β - agonist terbutalin supplementation induces lipolysis and protein synthesis in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

To studythe effect of terbutalin, a β - agonist, on the growth perfonnance of female Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica), two weeks old chicks were supplemented with 10 ppm terbutalin in drinking water over a period of two months. The results indicated that terbutalin did not affect the weight gain, however, a highly significant (p<0.001)decrease in food consumption and fat pad intreated quail was observed as compared to control. Results also indicate that plasma triglyceride level increased significantly (p<0.01), but the blood urea nitrogen level decreased (p<0.001) as terbutalin treatment proceeded indicating that most of the nitrogen gets utilized in protein synthesis. Taken together, it is suggested that β - agonist brings about the mobilization of fat and availability of amino acids for protein synthesis, thus providing leaner meat.