Abstract
This study assessed the effects of combined supplementation with canthaxanthin (Cx) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D(3)) on incubation performance, fertility, and chick quality in European quail breeders. A total of 240 birds were distributed in a completely randomized design with 5 diets and 8 replicates. The animals were fed a basal diet containing 50 µg of vitamin D(3) or the basal diet supplemented with 3 ppm Cx and 34.5 µg 25-OH-D(3), 6 ppm Cx, and 69 µg 25-OH-D(3), 9 ppm Cx and 103.5 µg 25-OH-D(3), or 12 ppm Cx and 138 µg 25-OH-D(3). Incubation performance was analyzed in 2 periods (32 and 38 wk). Breeders aged 32 wk produced eggs with higher hatchability (P = 0.024), hatchability of fertile eggs (P = 0.026) and lower initial plus mid embryonic mortality (P = 0.021), whereas 38-week-old breeders generated chicks with a higher length at hatching (P < 0.001) and lower final plus pipped embryonic mortality (P = 0.021). In both age groups, Cx + 25-OH-D(3) levels had a quadratic effect on egg fertility (P < 0.001), hatchability of total (P < 0.001), and fertile eggs (P < 0.001). The fertility and the number of sperm cells in the perivitelline membrane was analyzed in two periods (26 and 40 wk). A quadratic effect of diet and days after mating on both parameters (P < 0.05) was observed. Eggs from supplementing breeders showed a high fertility (P < 0.001) and sperm cell counts (P < 0.001) for up to 7 and 3 d after mating, respectively, then the control group. Moreover, the supplementation of quail breeder diets with 6 ppm Cx + 69 µg 25-OH-D(3) enhances sperm cell longevity in sperm storage tubules, hatchability of total and fertile eggs, fertility, and chick quality, especially in older quail's breeders and reduces embryonic mortality.