Effects of varying levels of Cynara scolymus powder on growth performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal microbiota, immune and haemato-biochemical parameters in female quails.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying levels of dietary Cynara scolymus (CS) powder on growth performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal microbiota, immune and haemato-biochemical parameters in female quails. A total of 120-day-old female quails used for the research were divided into 3 treatment groups: 0% CS, 0.75% CS and 1.50% CS having 4 replicates (n = 10). Blood samples collected were analyzed for differential leukocyte count, red blood cell count and its indices, uric acid, lipid profile, liver enzymes, calcium, phosphorous, creatinine, thyroid hormone, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and antibody titres. Quails were euthanized for evaluation of carcass and microbial bacteria and sensory characteristics of the breast and thigh meat. Supplementation of CS at 0.75% and 1.50% increased (P < 0.05) wing, drumstick, ileum, jejunum and spleen lengths, high-density lipoprotein, and decreased (P < 0.05) low-density lipoprotein: high-density lipoprotein ratio. Diets supplemented with 0.75% CS increased (P < 0.05) albumin while 1.50% decreased (P < 0.05) abdominal fat and increased (P < 0.05) corpuscular volume, red blood cell count, lactobacillus population, and color of thigh meat. Both CS levels (0.75% and 1.50%) may improve intestinal morphology, quality of meat, immunity, erythropoiesis, intestinal microbial population, and decrease bad cholesterol in quails.

A review on the mechanisms of the effect of silymarin in milk thistle (Silybum marianum) on some laboratory animals.

One of the most valuable medicinal plants is milk thistle (Silybum marianum) or martighal. An annual or biennial plant of the Asteraceae family and English name Milk thistle, a Matte green colour and prickly plant with a standing stem that can be thick, simple, or slightly branched (ramified). Its seeds contain about 70%-80% of the flavonolignans of silymarin and about 20%-30% of polymeric and oxidized polyphenolic compounds (such as tannins). Traditionally, the plant has been used to increase milk secretion, relieve menstrual cramps, lessen depression, decrease gallstones, and jaundice as well as improve functions of the liver, spleen, and kidney. This review reviews studies on the effects of adding milk thistle to quail diet. Consumption (0.5% and 1%) of milk thistle powder in the diet of Japanese quail significantly increased feed intake, body weight, and improved carcass components. Blood constituents including total protein and albumin were improved along with decreased HDL, ALT, and AST. The use of milk thistle levels (0.5% and 1.5%) significantly improved the antioxidant total of plasma. Consumption of silymarin in quail diet increased the number of white blood cells, calcium, vitamin D3, and albumin. Silymarin also decreased the relative weights of bursa of Fabricius and spleen. This review indicates that milk thistle can improve growth performance, feed conversion ratio, and immune system in quail.