The Effect of Parental Supplementation with Essential Oils on Japanese Quail Offspring Behavior

Abstract

This thesis examines the effects of parental dietary supplementation with essential oils and post-hatch dietary corticosterone exposure on the growth and behavior of Japanese quail offspring. The study evaluates whether parental nutrition can influence offspring development and mitigate stress-related effects. Results showed that corticosterone exposure reduced body weight in several groups, indicating a negative impact on growth. However, parental supplementation with basil and peppermint essential oils did not produce consistent transgenerational effects. Behavioral tests revealed minimal differences across treatments, although corticosterone-treated chicks showed signs of increased anxiety and activity in specific cases. Overall, the findings suggest that stress hormones play a stronger role than parental diet in shaping offspring growth and behavior under the conditions tested.