title: Omega-3 fatty acid application reduces yolk and plasma cholesterol levels in Japanese quails.
abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, on the cholesterol levels in egg yolk and plasma in Japanese quail. Additionally, the effects of these fatty acids on selected biochemical parameters, and yolk and quail weights were investigated. Thirty healthy laying Japanese quails were divided into two groups including control and omega-3 fatty acid treated group. Fish oil capsules were administrated orally to the quails in the omega-3 treated group every other day for 3 weeks. Yolk cholesterol level was found to be significantly lower in the omega-3 treated group compared to the control. Plasma cholesterol levels were lower; plasma calcium levels were higher at 3rd week in omega-3 fatty acid treated group than those in control. On the other hand, plasma phosphorus and glucose levels in omega-3 fatty acid group were significantly lower at 3rd week than those at the beginning of experiment. In conclusion, it was found that orally supplemented omega-3 fatty acid reduced the levels of cholesterol in egg yolk and plasma in quails.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Kafkas, 36100 Kars, Turkey. et_tasci@hotmail.com
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Atakisi
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Atakisi
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yaman
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Arslan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism*; D003370:Coturnix / Q000502:physiology*; D004530:Egg Yolk / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005395:Fish Oils; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005395:Fish Oils; D010758:Phosphorus; D002784:Cholesterol; D002118:Calcium