Effects of Nonylphenol on Growth Parameters and Antioxidant Defense System in Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica)

Alkylpehnol polyethoxylates (APEOs) and the derivatives of APEOs such as nonylphenol (NP) are generally used as anti-oxidants in many organic compounds including detergents, herbicides and pesticides. In this study, NP effects on growth, egg production and hatching in Japanese quails were investigated. Also, NP effects on plasma vitamin levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. NP does not affect body weight gain (BWG), feed consumption (FC) and feed conversion ratio for growth (FCRG) in all experimental groups in growing chicks, while it cause a significant decrease in egg production (EP) (P<0.01). Also, the present study showed that NP concentrations, 10, 100 and 500 mu g NP in ethanol (ETOH)/kg-feed, exposure cause an increase in beta-Carotene, Vitamin A and MDA levels (P<0.01). There is also significant rise in Vitamin C level induced by NP in all experimental groups (P<0.01). In conclusion, NP has dramatic effects on EP rate and anti-oxidant system in a concentration dependent manner in Japanese quails.