ABSTRACT

 Quail eggs are very nutritious, containing essential minerals and different antioxidants. The Japanese quail also known as cotumix quail (coturnix japonica) is a specie of old world quail found in east of Asia. This study evaluated the effect of quail egg on serum electrolyte (K,Na,Ca and Mg) on male wistar albino rats weighing between 90-150g. The result obtained indicates that quail egg may not have an impact on serum electrolyte (P>0.05). A total of 28 adults male wistar rats were used for this study. The rats were randomly divided into four groups of eight animals each. The serum electrolytes were determined by standard methods of assay. Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation and is a cofactor in several essential reactions, including nucleic acid synthesis and many enzymatic reactions. Sodium and potassium are the most abundant cations in extracellular and intracellular fluids respectively. Calcium is responsible for much of the material property of bone and also is responsible for a wide range of essential functions, including extra and intracellular signaling, nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. The effects of quail egg on male wistar albino rats are summarized in table 4.1 and figure 4.1-4.4. Quail egg may not be good source of these electrolytes (K, Na, Ca and Mg) in the case of individuals having a deficiency of one these electrolytes. Research should be carried out on the effect of quail egg on neurotransmitters and antioxidant properties of quail egg.