Table 3. Overall mean values (± SEM) and statistical information regarding liver histopathological indices by reaction pattern and total liver index for female quail fed with control diets or supplemented with thymol (Diet supplied) slaughtered at two time points (Slaughter batch).
| Index | Mean ± SEM | p-Value | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diet supplied (D) | Slaughter batch (B) | D x B | ||||
| HILiv.Rp1 | 4,71 | ± | 0,41 | 0.37 | 0.74 | 0.67 |
| HILiv.Rp2 | 16,80 | ± | 0,65 | 0.19 | 0.57 | 0.81 |
| HILiv.Rp3 | 0,80 | ± | 0,24 | - | - | - |
| HILiv.Rp4 | 0,27 | ± | 0,27 | - | - | - |
| HILiv | 22,58 | ± | 0,90 | 0.15 | 0.37 | 0.78 |
Considering that no effects of the diet supplied, slaughter batch or their interaction were found, only overall means are shown. Two control (BASAL and VEHICLE) and three supplemented diets (2, 4, and 6.25 g of thymol/kg of feed). Two slaughter batches were assessed, the first, once finished the supplementation period, and a second after the post-supplementation period of 21 days. HI = Histopathological index. Liv = Liver. RP = Reaction Pattern; RP1 (circulatory disturbances), RP2 (regressive changes), RP3 (progressive changes), RP4 (inflammation). The reaction pattern to which the indices correspond is indicated with different grey intensity (n = 5; N = 45, only 5 birds from the basal diet were studied).