Melanophilin regulates dendritogenesis in melanocytes for feather pigmentation.

Limited studies using animal models with a few natural mutations in melanophilin (Mlph) provided partial functions of Mlph in melanosome trafficking. To investigate cellular functions of Mlph, especially ZnF motif of Mlph, we analyzed all three Mlph knockout (KO) quail lines, one and two base pair (bp) deletions as models for total KO, and three bp deletion causing deletion of one Cysteine (C84del) in the ZnF motif. All quail lines had diluted feather pigmentation with impaired dendritogenesis and melanosome transport in melanocytes. In vitro studies revealed capability of binding of the ZnF motif to PIP3, and impairment of PI3P binding and mislocalization of MLPH proteins with ZnF motif mutations. The shortened melanocyte dendrites by the C84del mutation were rescued by introducing WT Mlph in vitro. These results revealed the diluted feather pigmentation by Mlph mutations resulted from congregation of melanosomes in the cell bodies with impairment of the dendritogenesis and the transport of melanosomes to the cell periphery.

The developmental architecture of the crop of quail embryos (Coturnix coturnix): Morphometric, light and scanning electron microscopy.

The present study focused on the histogenesis of the crop in quail embryos. The developmental sequence was recorded from day 10 of incubation to the hatching day (17th day) by gross anatomy, morphometric analysis and by using light and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Grossly, the crop was distinguished as an enlarged pouch of the cervical oesophagus on the 12th day of incubation. Histologically, the development of the crop began on the 10th day of incubation. The muscularis mucosae was observed as a small, thin layer of myoblast cells on the 10th day, then it appeared as longitudinally arranged smooth muscle fibres with progression of the developmental age till hatching day. The submucosal layer was also observed on the 10th day, while the lamina propria, muscular layer (inner circular and outer longitudinal layers of smooth muscle fibre) and glandular primordia were detected on the 12th day. The epithelial cells of crop revealed affinity for PAS stain and AB-PAS on the 10th day of incubation till the 17th day, while the affinity for AB stain appeared on the 14th day of incubation. Additionally, the glandular cells showed the positive for AB, PAS and AB-PAS on the 12th day of incubation. SEM sections showed variable sizes of the openings of the oesophageal glands. In conclusion, the present study provided a detailed overview of the histogenesis of the crop in quail embryos.

Successful xenotransplantation of testicular cells following fractionated chemotherapy of recipient birds.

An essential step in the success of germ cell transplantation is the preparation of the recipient's testicular environment to increase the availability of stem cell niches. However, most methods for this purpose in birds face serious limitations such as partial germ cell depletion, high toxicity and mortality, or the need to use expensive technologies. Here, we validated a simple and practical technique of transferring quail testicular cells into chicken testes depleted of endogenous spermatozoa by fractioned chemotherapy (20 mg/kg/week busulfan for 5 weeks). This protocol resulted in a very low mortality of the treated day-old chicks and, despite maintenance of androgenic activity, sperm production was decreased by 84.3% at 25 weeks of age. NANOG immunostaining revealed that very few to no germ cells were present following treatment with 20 and 40 mg/kg, respectively. RT-qPCR data also showed that c-MYC and NANOG expression declined in these treatments, but GRFα1 and BID expressions remained unaltered among groups. After xenotransplantation, quail germ cells were immunodetected in chicken testes using a species-specific antibody (QCPN), and quail ovalbumin DNA was found in seminal samples collected from chicken recipients. Together, these data confirm that fractionated administration of busulfan in hatchlings is a practical, effective, and safe protocol to prepare recipient male birds capable of supporting xenogeneic spermatogenesis.

Difference in concentration of lead (Pb) in meat from pheasants killed using lead and iron (Fe) shotgun ammunition.

The use of lead shotgun ammunition for hunting has been banned in a few jurisdictions and habitats, principally to protect wild birds from poisoning by ingestion of spent lead shot. The EU and UK REACH processes have recently considered bans on lead ammunition throughout the European Union and United Kingdom, including assessments of possible health benefits from reduced human dietary exposure to lead from game meat. Comparisons of the mean lead concentrations in meat from gamebirds killed using lead and non­lead shotgun ammunition have not been published. We compared lead concentrations in meat from wild-shot pheasants from which lead shotgun pellets were recovered (n = 27) with those from which iron pellets were recovered (n = 20), having removed all pellets from the meat before analysis. The mean concentration of lead in meat from pheasants killed using lead shot was 2.10 mg/kg w.w., which is >20 times the European Union's maximum permitted level for the lead concentration in meat from domesticated animals. For pheasants killed using iron shot the mean was 0.07 mg/kg w.w., which is below the maximum permitted level.

Effects of exposing Japanese quail eggs to a low dose of gamma radiation and in ovo feeding by two sources of trace elements on embryonic development activities.

The present study investigated the influence of exposing quail eggs to low-dose gamma radiation (GR) and in ovo feeding with 2 sources of a mixture of trace elements (Zn, Fe, and Cu), including sulfate (TES) and loaded with montmorillonite (TEM), on embryonic development activities and prehatch quality. A total of 960 eggs on the seventh day of incubation were randomly divided into 6 groups (160 eggs/group) with 4 replicate of 40 eggs in each. A 3 × 2 factorial arrangement experiment was performed and included 3 sources in ovo feeding with a mixture of trace elements (Zn, Fe, and Cu), including 0 mg/egg, 50 mg TES/egg, and 50 mg TEM/egg with egg irradiation using 0 and 0.2 Gy from GR. Eggs injected with 50 mg TEM/egg and exposed to 0.2 Gy from GR (TEM/GR) was significantly (P ≤ 0.05 and 0.01) higher in hatchability, hatch body weight, and relative organ weight (liver, gizzard, proventriculus, heart, and intestine). The obtained results indicated significant (P ≤ 0.05) decreased in the serum concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in TEM/GR group. There was significant (P ≤ 0.05) increased of catalase (CAT) activity and the concentrations of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in TEM/GR group; however; total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was significant (P ≤ 0.05) increased in CT/GR group. Serum concentrations of immunoglobulin M (IgM) (P ≤ 0.05) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were increased in the TEM/CR group; the concentration of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) significant (P ≤ 0.05) increased in the TEM/GR group; and interleukins (IL6 and IL10) showed no significant differences among the groups. Our results showed increase in thyroxine and myostatin concentrations with TES/CR and CT/GR of our study groups, respectively. The relative mRNA expression levels of the GH, IGF-1, and Fas cell surface death receptor (FAS) genes were significantly (P ≤ 0.05 and 0.01) upregulated in the liver tissue of the TEM/GR group compared with the other groups. In conclusion, TEM/GR was the best treatment for improving prehatch quality, increasing serum antioxidant enzyme activities, and promoting the expression of growth and immune genes in fertilized quail eggs.

The potential of Spirulina platensis to substitute antibiotics in Japanese quail diets: impacts on growth, carcass traits, antioxidant status, blood biochemical parameters, and cecal microorganisms.

The development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms prompted the investigation of possible antibiotic substitutes. As a result, the purpose of the current study is to assess the effect of dietary Spirulina platensis extract as an antibiotic alternative on Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) growth, antioxidant status, blood parameters, and cecal microorganisms. There was a total of 150 Japanese quails used in this study, divided equally among 5 experimental groups (10 birds per group with 3 replicates): group 1 (G1) received a basal diet without any S. platensis extract, group 2 (G2) received a basal diet supplemented with 1 mL S. platensis extract/kg, group 3 (G3) received a basal diet supplemented with 2 mL S. platensis extract/kg, group 4 (G4) received a basal diet supplemented with 3 mL S. platensis extract/kg, and group 5 (G5) received a basal diet supplemented with 4 mL S. platensis extract/kg from d 7 until d 35. The results showed that compared to the control birds in G1, Japanese quail supplemented with 4 mL of S. platensis extract/kg of diet (G5) had significantly better live body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, digestive enzymes, blood parameters, liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, antioxidant profile, immunological parameters, and cecal microorganism's count. There were no significant changes in the percentage of carcasses, liver, and total giblets among all the 5 groups. Only gizzard percentage showed a significant increase in G2 compared to birds in G1. In addition, intestinal pH showed a significant drop in G2 and G5 compared to birds in G1. After cooking the quail meat, the juiciness and tenderness increased as S. platensis extract levels increased, whereas aroma and taste declined slightly as S. platensis extract levels increased. Furthermore, when a high concentration of S. platensis extract was used, the lightness of the meat reduced while its redness and yellowness increased. The disk diffusion assay showed that S. platensis extract had significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter jejuni, and Salmonella typhi, with inhibition zones ranging from 16 to 42 mm. This activity may be attributable to the volatile chemicals in S. platensis extract, of which Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol are the primary components. In the diet of Japanese quails, it is possible to draw the conclusion that the extract of S. platensis can be utilized as a feed additive and as an alternative to antibiotics.

The role of chamomile oil against ochratoxin A in quail breeders: productive and reproductive performances, egg quality, and blood metabolites.

This study aimed to evaluate the beneficial role of chamomile essential oil in improving productive and reproductive performances, egg quality, and blood metabolites and reducing the toxic effect of Ochratoxin A (OTA) in quail breeder's diets. A total of 144 mature quails, 8 wk old, were divided into 6 groups. The treatments were: G1 (the control), G2 (supplemented with OTA 1 mg/kg diet), G3 (supplemented with chamomile oil 0.5 g/kg diet), G4 (supplemented with chamomile oil 1 G/kg diet), G5 (supplemented with OTA 1 mg/kg diet + chamomile oil 0.5 g/kg diet), and G6 (supplemented with OTA 1 mg/kg diet + chamomile oil 1 g/kg diet). The OTA administration alone significantly decreased egg production and mass in quail breeders (P < 0.0001). Moreover, poor feed conversion ratio (FCR), fertility percentage (P < 0.0001), and hatchability percentage (P < 0.0009) were recorded. A significant decline (P < 0.05) in the levels of serum protein (total protein and globulin) was also recorded in OTA-contaminated groups, along with elevated serum levels of liver enzymes such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate transaminase (AST) and kidney function test as urea and creatinine levels (P < 0.05). Ochratoxin A-contaminated feed resulted in a significant elevation (P < 0.05) in total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), along with a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in antioxidant status and immunological response. The supplementation of chamomile essential oil, either 0.5 g/kg or 1g/kg, to the basal diet or OTA-supplemented feed, revealed a significant increase in hatchability %, fertility, egg mass, and egg production and better FCR, egg quality, and immunological status when compared to OTA only. Moreover, chamomile essential oil supplementation improves liver and kidney function markers, decreases LDL, VLDL), TG, and TC. Along with a significant increase (P < 0.05) in terms of antioxidant status as glutathione peroxidase enzyme (GPX), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and significantly (P < 0.05) improves immunological response as IgM, IgG, lysozyme and complement 3. In summary, chamomile oil supplementation, either separate or combined with OTA, reduced the adverse effects of OTA and led to improved productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, and blood metabolites in Japanese quail breeders.

Vitamin C and/or garlic can antagonize the toxic effects of cadmium on growth performance, hematological, and immunological parameters of growing Japanese quail.

This study used 300 1-day-old, sexless, developing chicks of Japanese quail to estimate the ability of vitamin C and/or garlic to antagonize the venomous influence of cadmium (Cd) on the hematological, immunological, and performance characteristics of developing Japanese quail. The quail was separated into 5 similar groups of 60 chicks apiece, and 6 duplicates (10 each) were given to each sub-group. The control group received a basal diet without any supplements. The Cd group was nourished with a basal diet of + 80 mg cadmium chloride (CdCl2)/kg diet. The 3rd group was fed a basal diet + 80 mg CdCl2/kg diet and complemented with a 200 mg Vitamin C (Cd + C)/kg diet. The 4th group was nourished with a basal diet + 80 mg CdCl2/kg diet and complemented by a 500 mg dried garlic powder (Cd + G)/kg diet. The 5th group was fed a basal diet + 80 mg CdCl2/kg diet, complemented by a 200 mg vitamin C/kg diet + 500 mg dried garlic powder (Cd + CG)/kg diet. Results showed that in the 5th group in which cadmium was added together with Vit C + garlic, there was an improvement in both live weight gain (1-42 d) and feed consumption (1-21 and 1-42 d ) compared to the group in which Cd was added alone. The addition of Vit C alone and together with garlic seems to completely improve the cadmium-related increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels when compared to the control. Compared to cadmium-polluted diets, quail that got cadmium and feed additives significantly reduced cadmium residue. In addition, the cadmium group's serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) level decreased significantly. These data imply that dietary supplementation with (C) or (G) may be beneficial in retrogressing the drop in immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM caused by Cd and minimizing Cd's deleterious influence on immunity.

Curcumin improves the egg quality, antioxidant activity, and intestinal microbiota of quails during the late laying period.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary curcumin supplementation on laying performance, egg quality, egg metabolites, lipid metabolism, antioxidant activity, and intestinal microbial composition of quails in the late laying period. A total of 960 late-laying quails (240-day-old) were randomly divided into 4 groups of 6 replicates each (n = 40/replicate). The experimental diets of the 4 groups consisted of basal diets supplemented with 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg curcumin, respectively. The feeding experiment lasted for 8 wk. The results showed that 200 mg/kg curcumin supplementation decreased mortality and increased eggshell thickness and strength compared with the 0 mg/kg curcumin supplementation during wk 5 to 8. In addition, dietary supplementation of curcumin promoted lipid metabolism, enhanced antioxidant activity, and modified intestinal microbiota structure. In conclusion, dietary supplemented with 200 mg/kg curcumin significantly improved the egg quality of quails in the late laying period, primarily by improving lipid metabolism and selectively regulating the intestinal microbial community.

Yucca schidigera Extract Mitigates the Oxidative Damages, Inflammation, and Neurochemical Impairments in the Brains of Quails Exposed to Lead.

The present study explored the neurotoxic impacts of lead (Pb) and the potential alleviating effect of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) in Japanese quails. About 360 adult Japanese quails (8 weeks old) were used. Quails were randomly distributed to six groups with 4 replicates each: the control group (fed basal diet, BD), the BD + YSE1 and BD + YSE2 groups (BD + 100 and 200 mg/kg diet of YSE, respectively), the Pb group (BD + 100 mg/kg Pb), and the Pb + YSE1 and Pb + YSE2 groups (BD + Pb + 100 and 200 mg/kg YSE, respectively). This feeding trial lasted for 8 weeks. The exposure to Pb in the diet induced oxidative damage stress in the brain of exposed quails reflected by the significant increase in the oxidative markers including malonaldehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) and the significant reduction in the activities of antioxidants including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the reduced glutathione (GSH). Brain neurochemistry and enzyme activities were also altered following Pb exposure. Pb significantly reduced serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA, Ach, and Na + /K + -ATPase activities. Pb dietary intoxication markedly increased brain inflammatory biomarkers, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), myeloperoxidase, and nitric oxide. Peripherally, Pb toxicity decreased the amino acid neurotransmitters (glutamic acid, glycine, and aspartic acid) in the serum of birds. At the transcriptomic level, Pb exposure upregulated the transcription patterns of CASP3, TNF-α, HSP70, and IL-1ß. The single effect of YSE maintained that all the assessed parameters were not changed compared to the control. Interestingly, the YSE co-supplementation with Pb alleviated the Pb-induced neuro-oxidative damages by lowering the lipid, protein, and DNA damage, and the inflammatory biomarkers.

Consequences of dietary cinnamon and ginger oils supplementation on blood biochemical parameters, oxidative status, and tissue histomorphology of growing Japanese quails.

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of various concentrations of ginger and cinnamon oils as antibiotic substitutes on some blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity, and histopathological profile of the liver and gut of growing Japanese. A total of 900 Japanese quails were randomly allotted into 6 treatment groups. Each group had 5 replicates (30 chicks each). The first group received a basal diet and served as the control, while the second received a basal diet plus 0.5 g of colistin antibiotic/kg diet. The third and fourth groups were supplemented with 0.5 mL and 1.0 mL of ginger oil (GO)/kg diet, respectively. While the fifth and sixth groups received basal diet with 0.5 and 1.0 mL of cinnamon oil (CO)/kg diet, respectively. Results showed that adding herbal oils significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and urea levels compared to control and colistin groups. Various levels of GO and CO significantly (P < 0.05) reduced cholesterol levels compared to control birds. Compared to the control and antibiotic groups, Japanese quails supplemented with various levels of herbal oils (GO and CO) had more extraordinarily significant (P < 0.05) values for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GSR). Regarding histopathologic examination, the jejunum displayed a nearly empty lumen, a few fusions, and mild goblet cell metaplasia. On the other hand, the duodenum looked tall and had a few fusions of villi and remnants of removal in its lumina. It could be concluded that cinnamon and GO improved birds' blood biochemical parameters, electorate oxidative stress, and enhanced intestinal and hepatic histology of the treated quails. Also, the levels of 0.5 mL CO and 0.5 mL GO may be an acceptable substitute for antibiotics (colistin) in the diets of growing Japanese quail.

Potential effect dietary supplementation of calcium tetraborate in quails exposed to cadmium: Its impact on productive performance, oxidative stress, cecal microflora, and histopathological changes.

Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, and Cd exposure harms human health, agriculture, and animal husbandry. The present study aimed to investigate the potential protective effect of dietary supplementation of calcium tetraborate (CTB) on productive performance, oxidative stress, cecal microflora, and histopathological changes in quail exposed to Cd. A total of one hundred twenty, 6-week-old Japanese quail (four females and two males/replicate) were divided into four groups (30 quails/group): the control group (feeding basic diet), CTB group (basic diet containing 300 mg/kg CaB4O7, 22.14% elemental B/kg diet), the Cd group (basic diet containing 100 mg/kg cadmium chloride (CdCl2) (total Cd content of 92.1 mg/kg)) and the CTB + Cd group (basic diet containing 300 mg/kg CTB and 100 mg/kg CdCl2). The results showed that Cd exposure caused decreased performance, increased the proportion of broken and soft-shelled eggs, induced oxidative stress, affected cecal microflora, epicardial hemorrhages in the heart, focal necrosis in the liver, degeneration in the kidneys, and degenerated and necrotic seminiferous tubules in the testicles. CTB prevented Cd-induced oxidative stress in liver tissue by increasing total antioxidant status and reducing total oxidant status. In addition, CTB improved egg production and feed conversion ratio (FCR). CTB protected the cecal microflora by inhibiting Enterobacteriaceae and promoting Lactobacillus. CTB also reduced Cd-induced histopathological damage in the heart, liver, kidneys, and testicles. In conclusion, these findings suggest that CTB could be used in Cd-challenged quail, and this compound provides new insights into the toxicity of environmental Cd.

Does dietary linseed or canola oil affect lipid metabolism, immunity, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids content in quail eggs?

One of the most intriguing areas of research and innovation in the animal production and food sector recently has been designed-enriched products. These items are regarded as functional foods because they feature components that have advantageous physiological impacts on human health. In the production of poultry, designed eggs constitute a significant category of functional foods. The present study hypothesized that adding different kinds of oils to quail diets will help produce designer eggs rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids in addition to enhancing productive performance. So, this study examined how linseed (flaxseed) and canola oils with various levels can affect lipid metabolism, immune function, and the amount of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in Japanese quail eggs. This work was conducted using 3 different vegetable oils (sunflower, linseed, and canola oils) and 3 different antioxidant supplements (0, 250 mg vitamin E/kg feed, and 1,000 mg ginger/kg feed) in a 3 × 3 factorial experiment. When linseed or canola oil was added to the diet, the number of fatty acids in the egg yolks of Japanese quail layers fell by (12.7 and 18.9%) and (41.4 and 24.6%), respectively. The amounts of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in total eggs fell by 21.9 and 14.6% and 24.5 and 15.8%, respectively, at 20 wk of age. However, when linseed and canola oil were added to the diet, the sum n-3 PUFA content in the egg yolk of Japanese quail-laying hens was noticeably raised at 15 and 20 wk of age. At 15 and 20 wk of age, the same groups' total n-6 PUFA content considerably increased compared to the group that did not receive flaxseed. In conclusion, during the laying period of Japanese quail, linseed oil, canola oil, vitamin E, or ginger positively affected productivity, blood hematology, constituents, resistance, lipid digestion system, and antioxidative properties in serum and egg yolk.

Heat detoxification of Jatropha cucas meal and its effect on productive and reproductive performance of quail.

Jatropha is a large, multipurpose, drought-tolerant plant with many traits and great potential as a biofuel crop. It originates from Central America but is now distributed throughout the tropics, including Africa and Asia. The study determines whether the dietary inclusion of raw Jatropha cucas meal (RJM, 3.5%) had negative impacts on the reproductive and productive performances of male Japanese quail as well as whether these impacts could be mitigated by heating the jatropha meal at 100°C for 24 or 48 h (JH24 or JH48 respectively). One hundred twenty healthy mature male quails at the age of 12 wk were assigned randomly to 4 treatments. Every treatment had 6 replicates, with 5 birds per replicate. The RJM caused a considerable decline in fertility and a high mortality rate in quail, whereas heat-treated jatropha meal (JH24 or JH48) decreased these unwanted effects. The RJM significantly increased triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), while reducing total protein and albumin. These values returned to normal in the JH24 and JH48 groups. The RJM significantly reduced the testosterone and increased estradiol and hepatic content of vitellogenin (Vtg) and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) while they were normal in JH48 group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, and the reduced glutathione (GSH) content in testicular tissues were significantly reduced in the RJM group when compared to control. Protein carbonyl (PC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxy 2 deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels were significantly increased in the RJM group when compared to control. Heating of JM for 48 h reduced the 8-OHdG and MDA levels toward the control level better than JH24 and restored PC to normal. Based on the obtained results, The toxic components in JM could be eliminated through heat treatment, and extending the treatment duration to 48 h is recommended for transforming the potentially harmful jatropha meal into an alternative protein source for livestock nutrition.

Lipid oxidation and antioxidant capacity in multigenerational heat stressed Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

In some areas of the world, climate-controlled poultry houses are not possible; thus, likely resulting in lower production measurements and poorer quality poultry products due to lipid oxidation during heat stress. In Japanese quail, heat stress can occur starting at 30˚C; however, as climate change becomes more severe, temperatures above 30˚C may become more frequent. Endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) can prevent further oxidation. The goal of this study was to determine if 10 generations of selection for low feed conversion ratio (FCR) in Japanese quail at 31.1˚C resulted in lower lipid oxidation and more antioxidant activity. The experimental design for adult tissues was 4 treatments × 2 sexes × 4 tissue types and for egg yolks was 4 treatments × 3 wk of lay with varying storage conditions. Lipid oxidation was determined in brain, liver, kidney, thigh, and yolk. SOD and CAT activities were determined in brain, liver, kidney, and thigh. ANOVA indicated significance at P ≤ 0.05. Results suggested that heat stress at 31.1˚C and 10 generations of selection for low FCR did not significantly affect lipid oxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities across all tissues. Tissue differences occurred in lipid oxidation and antioxidant enzyme activity. Brain had the most oxidation, followed by liver > kidney > thigh (P < 0.0004). Kidneys had significantly more CAT activity than brain, liver, and thigh. Brain and thigh had similar CAT activities. Thus, poultry products from quail raised at this temperature may have similar quality to those that are raised within their thermoneutral zone (18 to 30˚C). Future directions could include comparisons within the thermoneutral zone and incrementally higher temperatures to 1) to pinpoint the temperature when biochemical measurements in tissues associated with lipid oxidation begin to occur, 2) determine when total antioxidant capacity and lipid oxidation are significantly higher, and 3) ascertain SOD and CAT activity in day-of-lay yolks of eggs for future production to properly administer heat stress mitigation strategies.

Contribution of birds to the study of sexual differentiation of brain and behavior.

Behavioral neuroendocrinology has largely relied on mammalian models to understand the relationship between hormones and behavior, even if this discipline has historically used a larger diversity of species than other fields. Recent advances revealed the potential of avian models in elucidating the neuroendocrine bases of behavior. This paper provides a review focused mainly on the contributions of our laboratory to the study of sexual differentiation in Japanese quail and songbirds. Quail studies have firmly established the role of embryonic estrogens in the sexual differentiation of male copulatory behavior. While most sexually differentiated features identified in brain structure and physiology result from the different endocrine milieu of adults, a few characteristics are organized by embryonic estrogens. Among them, a sex difference was identified in the number and morphology of microglia which is not associated with sex differences in the concentration/expression of neuroinflammatory molecules. The behavioral role of microglia and neuroinflammatory processes requires further investigations. Sexual differentiation of singing in zebra finches is not mediated by the same endocrine mechanisms as male copulatory behavior and "direct" genetic effect, i.e., not mediated by gonadal steroids have been identified. Epigenetic contributions have also been considered. Finally sex differences in specific aspects of singing behavior have been identified in canaries after treatment of adults with exogenous testosterone suggesting that these aspects of song are differentiated during ontogeny. Integration of quail and songbirds as alternative models has thus expanded understanding of the interplay between hormones and behavior in the control of sexual differentiation.

Effects of melittin on production performance, antioxidant function, immune function, heat shock protein, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota in heat-stressed quails.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of melittin on production performance, antioxidant function, immune function, heat shock protein, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota of heat-stressed quails. A total of 120 (30-day-old) male quails were randomly divided into 3 groups. Each group consisted of 4 replicates with 10 birds per replicate. The ambient temperature of the control group (group W) was 24°C ± 2°C. The heat stress group (group WH) and the heat stress + melittin group (group WHA2) were subjected to heat stress for 4 h from 12:00 to 16:00 every day, and the temperature was 36°C ± 2°C for 10 d. The results showed that compared with the group W, heat stress significantly decreased growth performance, serum and liver antioxidative function, immune function, intestinal villus height (VH) and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (VH/CD), and cecal microbiota Chao and ACE index (P < 0.05). The crypt depth (CD) in the small intestine, and HSP70 and HSP90 mRNA levels in the heart, liver, spleen, and kidney were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Dietary melittin significantly increased growth performance, serum and liver antioxidative function, immune function, intestinal VH and VH/CD, and cecal microbiota Shannon index in heat-stressed quails (P < 0.05). Melittin significantly decreased small intestinal CD, and HSP70 and HSP90 mRNA levels in the viscera (P < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary melittin could have balanced the disorder of cecal microbiota caused by heat stress and increased the abundance and diversity of beneficial microbiota (e.g., Firmicutes were significantly increased). PICRUSt2 functional prediction revealed that most of the KEGG pathways with differential abundance caused by high temperature were related to metabolism, and melittin could have restored them close to normal levels. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the beneficial intestinal bacteria Anaerotruncus, Bacteroidales_S24-7_group_norank, Lachnospiraceae_unclassified, Shuttleworthia, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 increased by melittin were positively correlated with average daily feed intake, the average daily gain, serum and liver superoxide dismutase, IgG, IgA, bursa of Fabricius index, and ileum VH and VH/CD. In sum, our results demonstrate for the first time that dietary melittin could improve the adverse effects of heat stress on antioxidant function, immune function, heat shock protein, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota in quails, consequently improving their production performance under heat stress.

The potential effect of leptin co-administration on photodynamic damage using quail chorioallantoic membrane model.

BACKGROUND: The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the Japanese quail is an excellent model for studying photodynamic therapy (PDT) due to its rich vascularization. PDT is used not only in oncological treatment but also in infectious diseases, or psoriasis, where it yields significant advantages. This treatment also has its limitations, such as burning, itching, erythema, redness, swelling, and delayed wound healing. The aim of this study was to analyse the potentially protective properties of the tissue hormone leptin during PDT. METHODS: Japanese quail embryos incubated ex ovo were used in this experiment. On the 9th day of embryonic development, leptin (5 µg) and photosensitiser hypericin (79 µM) were topically applied, followed by irradiation. The effect of leptin co-administration was evaluated from CAM images and histological structure analysis, histological samples, and qPCR, where the expression of genes involved in angiogenesis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress was monitored. RESULTS: We observed vascular damage in all experimental groups, the highest damage was found after the application of hypericin without leptin coadministration. Histological analysis confirmed the protective effect of leptin. qPCR analysis presented differences in FREK gene expression, but also in genes involved in oxidative stress like SOD, NRF-1, NRF-2, and GPX7. The application of leptin significantly reduced the expression of apoptosis regulatory proteins CASP3, cytochrome C, and APAF1. CONCLUSIONS: Our results in the CAM model suggest a possible protective effect of leptin to prevent PDT damage and aid in the subsequent regeneration of target tissues after antimicrobial PDT.

Species of Reticulipeurus Kéler, 1958 (Phthiraptera, Ischnocera, Oxylipeurus-complex) parasitic on species of Arborophila, with description of a new subgenus and three new species.

A new subgenus and three new species of parasitic lice (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) in the Oxylipeurus-complex are described and illustrated. Forcipurellus new subgenus is part of the genus Reticulipeurus Kéler, 1958, and only includes species parasitic on partridges of the genus Arborophila Hodgson, 1837. The new species are: Reticulipeurus (Forcipurellus) diki new species ex Arborophila rubrirostris (Salvadori, 1879); Reticulipeurus (Forcipurellus) bracatus new species ex Arborophila atrogularis (Blyth, 1849); Reticulipeurus (Forcipurellus) longistylus new species ex Arborophila rufogularis guttata Delacour & Jabouille, 1928 and two other host subspecies. In addition, we redescribe the species Reticulipeurus (Forcipurellus) formosanus (Uchida, 1917) ex Arborophila crudigularis (Swinhoe, 1864) and Reticulipeurus (Forcipurellus) nitzschi Kéler, 1958 ex Arborophila torqueola torqueola (Valenciennes, 1825) and Arborophila torqueola millardi (Baker, 1921). Also, we briefly discuss four additional species that could not be described based on the specimens examined. A key to identify all species in the subgenus Forcipurellus is provided, as well as an emendation to include Forcipurellus in a previously published key to the Oxylipeurus-complex.

Does the addition of choline and/or betaine to diets reduce the methionine requirements of laying quails? Assessment of performance and egg antioxidant capacity.

The purpose of the present study was to assess the performance, quality of eggs internally and externally, and antioxidant capacity of yolks in laying quails with the administration of choline and betaine to diets containing reduced methionine levels. A total of 150 Japanese laying quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) at the 10-wk age were randomly assigned to 6 experimental groups, each consisting of 5 replicates and 5 birds for 10 wk. The treatment diets were designed by adding the following substances: 0.45% methionine (C), 0.30% methionine (LM), 0.30% methionine + 0.15% choline (LMC), 0.30% methionine + 0.20% betaine (LMB), 0.30% methionine + 0.075% choline + 0.10% betaine (LMCB1), 0.30% methionine + 0.15% choline + 0.20% betaine (LMCB2). The treatments did not affect performance, egg production, or egg internal quality (P > 0.05). No significant effect was determined on the damaged egg rate (P > 0.05), but the egg-breaking strength, eggshell thickness, and eggshell relative weight decreased in the LMCB2 group (P < 0.05). Regarding lipid peroxidation, treatments did not affect the yolk 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl value (P > 0.05), although the lowest thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value was observed in the LMB compared to the control group (P < 0.05). It may be summarized that methionine can be decreased to levels of 0.30% for laying quail diets with no negative effect on performance, egg production, or egg internal quality, whereas the combination of methionine (0.30%) and betaine (0.2%) could improve antioxidant stability of eggs over the 10-wk experimental period. These findings provide useful information to the traditional recommendations on the requirements of laying quail. However, further studies are needed to test whether these effects persist throughout extended study periods.