation of the effect of Clove essential oil and Ascorbic acid on growth performance and intestinal villi morphology in Japanese quail following oral administration of Lead.

A total of 120 one-day old quails were divided into 4 groups with 30 quails in each group (3 replicates). The group 1 was fed with basal diet, the groups 2 and 3 were fed with basal diet + 150 and 450 mg/kg diet clove essential oil respectively, the group 4 was fed with basal diet + 500 ppm ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in diet. All groups received 100 ppm lead acetate in drinking water during the experimental period (7-35 days). At day 35, 3 segments of intestine (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) were isolated.

The group clove 450 ppm and ascorbic acid had significantly more body weight than control (P<0.05). Also, the group clove 150, 450 ppm and ascorbic acid had significantly less Feed Conversion Rate (FCR) than control (P<0.05). The group clove 450 ppm and ascorbic acid had significantly greater villi dimensions and absorptive surface in the different segments of the intestine in comparison to control (P<0.05).

The results showed that adding ascorbic acid and clove essential oil to Japanese quail diet, reduced the negative effects of lead on body weight, feed conversion ratio and intestinal villi absorptive surface.