The present study was carried out to find toxico-pathological effects of cottonseed meal (CSM) in male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Male birds (n=48) were equally divided into four groups (A to D). Three isonitric and isocaloric experimental feeds were formulated by replacing soybean meal with three levels of CSM i.e., 13, 27 and 41%. The respective feed was offered to the birds ad libitum for the duration of experiment (42 days). Clinical signs, behavioral alterations, feed consumption, body weight, absolute and relative organ weight, hematological and biochemical parameters along with gross and histopathological lesions were studied. In group B and C, birds were temporarily depressed but later on became active.  In group D, birds remained dull and depressed and 66.7% mortality was recorded.  Body weight, absolute and relative organ weight was non-significantly different in treatment groups compared with control. Feed intake at week 1 was significantly low in group D while during remaining experiment; it differed non-significantly in all the treatment groups compared with control. Testicular volume at day 21 was significantly (P<0.05) low in group D. Significantly  low serum total proteins and albumin in groups B and C and hematocrit values in all the groups and hemoglobin concentration in group D were recorded at day 42 of experiment. It was concluded that CSM 13% level did not have any deleterious effect on the feed conversion and body weight but the reproductive performance of the male Japanese quail was affected.

Key words: Cottonseed meal; Cyclopropenoid; Gossypol;Hematology; Japanese quail; Pathology; Serum