Eggs are readily consumed and have been associated with several nutritional benefits in man. This study evaluated the comparative effect of feeding quail egg or chicken egg on the lipid profile, total proteins and blood parameters of male albino rats. Male albino rats (36) weighing between 100 and 120 g were used for this study. They were randomly assigned into 7 groups of 5 rats each. Groups A1, A2 and A3 were dosed with quail egg at 0.25 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg and 0.75 mg/kg, respectively. Groups B1, B2 and B3 received 0.25 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg and 0.75 mg/kg, respectively, of chicken egg. The control group received distilled water. Blood for haematology, lipid profile and total protein determinations were collected via the orbital sinus of the rats. All laboratory analyses were performed weekly, and standard procedures were followed in the lipid profile, total proteins and blood parameters determinations. Significant (p < 0.05) increase in the mean cholesterol value of both quail and chicken eggs were recorded when compared with the control. Mid and high doses of chicken eggs significantly (p < 0.05) elevated the mean HDL-C value when compared with quail egg groups and control. High dose of quail egg caused a significant (p < 0.05) increase in vLDL-C value. Significant (p < 0.05) increase in mean total proteins and RBC counts were recorded in rats given high doses of chicken and quail eggs. High dose of quail egg and mid dose of chicken egg caused a significant (p < 0.05) increase in leukocyte count when compared with the control. Therefore, we suggested that quail egg may not be better than chicken egg but should be moderately consumed as it can elevate very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which increases the risk of cardiovascular pathologies.
