Toxicity of Carbon Tetrachloride in Japanese Quails: Evaluation the Effect of Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) Powder on Performance and Immune Response

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of artichoke powder on performance and immune function of Japanese quails poisoned with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). One hundred meat type (1-d-old) quails were assigned randomly to 4 treatment groups (n=25). Treatment groups included with the study were: 1) control group (without artichoke supplementation or CCl4 administration, 2) group with artichoke supplementation and without CCl4 administration, 3) group without artichoke supplementation and with CCl4 administration (1 ml/kg of BW) and 4) group with artichoke supplementation and with CCl4 administration (1 mL/kg of BW). CCl4 was administered intraperitoneally on each 3 day for days 29 to 42. During the rearing period (0-42 days of age), quails had free access to feed and water. Performance parameters of daily gain, feed intake and feed conversion were determined on weekly basis. At the end of experimental period (day 42), blood samples were collected and then heterophils and lymphocytes were counted and their ratio (H/L ratio) was calculated.Results did not show any significant effect for artichoke powder and CCl4 on body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Adding Artichoke to the diets at 2% level significantly increased the count of lymphocytes and decreased H/L ratio. Artichoke and CCl4, each alone or both together, did not affect the relative weight of spleen, bursa of fabricius and liver.