The detoxification of cadmium in Japanese quail by pomegranate peel powder.

Environmental pollution and exposure to toxic metals such as cadmium (Cd) can cause severe and chronic diseases and have significant side effects on vital organs. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of pomegranate peel on biochemical factors and lipid peroxidation in intoxication by Cd in Japanese quail. Two hundred seventy quails in different groups were fed diets containing Cd and pomegranate peel from 6 to 35 days old. Then, serum biochemical parameters were assessed, including liver enzymes, urea, and thiobarbituric acid. In the quails, Cd significantly increased MDA, urea, and AST (P < 0.05). Adding pomegranate peel at 1.5 and 2% levels decreased these parameters significantly (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary enrichment using pomegranate peel reduced the adverse effects of Cd by improving lipid peroxidation, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and urea in Japanese quail.