PHISIOLOGICS AND BEHAVIORAL EFFECTS OF THE USE OF VALERIANA EXTRACT IN DIET OF THE QUAIL IN GROWING

Abstract

The effects of feeding levels of Valeriana officinalis on behavior and physiologic parameters of female quails in the rearing periods were evaluated. In the rearing phase, 192 quails, from 28 to 42 days old, average weight 121,25±6,96g, were lodged to cages and allotted to randomized blocks design, with four treatments (control; 250; 500 and 750mg of valeriana/kg of ration) with eight replicates and six birds per cage. Behavior (body injury, tonic immobility and focal observation) and physiological parameters (heterophil/lymphocyte ratio and corticosterone blood plasma) was evaluated. In the rearing periods the tested valeriana levels did not affect behavior and physiological parameters of quails.