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The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of different fasting times before transport to the slaughterhouse on blood parameters, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Japanese quails. In total, 300 Japanese quails were used, with an average age of 14 months (discard age) and an initial body weight of 185.3 ± 7.3 g. The quails were distributed in a completely randomised design with six treatments and five replications of 10 birds each. The treatments consisted of different fasting periods on the farm: zero (control), 1 hour and 30 minutes, 3 hours, 4 hours and 30 minutes, 5 hours and 30 minutes and 7 hours. The quails showed higher blood glucose concentrations with increasing fasting time, but there was no increase in total proteins, albumin, lactate, creatine kinase, uric acid, globulin and the albumin/globulin ratio. The weight and yield of the hot carcass and the weight of the cold carcass decreased with increasing fasting time. Quails that fasted for 7 hours had lower hot carcass and cold carcass weights compared to quails that did not fast. There was no influence of fasting time on meat quality. A fasting period of 5 hours and 30 minutes before transportation is recommended to ensure proper emptying of the digestive tract and the maintenance of the carcass weight of Japanese quails.(AU)

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes tempos de jejum antes do transporte para o abatedouro sobre parâmetros sanguíneos, características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de codornas japonesas. No total foram utilizadas 300 codornas japonesas, com idade média de 14 meses (idade de descarte) e peso corporal inicial de 185,3 ± 7,3 g. As codornas foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com seis tratamentos e cinco repetições de 10 aves cada. Os tratamentos consistiram em diferentes períodos de jejum na granja: zero (controle), 1 hora e 30 minutos, 3 horas, 4 horas e 30 minutos, 5 horas e 30 minutos e 7 horas. As codornas apresentaram maiores concentrações de glicose com o aumento do tempo de jejum, mas não houve aumento nas proteínas totais, albumina, lactato, creatina quinase, ácido úrico, globulina e relação albumina/globulina. O peso e o rendimento da carcaça quente e o peso da carcaça fria diminuíram com o aumento do tempo de jejum. Codornas que jejuaram por 7 horas tiveram menor peso de carcaça quente e carcaça fria em comparação com codornas que não jejuaram. Não houve influência do tempo de jejum na qualidade da carne. Recomenda-se um período de jejum de 5 horas e 30 minutos antes do transporte para garantir o adequado esvaziamento do trato digestivo e a manutenção do peso da carcaça das codornas japonesas.(AU)

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This study evaluated the zootechnical performance, egg quality, and behavior of Japanese quails in the laying phase housed in cages of different densities and with or without environmental enrichment. A total of 224 quail were used and distributed into two groups: one with a housing density of 122.7 cm2 bird-1 and one with a housing density of 157.8 cm2 bird-1, each with and without environmental enrichment. The results showed that environmental enrichment did not influence the zootechnical performance parameters of the quail. However, housing density independently affected performance, except for egg mass and bird viability. A lower density (157.8 cm2 bird-1) resulted in greater specific egg weight, albumen percentage, and shell thickness. The interaction between density and environmental enrichment revealed that eggs from quail housed at higher density without enrichment had a greater yolk percentage, while quails housed at lower density without enrichment had a greater shell percentage. The tonic immobility time of the quails was not affected by treatment with different densities or environmental enrichment agents. It can be concluded that a lower housing density, with seven quail per cage (157.8 cm2 bird-1), regardless of environmental enrichment, provides better zootechnical performance and egg quality.(AU)

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Japanese quail is a small bird with a short production period. However, the use of performance-enhancing antibiotics can leave residues in its meat and eggs. As an alternative, phytogenic additives can be used to cultivate beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, improving the digestion and absorption of ingested nutrients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding different concentrations of lemon balm as a phytogenic additive on the performance, egg quality, and differential leukocyte count of Japanese quail raised in the semiarid region of Brazil. The experiment was conducted in the poultry sector of the Paraíba Institute of Science and Technology ­ Sousa-PB campus, from June to September 2022. Eighty Japanese quail, 80 days old and standardized by production and body weight, were utilized. The design was completely randomized with four treatments and four replicates, each containing five birds per plot. The experimental period was 88 days, consisting of four 22-day cycles. Dried lemon balm was incorporated as a phytogenic additive in the birds' diet at concentrations of 0, 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9%. Performance variables and egg quality were assessed. Regression analysis was conducted for statistical analysis using SAS software. To determine the differential leukocyte count, two blood samples were collected and analyzed with blood smears. The leukocyte counts underwent analysis of variance and Tukey's test, at a significance level of 5%, using the statistical program R. A significant decreasing linear effect was observed for feed conversion per dozen eggs, as well as a quadratic effect for conversion per egg mass. Albumen height showed a significant quadratic effect, and there was a decreasing linear effect on albumen percentage. Additionally, a quadratic effect was noted for Haugh Unit. The inclusion of lemon balm had a positive effect on feed conversion per dozen eggs and enhanced albumen height, suggesting a requirement of 0.501% for optimal results, as well as on yolk color, which showed an intensified shade with increased herb inclusion. The Haugh Unit also demonstrated a significant effect, with an optimal concentration of 0.495%. The use of 0.5% dried lemon balm (Lippia alba) is recommended as a phytogenic additive for Japanese quail in the laying phase. The addition of different concentrations of dried lemon balm did not influence the differential leukocyte count or the heterophil:lymphocyte ratio of Japanese quail in the semiarid region.(AU)

A codorna japonesa uma ave de pequeno porte e com curto período de produção. Contudo, o uso de antibióticos melhoradores de desempenho pode deixar resíduos na carne e nos ovos. Como alternativa, aditivos fitogênicos podem ser utilizados para o desenvolvimento de bactérias benéficas no trato gastrointestinal para melhorar a digestão e absorção de nutrientes ingeridos. Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da adição de diferentes concentrações de erva-cidreira, como aditivo fitogênico, sobre desempenho, qualidade de ovos e contagem diferencial de leucócitos, de codornas japonesas criadas no semiárido. O experimento foi realizado no setor avícola do Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia da Paraíba ­ campus Sousa-PB, no período de junho a setembro de 2022. Foram utilizadas 80 codornas japonesas com 80 dias de idade, padronizadas por produção e peso corporal. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos e quatro repetições contendo cinco aves por parcela. O período experimental durou 88 dias em quatro ciclos de 22 dias. A erva-cidreira desidratada foi utilizada como aditivo fitogênico em quatro tratamentos na alimentação das aves (0%; 0,3%; 0,6% e 0,9%). Foram avaliados variáveis de desempenho e qualidade dos ovos. A análise de regressão foi utilizada para análise estatística das mesmas, utilizando-se o programa SAS. Para determinação da contagem diferencial leucocitária, foram realizadas duas coletas de sangue com a realização do esfregaço sanguíneo. As contagens diferenciais de leucócitos foram submetidas a análise de variância e teste de Tukey, ao nível de significância de 5%, com o auxílio do programa estatístico R. Houve efeito linear decrescente significativo para a conversão alimentar por dúzia de ovos, bem como efeito quadrático para a conversão por massa de ovos. Houve efeito quadrático significativo para a altura do albúmen e linear decrescente para porcentagem de albúmen. Houve efeito quadrático para a Unidade Haugh. Observou-se efeito positivo da inclusão da erva-cidreira sobre a conversão alimentar por dúzia de ovos e efeito benéfico sobre a altura do albúmen, sendo possível estimar a exigência em 0,501%, bem como sobre a coloração da gema, observando-se maior tonalidade a partir da maior inclusão da erva. Houve efeito significativo para a Unidade Haugh sendo possível estimar a exigência em 0,495%. Recomenda-se a utilização de 0,5% de erva-cidreira (Lippia alba) desidratada como aditivo fitogênico para codornas japonesas na fase de postura. A adição de diferentes concentrações de erva-cidreira desidratada, não influenciou a contagem diferencial leucocitária e a relação heterofilos: linfócitos de codornas japonesas no semiárido.(AU)

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O ovo de codorna é um alimento equilibrado e completo em nutrientes. No entanto, é importante o armazenamento adequado, visando minimizar a perda de todo esse potencial nutritivo apresentado. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade de ovos de codornas comercializados durante as estações de inverno e verão em diferentes estabelecimentos comerciais no município de Aquidauana - MS. Foram utilizados 960 ovos (480 em cada estação do ano), adquiridos em quatro diferentes estabelecimentos comerciais. As variáveis analisadas foram: peso do ovo (PO), unidade Haugh (UH), índice de gema (IG), cor de gema crua (COR), porcentagem de gema (PG), albúmen (PA) e casca (PCA), pH de gema (pHG) e albúmen (pHA), gravidade específica (GE) e espessura de casca (EC). Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância para verificar os efeitos dos fatores estudados e a comparação entre as médias dos tratamentos foi realizada por meio do teste de Tukey (p<0,05). A qualidade dos ovos reduziu no verão, influenciando negativamente as variáveis: PO, UH, PA e PG, sobretudo o pHA. Embora tenha sido prejudicada, a UH ainda apresentou valores considerados excelentes, com mínimo encontrado de 77,81. Houve também diferenças na qualidade dos ovos entre os estabelecimentos avaliados, com menores valores analisados no estabelecimento 1. Conclui-se que no verão os ovos são mais suscetíveis a perda de qualidade em relação ao inverno em estabelecimentos que armazenam os em temperatura ambiente.(AU)

Quail eggs are a balanced and nutrient-dense food. However, adequate storage is important, aiming to minimize the loss of all this nutritional potential presented. The objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of quail eggs sold during the winter and summer seasons in different commercial establishments in the municipality of Aquidauana - MS. 960 eggs were used (480 in each season of the year), purchased from four different commercial establishments. The variables analyzed were egg weight (PO), Haugh unit (UH), yolk index (IG), raw yolk color (COR), percentage of yolk (PG), albumen (PA) and shell (PCA), Yolk pH (pHG) and albumen (pHA), specific gravity (GE) and shell thickness (EC). The data were subjected to analysis of variance to verify the effects of the studied factors and the comparison between treatment means was performed using the Tukey test (p<0.05). Egg quality showed a reduction in the summer, affecting variables such as PO, UH, PA and PG, especially pHA. Even with these reductions, UH still presented values considered excellent, with a minimum found of 77.81. There were also differences in egg quality between the establishments evaluated, with lower values analyzed in establishment 1. It is concluded that eggs are more susceptible to loss of quality in summer compared to winter in establishments with storage at room temperature.(AU)

Los huevos de codorniz son un alimento equilibrado y rico en nutrientes. Sin embargo, es importante un almacenamiento adecuado, con el objetivo de minimizar la pérdida de todo este potencial nutricional presentado. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la calidad de los huevos de codorniz comercializados durante las temporadas de invierno y verano en diferentes establecimientos comerciales del municipio de Aquidauana - MS. Se utilizaron 960 huevos (480 en cada época del año), adquiridos en cuatro establecimientos comerciales diferentes. Las variables analizadas fueron: peso del huevo (PO), unidad Haugh (HU), índice de yema (IG), color de yema cruda (COR), porcentaje de yema (PG), albúmina (PA) y cáscara (PCA), pH de la yema (pHG) y albúmina (pHA), gravedad específica (GE) y espesor de la cáscara (EC). Los datos fueron sometidos a análisis de varianza para verificar los efectos de los factores estudiados y la comparación entre medias de tratamientos se realizó mediante la prueba de Tukey (p<0,05). La calidad del huevo mostró una reducción en el verano, afectando variables como PO, UH, PA y PG, especialmente pHA. Aún con estas reducciones, UH aún presentó valores considerados excelentes, con un mínimo encontrado de 77,81. También hubo diferencias en la calidad del huevo entre los establecimientos evaluados, analizándose valores menores en el establecimiento 1. Se concluye que los huevos son más susceptibles a la pérdida de calidad en verano en comparación con el invierno en establecimientos con almacenamiento a temperatura ambiente.(AU)

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The present studyevaluatedthe effects ofdietary inclusion of spirulina on productive performance,nutrientutilization,and egg qualityof Japanese quails. One hundred twenty quails wereincluded in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replicates. Treatments consistedof a control diet and three diets containing 0.3, 0.6,or 0.9% of spirulina powder. Spirulina inclusion hadno effect (p>0.05) on the productive performance, digestibility coefficients of dry matter and ether extract, calcium and phosphorus retention, weight and pH of the eggs, yolk index, albumen quality, and eggshell thicknesswhen compared with the control diet. However,crude protein consumption was higher (p<0.05)and the digestibility coefficient of crude protein was lower (p <0.05) inbirdsin the0.9% and 0.3% spirulina inclusiongroups, respectively. Theweightsof the yolk and eggshell were improved (p<0.007) by theinclusion of0.6% and 0.9% and 0.9%spirulina,respectively.Quails fed diets containing 0.3% and 0.6% spirulina exhibited lower specific gravity of eggs(p<0.019)than those fed diets containing 0.9% spirulina.Therefore, spirulina inclusion at 0.9%improvedthe eggshellqualityand reduced thetotal lipidlevelsin the yolks.(AU)

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The objective of this study was to assess the impact of supplementing quail diets with organic selenium (Se) at various concentrations and inorganic Se on performance, egg quality, and storage time under different conditions. In the performance trial, 360 quail aged 27 weeks were included in a completely randomized design comprising six treatments: Basal Diet; 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, and 0.60 ppm of organic Se; and 0.60 ppm of inorganic Se, supplemented "on top" of the basal diet. Six replications were used, each with 10 birds per experimental unit. For the evaluation of storage time and conditions, 720 quail eggs were employed in a completely randomized design. The design featured a 6×5×2 factorial arrangement consisting of six treatments derived from the performance trial, five storage times (7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days), and two storage forms (refrigerated and non-refrigerated). Each replication contained one egg, totaling 12 replications. Results indicated no significant effect of organic or inorganic Se supplementation in the diets on performance or egg quality. However, Se concentration increased linearly in eggs from quail fed increasing levels of this nutrient. Selenium supplementation affected storage time and egg quality under refrigerated and room-temperature conditions. In conclusion, on-top Se supplementation at concentrations ranging from 0.15 to 0.60 ppm, whether in organic or inorganic forms, does not impact quail performance. Nevertheless, it leads to increased Se deposition in eggs, contributing to the maintenance of egg quality throughout the storage period.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a suplementação de selênio orgânico (Se org.) em diferentes concentrações e de selênio inorgânico (Se inorg.) nas rações de codornas sobre o desempenho; qualidade dos ovos; e tempo e condições de armazenamento. No ensaio de desempenho foram utilizadas 360 codornas com 27 semanas de idade, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC) composto por seis tratamentos: Ração Basal; 0,15; 0,30; 0,45; e 0,60 ppm de Se org. e 0,60 ppm de Se inorg. suplementados on top à ração basal, com seis repetições e dez aves por unidade experimental. Para avaliar o tempo e condições de armazenamento foram utilizados 720 ovos de codornas distribuídos em DIC, com esquema fatorial 6x5x2 (sendo seis tratamentos provenientes do ensaio de desempenho; cinco tempos de estocagem (7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 dias); e duas formas de estocagem (refrigerada e não refrigerada), com doze repetições contendo um ovo cada. Não houve efeito na suplementação de Se org. e Se inorg. nas rações sobre desempenho e qualidade dos ovos. Houve aumento linear na concentração de Se nos ovos de codornas alimentadas com níveis crescentes deste nutriente. Houve efeito da suplementação com selênio sobre o tempo de estocagem na qualidade de ovos mantidos sob refrigeração e em temperatura ambiente. Conclui-se que a suplementação, on top, de níveis entre 0,15 e 0,60 ppm de selênio nas formas orgânica ou inorgânica, não altera o desempenho das codornas, acentuando, contudo, a deposição desse mineral nos ovos, favorecendo a manutenção da qualidade ao longo do tempo de armazenamento.(AU)

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This study investigated the effects of dietary aqueous extract of red propolis (AERP) on the performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, and fecal microbiota of laying quails. A total of 120 52-day-old laying quails were randomly divided into four dietary treatments, each consisting of six replicates of 5 animals. The dietary treatments were a control basal diet and basal diets with of 1g of AERP, 2g of AERP, and 0.01g of enramycin per kg of feed for 63 days. Productive performance results such as percentage of egg production, feed intake per quail per day, average egg weight, egg mass, and feed conversion rate showed no significant difference between treatments. On the other hand, eggs from quails fed with red propolis showed darker yolk, higher intensity of red, and lower intensity of yellow (p<0.05); as well as lower pH in the yolk. Moreover, microbiological counts on the surface of eggs and feces from diets containing propolis were lower in comparison with other treatments. It is possible to conclude that 1 g of AERP showed promising results as a feed additive for laying quails, since it maintained the productive performance of these animals and caused qualitative enhancements in the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of the eggs. Therefore, it could be used as a more natural way to improve quails' egg production.(AU)

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This study aimed to estimate metabolizable energy (ME) and digestible lysine (DL) requirements of Japanese quail in the starter (1 to 14 days) and grower (15 to 42 days) phases and investigate the influence of these dietary factors on body chemical composition, relative organ weights, and blood and bone parameters. The design was completely randomized with a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement (ME = 2830, 2970, 3110, and 3250 kcal × DL = 0.90%, 1.07%, 1.24%, and 1.41%), totaling 16 treatments, 3 replications per treatment, 50 birds per experimental unit in the starter phase (n = 2400 birds), and 35 birds per experimental unit in the grower phase (n = 1680 birds). In the starter phase, there was no interaction between factors on bird performance. Body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio had a quadratic response to ME and DL levels in starter diets. In this phase, there was an interaction effect on carcass ether extract content, femur Seedor index, and tibia Seedor index and a linear main effect of DL on the relative weight of the liver. In the grower phase, factors had a significant interaction effect on body weight gain and feed intake. Feed conversion ratio responded quadratically to both factors, and body weight, femur Seedor index, tibia Seedor index, and femur density were quadratically influenced by ME. Estimates derived from overlaid contour plots showed that Japanese quail require 3030 kcal ME and 1.221% DL in the starter phase and 3055 kcal ME and 1.202% DL in the grower phase.(AU)

Este trabalho objetivou estimar as exigências nutricionais de energia metabolizável (EM) e lisina digestível (LD) para codornas Japonesas nas fases de cria (1 a 14 dias) e recria (15 a 42 dias) e verificar suas implicações na composição química corporal, peso relativo dos órgãos, parâmetros sanguíneos e ósseos. O delineamento adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4 x 4 (EM = 2.830, 2.970, 3.110 e 3.250 kcal x LD = 0,90; 1,07; 1,24 e 1,41%), perfazendo 16 tratamentos com 3 repetições cada, contendo 50 codornas por unidade experimental na fase de cria (totalizando 2.400 aves) e 35 codornas por unidade experimental na fase de recria (totalizando 1.680 aves). Não foi verificada interação entre os fatores sobre o desempenho de codornas Japonesas na fase de cria, sendo que as variáveis peso médio, ganho de peso, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar apresentaram efeito quadrático tanto para EM quanto para LD. Nesta fase, o extrato etéreo da carcaça e o índice de Seedor do fêmur e da tíbia exibiram interação significativa, e o peso relativo do fígado apresentou efeito linear da LD. Na fase de recria houve interação dos fatores para ganho de peso e consumo de ração. A conversão alimentar apresentou efeito quadrático de ambos os fatores e o peso médio foi influenciado de modo quadrático pela EM, que também influenciou de modo quadrático o índice de Seedor nos dois ossos e a densidade óssea do fêmur. Considerando as estimativas obtidas por meio dos gráficos de contornos sobrepostos, os níveis de 3.030 kcal de EM e 1,221% de LD foram estimados para a fase de cria e os níveis de 3.055 kcal de EM e 1,202% de LD foram estimados para a fase de recria.(AU)

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The present study aimed to investigate the potential utilization of orange peel essential oil (OPEO), as a natural feed additive in poultry nutrition. The impact of incorporating OPEO into the diets of laying quails was examined with respect to various performance criteria, including feed consumption and efficiency, as well as egg production, weight, and shelf life. A total of 120 female egg quails, aged 16 weeks, were allocated into three main groups, and fed with control rations supplemented with OPEO at levels of 0 mg/kg (control group), 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg. Throughout the study, egg production was monitored on a daily basis, feed consumption was recorded every two weeks, and egg weights were measured twice a week on consecutive days. Moreover, the levels of malondialdehyde, a lipid peroxidation marker, in the egg yolks were quantified. The results indicated that the inclusion of OPEO in quail rations did not exert a significant influence on feed consumption and efficiency. However, OPEO supplementation had a positive impact on egg production and weight, leading to substantial increases in both crucial performance parameters. Furthermore, the study elucidated a statistically significant impact of OPEO on the levels of malondialdehyde in the egg yolks. In summary, the incorporation of OPEO into quail diets showcased remarkable efficacy in significantly augmenting egg yield and weight, while leaving feed consumption unaffected. These results highlight the potential of utilizing OPEO as a natural feed additive to improve the performance and egg quality of laying quails in commercial production systems.(AU)

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The present research aims to evaluate the inclusion of an emulsifying additive based on mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids in diets with different lipid sources, studying its effects on duodenum histology, biometry of the digestive and reproductive tract, and blood biochemical profile of Japanese quails. The study was carried out in the experimental aviary of the Federal University of Grande Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, with diets in a 3x2 factorial design with three different lipid sources (soybean oil, poultry fat, and beef tallow), either supplemented or not with an emulsifier. The birds that received a diet composed of poultry fat and an emulsifying additive had a larger gizzard. Animals that received a diet containing an emulsifier, regardless of the lipid source, had greater heart weight. The duodenum of animals that received bovine tallow in their diet showed a greater height and villus:crypt ratio. Biochemical parameters were not affected by either the lipid source or the inclusion of emulsifier in quail diets. The biochemical blood profile of birds in treatments did not show significant changes among all diets used. The use of soybean oil, bovine tallow, and poultry fat with or without the inclusion of an emulsifier does not show changes in the health and development of the quails' organs, which also indicates that the health of Japanese quails in the laying phase is kept in good standards.(AU)

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Two hundred and forty Japanese quail aged 125 days were randomly allocated to five treatment groups based on laying (%) and quail's weight (90.71 ± 1.8% egg/day × 100 and 178.05 ± 9.38 g, respectively), each of which included six replicates of eight quails. The diets were formulated based on corn, soybean meal, and industrial amino acids. An optimal diet achieves 100% of amino acids required by the quail requirements, except for threonine. Five treatments were made: 20% less amino acid; 10% less amino acid; optimal diet; 10% more amino acid; and 20% more amino acids than those in the optimal diet. The increase in amino acid levels in a fixed Lys: amino acid ratio led to histological alterations in the liver and uterine epithelium, reduction in blood lipid peroxidation, lower hepatic HSP70 gene expression, and the performance of laying Japanese quail. The optimal diet based on the NRC with an adjusted Thr: Lys 78 ratio (Lys 1.0%) improved the performance and efficiency of Japanese quail from 125 to 230 days of age.(AU)

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Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho de codornas japonesas na fase de cria emfunçãodosníveis de inclusão de grãos secos de destilaria (DDG) de milho na dieta. Foramutilizadas 720 codornas poedeiras (Coturnix coturnix japonica) com 1 dia de vida até 21 dias de idade, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos eseisrepetições, com 24 codornas por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos utilizados foram: dietacontrole com 0% de DDG, dieta com 5% de inclusão de DDG, dieta com10%de inclusãodeDDG, dieta com 15% de inclusão de DDG e dieta com 20% de inclusão de DDG. Foi avaliado o consumo de ração (g/ave/dia), o ganho de peso (g/ave/dia), conversão alimentar(kg/kg) e a viabilidade das aves. Os dados foram submetidos a análise de regressão a 5%deprobabilidade e pelo teste de Dunnet. Foi observado efeito (P<0,05) para ganho empeso, maspara o consumo de ração e conversão alimentar não houve diferença entre as dietas (P>0,05). Conclui-se que a inclusão de 14,8% de DDG de milho na dieta de codornas japonesas maximizou o ganho de peso e não prejudicou o consumo de ração e conversão alimentar dasaves.(AU)

The objective was to evaluate the performance of Japanese quails in the brooding phaseasafunction of the levels of inclusion of corn distillers dried grains (DDG) in the diet. Weused720 laying quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) with 1 day of life and 21 days of age, distributed in internally randomized delineation with five treatments and six repetitions, with24 quails per experimental unit. The treatments used were control diet with 0%DDG, diet with 5% inclusion of DDG, diet with 10% inclusion of DDG, diet with 15% inclusion of DDG and diet with 20% inclusion of DDG. feed intake (g / bird / day), weight gain (g/ bird/ day), feed conversion (kg / kg) and bird viability were evaluated. The data were submittedtoregression analysis at 5% probability and by the Dunnet test. There was an effect (P<0.05) forweight gain, but for feed intake and feed conversion there was no difference between the diets (P>0.05). It was concluded that the inclusion of 14.8% corn DDG in the diet of Japanesequails maximized weight gain and did not affect feed intake and feed conversion of the birds.(AU)

El objetivo fue evaluar el desempeño zootécnico de las codornices japonesas en la etapadecrianza en función de los niveles de inclusión de grano seco de destilería (DDG) de maízenladieta. Se utilizaron 720 codornices ponedoras (Coturnix coturnix japonica) de 1 día a 21díasde edad, distribuidas en un diseño completamente al azar con cinco tratamientos yseisrepeticiones, con 24 codornices por unidad experimental. Los tratamientos utilizados fueron: dieta control con 0% de DDG, dieta con 5% de inclusión de DDG, dieta con 10%de inclusiónde DDG, dieta con 15% de inclusión de DDG y dieta con 20% de inclusión de DDG. Seevaluó el consumo de alimento (g/ave/día), la ganancia de peso (g/ave/día), la conversiónalimenticia (kg/kg) y la viabilidad del ave. Los datos fueron sometidos a análisis de regresiónal 5% de probabilidad y mediante la prueba de Dunnet. Hubo un efecto (P<0,05) paralaganancia de peso, pero para el consumo de alimento y la conversión alimenticia nohubodiferencia entre las dietas (P>0,05). Se concluyó que la inclusión de 14,8%de DDGdemaízen la dieta de las codornices japonesas maximizó la ganancia de peso y no afectó el consumode alimento ni la conversión alimenticia de las aves.(AU)

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This study described changes in the serum biochemistry, morphology of genital organs, long bone, and eggshell during the daily egg formation cycle in Japanese quails. Sixty quails (18-wk) were distributed in 6 groups according to hours post-oviposition (POV): 0 hr POV (16h00), 2 hrs POV (egg in magnum), and 4, 8, 14, and 20 hrs POV (egg in uterus). The magnum had higher relative weight before the next ovulation (20 and 0 hr POV), and its tubular glands showed functional variation through periods: abundant eosinophilic, PAS+, and negative Alcian blue secretion at 0 and 2 hrs, empty glands aspect at 4 hrs, and filled again at 20 hrs POV. Serum albumin and total Ca had the highest value in the 2 hrs group, and the lowest in 8 and 14 hrs groups. Egg-cycle period affected the Ca% of the medullar bone of the femur and tibiotarsus, with the lowest mean at 14 hrs POV (06h00), and the highest mean after oviposition (0 hr POV), showing the recovery of Ca stores in long bones for the next egg cycle. Analysis of the eggshell using scanning electron microscopy evidenced that palisade layer formation starts during the night (8­14 hrs POV), and most parts are secreted during the day period. In conclusion, eggshell secretion in light periods, high magnum activity and medullary bone Ca deposition during midday and afternoon, as well as the ovulation/oviposition in the afternoon, are the main characteristics of the distinct physiological aspects of the egg cycle in quails.(AU)

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This study examined the effects of lavender essential oil on performance, meat quality, microbial load, fatty acid profile and gut microbiota in quails. In the study, 200 quails (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) were divided into 4 groups and 5 subgroups. The groups consisted of a control group (0 mg/kg feed) and three lavender essential oil groups, namely Lav125 (125 mg/kg feed), Lav250 (250 mg/kg feed), and Lav500 (500 mg/kg feed). In terms of body weight change, Lav500 group had the best results after the control group (p>0.05). It was observed that, compared to the control group, pH levels were high (p<0.05) in Lav250 and Lav500 groups on the 9th day of storage. The effect of storage time on malondialdehyde (MDA) was used as a parameter of lipid peroxidation in meat, and the Lav250 and Lav500 groups presented lower concentrations as compared to the control group (p<0.05). In this study, the addition of lavender essential oil to the diet enriched the concentrations of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Moreover, the height of villi in the duodenum and jejunum, and consequently absorption, increased significantly in the Lav500 group as compared to the control group. The concentration of MDA, a blood serum antioxidant enzyme, decreased with the addition of lavender oil. Additionally, lavender essential oil added to quail diets was observed to increase the number of Lactobacillus spp. (probiotic bacteria) colonies (p<0.05).(AU)

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Gut microbiota plays an important role in animal health, production and diseases. Little is known about whether heat stress alters the composition of quail gut microbiota; therefore, we studied the effects of heat stress on growth performance, antioxidant functions, heat shock proteins and caecal microbiota. Two groups of 40 (20-day-old) quails were set up, including a control reared at 24 ± 2°C and a heat stress group subjected to heat stress at 36 ± 2°C for 4 h per day for 7 consecutive days. We found that heat stress significantly elevated the relative expression levels of HSP70 and HSP90 mRNA in the thymus, bursa and spleen by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR assay, indicating successful establishment of the experimental model. Heat stress was found to have an effect on gut microbiota composition. At the genus level, Alistipes were significantly increased in the heat stress group. PICRUSt2 function prediction revealed that most of the KEGG pathways with high temperature-induced abundance differences are metabolism-related. These data indicated that heat stress reduced the production performance of quails by affecting antioxidant functions, as well as the composition and structure of the intestinal microbiota. The results of this study provide technical information for conducting research on heat stress prevention and control techniques in quails.(AU)

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Linoleic (LA, 18:2) and alpha-linolenic (ALA, 18:3) acids are omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids considered essential to human and animal health. The optimum LA/ALA ratio for the production of fertile eggs in Japanese quail breeders has been little investigated. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effects of LA/ALA ratio on productive performance, egg quality, serum biochemical profile, body composition, and organ weight in Japanese quail. A completely randomized design was used. Birds were distributed into five treatments consisting of different LA/ALA ratios (1.48:1, 4.57:1, 7.63:1, 10.69:1, and 13.75:1), obtained by adding soybean (LA) and flaxseed (ALA) oils to the feed. Productive performance and egg quality were assessed in three cycles of 28 days each. At the end of the experiment, the birds were slaughtered and evaluated for biochemical profile, genital organ weights, and body composition. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and regression (p<0.05). LA/ALA ratio had no effect on productive performance or egg quality. Blood cholesterol in females and males and total triglycerides in females showed a quadratic response. Breeders fed the highest level of flaxseed oil (1.48:1) had the best serum levels of cholesterol and total triglycerides. Live weight and relative organ weights were not influenced by LA/ALA ratio. Differences in ash and crude protein levels were observed between groups, with LA increasing the deposition of these nutrients. It was concluded that LA/ALA ratio didn't affect productive performance or egg quality. However, based on the results of body composition, serum triglycerides, and cholesterol, it is recommended to use an LA/ALA ratio of 1.48:1 in diets.(AU)

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The objective of this study was to characterize the dynamics of food passage in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of Japanese quail. A randomized design was used with four treatments and four experimental units with one bird each, nine of which were measured in time. The ingredients used were albumin, starch, cellulose, and soybean oil. Suspensions containing barium sulfate and saline were prepared, except for soybean oil. For each bird, 2.5 mL of the suspension was administered directly to the crop. Dual-energy absorptiometry (DEXA) was used to quantify the passage of food. The birds were sedated and maintained under inhalation anesthesia during the scan. Measurements were taken at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 h. The variables identified were passage time, first quality, and the average time of each variable. Based on these results, the ingredients may show differences in dynamic passing on the Japanese quail GIT. The duration of the first attempt was 32 min, ranging from 21 to 44 min. The average time value of food choice was close to 10.8 h and varied according to the ingredient from 8.45-12.16 h. Among the variables, soybean oil presented values ​​that denote a fast passage in the GIT, while albumin presented values ​​that denote a slower passage. The dynamics of food passage in the GIT of Japanese quails varies according to the chemical composition of the ingredients.(AU)

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This report examines the effects of calcium anacardate (CA) on the morphology, histology, and proteomics of the testes and epididymal ducts of breeding quail. To that end, 22 140-day-old males were grouped in four treatments, each with different concentrations of CA: 0% (control), 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75%. The testicles of the animals were weighed and measured, and proteins from the testicles were separated by 1D SDS-PAGE and analyzed via mass spectrometry. Overall, 35 bands were identified in the testicular tissue gels of European quail. Of these, 13 were significantly different, with treatment 0.75% CA being different from the control in all bands. Significant differences among the mean heights of the seminiferous epithelium and diameters of the epididymal duct were observed. In the control group, the average height of the seminiferous epithelium was 71.2 µm, and in 0.75% CA, it was 45.6 µm. Supplementing feed with CA altered the expression of specific proteins, such as superoxide dismutase and heat shock proteins, of the seminal plasma of quail, in addition to facilitating histological alterations regarding the height of the seminiferous epithelium and the diameter of the epididymal duct, improving the reproductive parameters.(AU)

Resumo

This study aims to evaluate the residual effect of different lipid sources in the diet of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) in the rearing phase on the performance and egg quality in the initial phase of egg-laying. In the first stage, 400 Japanese quails aged 21 days were used, being distributed in a completely randomized experimental design, with five treatments and ten replicates of eight birds/replicate Treatments consisted of basal ration (BR) with 2.5% soybean oil; BR with 2.5% corn oil; BR with 2.5% cottonseed oil; BR with 2.5% sunflower oil; and BR with 2.5% canola oil.At 42 days, maintaining the initial design, all quails received a basal ration with soybean oil, in order to evaluate the residual effect of the previous phase on the performance and egg quality in the initial phase of egg-laying (43 - 84 days). The different lipid sources did not affect the performance of quails in the initial phase of production. For egg quality, yolk height, yolk diameter, yolk index, gravity, and Haugh unit (HU) showed better results in the treatment using sunflower oil. There was a residual effect of the use of lipid sources of vegetable origin in the rearing phase diet of Japanese quails on egg quality traits. Lipid sources from soybean, corn, cottonseed, canola, and sunflower seeds can be used as energy sources in the rearing diet of egg-laying quails for not being harmful to their initial performance. The longevity in egg production of quails fed with different lipid sources in the rearing phase was similar.

A pesquisa foi conduzida com objetivo de avaliar o efeito residual de diferentes fontes lipídicas na dieta de codornas japonesas (Coturnix japonica) na fase de recria sob o desempenho e a qualidade de ovos na fase inicial de postura. Na primeira etapa foram utilizadas 400 codornas japonesas com idade de 21 dias, as aves foram distribuídas em tratamentos seguindo um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com dez repetições, de oito aves, em cinco tratamentos: ração basal (RB) com 2,5% de óleo de soja, RB com 2,5 % de óleo de milho, RB com 2,5% de óleo algodão, RB com 2,5% de óleo de girassol e RB com 2,5% de óleo de canola. Aos 42 dias mantendo o delineamento inicial, todas aves receberam ração basal com óleo de soja, para que fosse avaliado o efeito residual da fase anterior sobre o desempenho e a qualidade dos ovos na fase inicial de postura (43 - 84 dias). As diferentes fontes lipídicas não afetaram o desempenho das aves na fase inicial de produção. Para a qualidade dos ovos, os parâmetros de altura, diâmetro e índice de gema, gravidade e UH foram melhores no tratamento com utilização de óleo de girassol. Houve efeito residual da utilização de fontes lipídicas de origem vegetal na dieta em fase de recria de codornas japonesas sobre as características da qualidade dos ovos. As fontes lipídicas oriundas das sementes de soja, milho, algodão, canola e girassol podem ser utilizadas como ingredientes energéticos na dieta de recria de codornas poedeiras por não serem prejudiciais ao desempenho inicial das aves. A longevidade na produção dos ovos das aves alimentadas com diferentes fontes lipídicas na fase de recria foi semelhante.

Resumo

This study determined the metabolizable energy of DDGS for broiler quails (Experiment I) and evaluated the effect of different dietary levels of DDGS on performance, carcass, organ weight, meat quality, and economic viability (Experiment II). In Experiment I, 72 broiler quails were randomly distributed into two treatments (reference or test diets). The experimental period consisted of 5 days of adaptation, followed by 5 days of total excreta collection. Experimental diets consisted of a reference or a test diet containing 800 g/kg reference diet and 200 g/kg DDGS. In experiment II, 432 unsexed broiler quails were randomly distributed into groups fed six levels of DDGS (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, or 250 g/kg). At 43 days of age, birds were slaughtered and evaluated for carcass yield, organ weight, and meat quality. Apparent metabolizable energy values corrected for nitrogen retention of DDGS were 2,488 and 2,466 kcal/kg for males and females, respectively. In the growth phase and the overall period, feed intake increased linearly (p=0.015 and 0.040) and feed conversion ratio worsened (p=0.038 and 0.001) with the inclusion of DDGS in the diet, respectively. A linear increasing (p=0.001) of gizzard weight was observed with increasing dietary DDGS levels, while the economic variables were affect depending on seasonal feedstocks prices. It is concluded that dietary levels up to 250 g/kg DDGS do not affect growth, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of broiler quails. However, the prices of ingredients in the harvest and off-season period should be considered to determine the level of inclusion of DDGS.(AU)