Optimization of physiological conditions japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) with turmeric powder supplementation (Curcuma longa)

Abstract

Quail have an economic value. Egg production decreased as the decline of the quail’s physiological conditions, either due to aging or stress. The purpose of this study was to optimize the physiological condition of quail with turmeric powder supplementation. The study was conducted in four stages: 1. Determining the physiological deterioration quail, 2. Getting the optimal dose of turmeric powder to improve quail physiological conditions, 3. Knowing the profile of reproductive hormones in an ovulation cycle, 4. Determining the effect of turmeric powder at different times and types of feed on Japanese quail. The decline in quail’s liver function occurs after the age of 7-8 months as evidenced by a decrease in body weight, percentage of liver weight / body weight, hepatocytes diameter, ovarium and reproductive tracts weight, as well as an increase in the levels of SGPT and SGOT serum.Turmeric powder at a dose of 54 mg / quail / day may improve liver function. Curcumin in the content of turmeric powder at 7.97% has a hepatoprotective effect, which was supported by the percentage increase in liver weight / body weight, DNA content of the liver, hepatocytes diameter, and decrease in SGPT and SGOT levels, triglycerides, and blood cholesterol. Content of phytoestrogens in turmeric powder at 6.73% was able to induce increased synthesis vitellogenin as yolk precursor, so vitellogenin levels in the blood rise. Most vitellogenin stored in hepatocytes was indicated by the number of vacuoles in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. Vitellogenin mainly distributed to the ovarian follicle to the development hierarchy. The number of growing follicles may accelerate follicular maturation, as evidenced by the shortening of the cycle time of ovulation approximately 5 hours 35 minutes, and an increase in the number of eggs. The number of follicles was ovulated that can spur the growth of the glandular cells of the reproductive tract to secrete albumen, shell membranes, and eggshell. Turmeric powder is also able to increase the absorption of calcium, so it can improve the quality of the eggs. The number of growing follicles also contributes to improving egg quality which evidenced by the decrease in cholesterol and fat eggs. This is due to the growing number of follicles, fat, and cholesterol will be distributed to many follicles. Provision of turmeric powder was most effective when given before maturity sexual. Giving turmeric may extend quail’s productivity. Feeding the higher protein did not able to increase the productivity of quail.