Carcass characteristics, physicochemical traits, texture and microstructure of young and spent quails meat.

The purpose of the study was to compare young (6-wk-old) and spent (52-wk-old) Japanese quail in terms of body weight, carcass characteristics, and some meat quality traits. Whole carcasses were dissected, pectoral muscles and leg muscles were sampled for determination of basic chemical composition and L*a*b* color parameters, while m. pectoralis major was sampled for texture and microstructure traits. Age of quails had a significant effect on body weight, carcass weight, carcass yield, pectoral muscle, abdominal fat and skin with subcutaneous fat, and carcass remainders contents in eviscerated carcass. Spent quails had significantly higher intramuscular fat content in pectoral and leg muscles and protein content in breast muscle, and also lower content of water in breast and leg muscles than young quails. Slaughter age significantly affected lightness (L*) and redness (a*) of pectoral muscles, as well as texture traits (except for cohesiveness) and microstructure of m. pectoralis major, except for thickness of perimysium and endomysium. Regardless of age, quail sex had an effect on the carcass traits studied (except for leg muscle content), intramuscular fat content of pectoral and leg muscles, water content of leg muscles and yellowness of pectoral muscle. In addition, a significant effect of quail sex was found on cutting work, springiness, chewiness and marked microstructural characteristics, except for vertical fiber diameter. The interaction between age and sex was significant for most slaughter and microstructural characteristics and also WB-shear force of m. pectoralis major, and L*, b* pectoral muscles. Higher fatness of carcasses, higher intramuscular fat in meat, and poorer textural and microstructural characteristics of m. pectoralis major spent Japanese quail indicate poorer fulfillment of most consumers' requirements compared to carcasses and meat of young quails.

Does the marketing age impact growth performance, carcass traits, economic feasibility and hemato-biochemical properties of genetically-modified quails?

The meat of the quail is one of the most delicious types, as it is rich in minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin K, which is useful in treating nervous diseases. In the present investigation, based on their live body weight, 270 genetically-enhanced white quail chicks of mixed sex were randomly assigned to 3 groups, each with 90 chicks. The first group's birds were slaughtered at 28 d of age. The birds in the second group were slaughtered at 31 d, and the birds in the third group were slaughtered at 34 d. Results showed no significant difference between the various groups in the overall mortality rate index at the end of each fattening stage (P > 0.05). There were substantial variations (P ≤ 0.05) in the average live weight index between the first and both groups at each group's marketing age. With increasing marketing age, body weight increases. Quail chicks raised for 34 d received the lowest EPEF (28.90 points), followed by those raised for 31 d and 28 d, which received 33.37 and 37.32 points, respectively. The economic feasibility of the 3 groups, no significant differences in the profit index were observed at the age of 28 d. Compared to the marketing age of the other 2 groups, it was noted that the profit index decreased as the birds advanced in age. Delaying marketing to 31 d leads to a decrease in profit by 5.7%, and delaying marketing to 34 d reduces the profit index to 26.36% compared to marketing at 28 d. For blood hematology parameters, a significant increase in the studied indicators with the age of the birds was observed through the study of blood indicators. Still, it did not reach the significance level. It could be concluded that 28 d is the ideal marketing age for the enhanced white quails, as it yielded the highest economic return and the best performance.

Growth performance, carcass traits and meat physical characteristics of growing Japanese quail fed ginger powder and frankincense oil as feed additives.

This work aimed to investigate the effects of dietary frankincense oil and ginger on the growth efficiency of growing Japanese quail, including live body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass traits, and physical characteristics of the meat. In total, 150 unsexed Japanese quail chicks that were 7 d old were utilized in the experiment. The chicks were randomly divided into 5 groups. Each group was divided into 3 replicates with ten birds in a completely randomized design. Group 1 received a basal diet without supplements and was used as a control group. Groups 2 and 3 received basal diets with 250 and 500 mg of ginger per kg of diet, respectively. Groups 4 and 5 received basal diets with 200 and 400 mg of frankincense oil per kg of diet, respectively. Results showed that BW of chicks received 500 mg of ginger and the 2 levels of frankincense oil at 5 wk of age, and 250 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense oil at 6 wk significantly increased. BWG was significantly increased by using 500 mg of ginger and 2 levels of frankincense oil at 1 to 3 wk, 250 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense oil at 3 to 6 wk, and 1 to 6 wk of age, in comparison with the control group. Treatments insignificantly influenced feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved considerably by using 250 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense at 3 to 6 wk and 1 to 6 wk of age, respectively. Gizzard% was notably reduced with 200 mg of frankincense oil. The pH value of meat was significantly increased by having 2 levels of ginger. Still, water holding capacity and tenderness significantly decreased owing to 500 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense oil. We can conclude that adding ginger and frankincense oil to Japanese quail diets may be beneficial.

Birds of a feather age together: telomere dynamics and social behavior predict life span in female Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica).

Social support is vital for mental and physical health and is linked to lower rates of disease and early mortality. Conversely, anti-social behavior can increase mortality risks, both for the initiator and target of the behavior. Chronic stress, which also can increase mortality, may serve as an important link between social behavior and healthy lifespan. There is a growing body of literature in both humans, and model organisms, that chronic social stress can result in more rapid telomere shortening, a measure of biological aging. Here we examine the role of anti-social behavior and social support on physiological markers of stress and aging in the social Japanese quail, Coturnix Japonica. Birds were maintained in groups for their entire lifespan, and longitudinal measures of antisocial behavior (aggressive agonistic behavior), social support (affiliative behavior), baseline corticosterone, change in telomere length, and lifespan were measured. We found quail in affiliative relationships both committed less and were the targets of less aggression compared to birds who were not in these relationships. In addition, birds displaying affiliative behavior had longer telomeres, and longer lifespans. Our work suggests a novel pathway by which social support may buffer against damage at the cellular level resulting in telomere protection and subsequent longer lifespans.

The relationship of MITF gene expression and promoter methylation with plumage colour in quail.

1. This study focused on the relationship between MITF mRNA expression and plumage colour in quail and the effect of promoter methylation on the expression of MITF mRNA.2. The CDS region of MITF mRNA was cloned by RT-PCR, followed by DNA sequencing. The RT-qPCR method was used to analyse the expression levels of MITF mRNA in dorsal skin tissue in Korean quail and Beijing white quail. The promoter region of the MITF gene was cloned, and the CpG island was predicted by the CpGplot program. The methylation levels of the CpG island were analysed using BS-PCR technology.3. Quail MITF mRNA contains a 1,476 bp complete ORF, which encodes a 492 amino acid residue protein. The MITF protein has no signal peptide or transmembrane region. The expression of MITF mRNA in dorsal tissue of Korean quail was significantly higher than that in Beijing white quail (p < 0.01). Abundant cis-elements and a 346 bp CpG island were found in the promoter region of the MITF gene. The average methylation level of the CpG island was 22 (22%) in Korean quail, and 46 (30%) in Beijing white quail (p < 0.05).4. The hypermethylation of the MITF gene promoter region in Beijing white quail resulted in a decrease in expression level, which was related to white feather colour.

Impacts of storage period and egg weight on hatching and growth performance of growing Japanese quails.

This investigation aimed to assess how Japanese quail hatchability, growth, and carcass traits were affected by quail egg weight, storage length, and their interactions. One thousand two hundred sixty eggs of the commercial Japanese quail were purchased, and the average age of the birds was 13 wk. Quail egg weights were divided into 3 groups using a 3 × 4 factorial design: small (< 11 g), medium (11-12 g), and large (> 12 g). Each group had four storage times (1, 4, 7, and 10 d) and held 105 eggs. The study used a storage room with 70% humidity and 18°C. There were 12 treatment groups. For the final 3 d of incubation, the eggs were positioned in a hatching machine after being incubated for 14 d at 37.6°C and 65% humidity. For the study, 540 one-day-old Japanese unsexed quail chicks were randomly chosen and placed in groups of 5 that resembled the distribution of eggs. Three duplicates (15 chicks each) made up each of the 4 storage periods that comprised the 180 birds. The findings showed that the percentage of hatchable eggs is significantly influenced by their weight and the length of storage; medium and heavy-weight eggs exhibited higher percentages of hatchability while holding for 7 to 10 d. However, no significant interaction was observed-additionally, heavy egg weight results in higher weight at different ages. Egg weight also significantly impacts chick weight at hatch, 3 wk, and 6 wk. Egg weight and storage time affect dressing and carcass measurement percentages. We can conclude that the best results in terms of hatch and post-hatch efficiency, as well as carcass characteristics, were obtained with medium or heavy quail eggs and storage times of either 1 d or 4 d.

Live yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae: a promising nutritional enrichment for laying quails.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementing live Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae to laying quails (Coturnix japonica) as nutritional enrichment. Live performances, apparent digestibility of nutrients (including that of sole live TM larvae), egg physicochemical quality, sensory traits, and storage stability were considered in this experiment. Sixty laying quails were divided into 2 dietary groups (6 replicated cages/group; 5 quails/cage): a Control group received a basal diet for laying quails and a TM10 group was fed with the Control diet supplemented with live TM larvae (10% of the expected daily feed intake). For the digestibility trial, 30 laying quails were divided into 3 dietary groups: the first 2 groups were fed with the Control and TM10 diets, while the third group received ad libitum live TM larvae (TM100) as a complete replacement for the Control diet. Overall, no mortality was recorded during the trials. Quails fed TM showed a remarkable capability of digesting dietary chitin (P < 0.0001). TM100 quails showed the lowest digestibility for dry matter, crude protein, and energy, but that of ether extract was the highest (P < 0.001). The presence of live TM larvae stimulated quails' feed intake (P < 0.0001), but did not affect performance traits. Similarly, overall physicochemical quality attributes and storage stability were comparable in Control and TM10 eggs. The sensory features of quail eggs differed in TM10 vs. Control groups: TM10 eggs had the lowest overall flavor (P < 0.01), sulfur (P < 0.05) and greasy-oily (P < 0.01) intensities. Therefore, a 10% TM dietary supplementation is effective in stimulating feeding activity of quails, but it did not provide any productive improvement compared to a standard diet. Further studies should assess the possible beneficial effect of live TM supplementation on quail's gut health. The digestibility trial with the sole live TM larvae allowed to assess the specific nutritional value of this emerging feedstuff which is of utmost importance for future feed formulations.

The impacts of dietary inclusion of soybean oil and linseed oil on growth performance, carcass yield, and health status of growing Japanese quail.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including n-6 and n-3 fatty acids, are essential for enhancing the performance and health of poultry. Avian species lack desaturase enzymes for endogenous synthesis of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids. This work aimed to determine the impacts of including soybean oil (SO) and linseed oil (LO) in quail diets on growth, lipid profile, hepatic and renal functions, immunity, and antioxidant status. A total of 350 Japanese quail chicks (1-wk-old) were randomly arranged into 7 dietary treatment groups. Seven isocaloric and isonitrogenous experimental basal diets were formed based on the nutritional requirements of growing Japanese quail. Group 1, the control, received a basal with no oils, while groups 2 to 7 received a basal diet containing either 1% SO, 1.5% SO, 2% SO, 1% LO, 1.5% LO, or 2% LO, respectively. Quail groups that consumed diets containing LO at all levels showed significantly greater live body weight (LBW) at 5th wk of age than other experimental groups. The dietary incorporation of 1.5 or 2% SO or LO at all levels yielded significant improvements in body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) through 3 to 5 and 1 to 5 wk of age. Different dietary oil sources and levels have no significant impacts on feed intake (FI) and carcass yield parameters. Lipid profile parameters were improved by adding SO and LO in quail diets, with LO having a higher effect than SO. The hepatic and renal functionality were improved by adding SO and LO in quail diets. The lowest uric acid (UA) bloodstream concentrations were recorded in the quail group fed a diet with 2% LO. Values of Gamma globulins (G-GLO) and immunoglobulins (G, M, and A) were increased by adding SO or LO to quail diets. Blood levels of MDA and TAC were improved significantly by including LO in quail diets. The activity of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme was significantly increased by adding SO or LO to quail diets. Generally, adding SO or LO to growing quail diets up to 2% could yield favorable effects on growth performance, blood lipids, hepatic and renal functions, immunity, and antioxidant status; however, LO seems to have better effects than SO.

Dietary restriction and life-history trade-offs: insights into mTOR pathway regulation and reproductive investment in Japanese quail.

Resources are needed for growth, reproduction and survival, and organisms must trade off limited resources among competing processes. Nutritional availability in organisms is sensed and monitored by nutrient-sensing pathways that can trigger physiological changes or alter gene expression. Previous studies have proposed that one such signalling pathway, the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), underpins a form of adaptive plasticity when individuals encounter constraints in their energy budget. Despite the fundamental importance of this process in evolutionary biology, how nutritional limitation is regulated through the expression of genes governing this pathway and its consequential effects on fitness remain understudied, particularly in birds. We used dietary restriction to simulate resource depletion and examined its effects on body mass, reproduction and gene expression in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). Quails were subjected to feeding at 20%, 30% and 40% restriction levels or ad libitum for 2 weeks. All restricted groups exhibited reduced body mass, whereas reductions in the number and mass of eggs were observed only under more severe restrictions. Additionally, dietary restriction led to decreased expression of mTOR and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), whereas the ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (RPS6K1) and autophagy-related genes (ATG9A and ATG5) were upregulated. The pattern in which mTOR responded to restriction was similar to that for body mass. Regardless of the treatment, proportionally higher reproductive investment was associated with individual variation in mTOR expression. These findings reveal the connection between dietary intake and the expression of mTOR and related genes in this pathway.

Determining the hierarchical order by which intestinal tract, administered diet, and individual relay can shape the gut microbiome of fattening quails.

A bacterial metabarcoding approach was used to compare the microbiome composition of caecal and faecal samples from fattening Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) fed three different diet regimes. The tested feedstuffs included (1) a commercial diet for fattening quails, (2) a commercial diet containing 12% full-fat silkworm (Bombyx mori) pupae meal, and (3) a commercial diet containing 12% defatted silkworm pupae meal. The aim of the experiment was to verify the relative effect of three variables (diet type, gut tract comparing caecum to rectum, and individual animal) in determining the level of bacterial community dissimilarity to rank the relevance of each of the three factors in affecting and shaping community composition. To infer such ranking, the communities resulting from the high-throughput sequencing from each sample were used to calculate the Bray-Curtis distances in all the pairwise combinations, whereby identical communities would score 0 and totally different ones would yield the maximum distance, equal to 1. The results indicated that the main driver of divergence was the gut tract, as distances between caecal and faecal samples were higher on average, irrespective of diet composition, which scored second in rank, and of whether they had been sampled from the same individual, which was the least effective factor. Simpson's species diversity indexes was not significantly different when comparing tracts or diets, while community evenness was reduced in full-fat silkworm diet-fed animals. The identities of the differentially displayed taxa that were statistically significant as a function of gut tract and diet regimen are discussed in light of their known physiological and functional traits.

Dietary supplementation with Dunaliella salina microalga promotes quail growth by altering lipid profile and immunity.

The goals of the current research are to ascertain the impacts of Dunaliella salina (DS) on quail growth, carcass criteria, liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, and immune response. Two hundred and forty 7-day-old quail chicks were divided equally into 4 separate groups with 6 replicates with 10 birds each. The groups were as follows: 1) control diet (the basal feed without DS), 2) control diet enriched with 0.25 g DS/kg, 3) control diet enriched with 0.50 g DS/kg, and 4) control diet enriched with 1.00 g DS/kg. Results elucidated that the birds which consumed 0.5 and 1 g DS/kg diet performed better than other birds in terms of live body weight (LBW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). There were no significant changes in feed intake (FI) and carcass characteristics due to different dietary DS levels. Compared to the control group, DS-treated groups had better lipid profile (low total cholesterol and LDL values and high HDL values) and immune response (complement 3 values). The quails consumed feeds with different levels of DS had greater (P < 0.038) C3 compared to control. Adding 0.5 and 1 g DS/kg lowered blood concentrations of triglycerides and total protein (TP) values. The high level of DS (1 g/kg) had higher albumin values and lower AST values than other groups (P < 0.05). The creatinine values were at the lowest levels in the group consumed 0.50 g DS/kg feed. No changes (P > 0.05) were demonstrated among experimental groups in the ALT, urea, and lysozyme values. In conclusion, adding D. salina to growing quail diets enhanced growth, immune system, blood lipid profile, and kidney and liver function.

Effects of the algae derivatives on performance, intestinal histomorphology, ileal microflora, and egg yolk biochemistry of laying Japanese quail.

We examined the effect of the Persian Gulf algae derivates, phycocyanin (PC) and fucoidan (FUC), on production performance, egg quality, intestinal histomorphology, ileal microflora, and egg yolk biochemistry of laying Japanese quail. A total of 250 six-wk-old Japanese quails with an average body weight of 215 ± 10 g were allocated to 5 treatments, 5 replicates and 10 birds in each replicate in a completely randomized design. The treatment groups received PC (from Spirulina platensis) and FUC (from brown seaweed) in their drinking water while control groups did not. Treatment groups received PC and FUC at 20 or 40 mg/L levels (denoted as PC20, PC40, FUC20, and FUC40, respectively). All birds were fed the same diet. All treatments significantly improved the percentage of hen day egg production (HDEP) (P = 0.002), egg mass (P = 0.002), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P = 0.022) but no difference was noted in egg weight (EW) and feed intake (FI). Different levels of PC and FUC significantly increased the thickness of eggshells (P = 0.022); however, the weight of the digestive tract (liver, spleen, proventriculus, gizzard, and pancreas) and oviduct was not affected. Algal derivates improved the villus height (P = 0.007) and crypt depth (P = 0.007) of the duodenum, as well as, the villus height (P = 0.005) and crypt depth (P = 0.026) of the jejunum. Both algal derivates positively affected the intestinal microflora (populations of Lactobacillus (P = 0.017), Coliform (P = 0.005), and Clostridium (P = 0.000)) whereas aerobic bacteria were unaffected. Yolk cholesterol P = 0.012) and yolk malondialdehyde P = 0.050) content were significantly reduced in experimental treatments compared to the control group. In conclusion, our results showed that the treatment of laying Japanese quails with algal derivates positively affects quail performance, intestinal morphology, intestinal microflora, and yolk cholesterol and malondialdehyde. Additional studies exploring optimal dosages and mechanisms of action is warranted to fully understand the scope of the algae derivates in poultry production.

The incorporation of sumac seed powder (Rhus coriaria L.) into the diet of quail breeders as a novel feed additive.

A total of 150 adult quails, aged 8 wk, were divided into 5 groups to study the effect of sumac seed powder on reproductive and productive parameters, egg quality, digestive enzymes, and quail breeders' blood profiles. Dietary supplements containing sumac powder were formulated as follows: group 1 (G1) (control, only basal diet); group 2 (G2) (basal diet + 1 g sumac powder/kg diet); group 3 (G3) (basal diet + 2 g sumac powder/kg diet); group 4 (G4) (basal diet + 3 g sumac powder/kg diet); and group 5 (G5) (basal diet + 4 g sumac powder/kg diet). The feed conversion ratio was significantly higher at all levels of sumac powder (P < 0.05) compared to the control group (G1). Overall, during the study (8-16 wk), quail-fed 3 g sumac powder/kg diet (G4) showed no significant increase (P > 0.05) in the feed intake compared to the control group. Sumac powder supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) increased egg number, egg weight, egg mass, fertility, and hatchability. While supplementing with sumac powder did not impact other egg quality parameters, it did significantly (P < 0.05) increase yolk percentage, Haugh unit, and unit surface shell weight. Furthermore, when compared to the control group (G1), birds given 2, 3, or 4 g of sumac powder/kg diet showed a significant improvement (P < 0.05) in hematological parameters such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and hemoglobin, as well as a decrease in glucose levels. Feeding quail with a 3 g sumac powder/kg diet (G4) resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) higher globulin levels and improved albumin/globulin ratio compared to other treatments and control (G1). Sumac powder intake significantly (P < 0.05) reduced plasma lipid profile, liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase), and kidney functions (creatinine, and urea). Furthermore, the supplementation of sumac powder resulted in a substantial increase (P < 0.05) in the levels of amylase, lipase, and protease. Sumac powder administration also significantly (P < 0.05) improves immunity by boosting IgM, IgG, IgA, and lysozyme levels in quail breeders' plasma. Supplementing with sumac powder, on the other hand, increased levels of reduced glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. The results of the current study indicated that the addition of 1, 2, 3, and 4 g of sumac powder to the diet of Japanese quail breeders led to improvements in egg quality, digestive enzymes, reproductive and productive performances, and most blood hematological and biochemical parameters.

Some productive and reproductive performance, eggshell quality, serum metabolites and immune responses due to L-threonine supplementation in Japanese quail breeders' diet.

A dose-response experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of graded levels of dietary digestible threonine (dThr) during the first laying cycle on productive and reproductive performance, egg quality and immune responses of Japanese quail breeders (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Also, dThr requirements were determined based on nutrient dose-response data. A total of 450 (360 females and 90 males) 11-week-old breeders were allocated to five increment (+0.03%) levels of dThr (0.49%, 0.52%, 0.55%, 0.58%, 0.61% and 0.64%) with five replicates per treatment and 15 (12 females and three males) birds each. The experiment lasted for 12 weeks. In response to increasing dietary dThr levels, egg production, egg mass, feed efficiency, egg specific gravity, eggshell relative weight, eggshell thickness, egg fertility (EF) and immune response against sheep red blood cell (SRBC) inoculation were improved with quadratic trends and egg hatchability as set eggs was improved with linear trends. Japanese quail breeders fed a diet with 0.58% dThr concentration (threonine/lysine ratio of 59%) showed the productive performance traits, EF, eggshell quality and immune response against SRBC inoculation in the highest values. However, feed intake, egg weight, egg albumen and yolk relative weight, egg shape index, haugh unit and egg composition were not affected by increasing dietary dThr level. Based on the broken-line regression model, the dThr requirements to optimize productive performance, eggshell quality, EF and immune response against SRBC inoculation were estimated at 159-188, 169-183, 175 and 178 mg/bird per day, respectively. It is concluded, in the Japanese quail breeders during the first laying phase a daily dThr intake of 188 mg/bird, dietary dThr concentration at 0.58% (threonine/lysine ratio of 59%) is adequate for optimized productive and reproductive performance, eggshell quality and immune responses. The estimated requirements depend on what production parameter is taken into considered for optimization.

Effects of varying dietary microalgae levels on performance, egg quality, fertility, and blood biochemical parameters of laying Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix Japonica).

This experiment was carried out to investigate the nutritional value of Spirulina and Dunaliella (SD) combination levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/kg) that affected the laying Japanese quail's efficiency, egg quality, fertility, and blood biological indicators. A total of 150 adult Japanese quails, aged 8 wk, were divided into 5 treatments at random, each consisting of 30 quails. There were 5 duplicates for every treatment, with 2 male and 4 female quails in each. Comparing the addition of various concentrations of a mixture of SD to the control treatment, the results showed no substantial rise in egg production, egg weight, or egg mass. When compared to the control group, final body weight (FBW) was improved with SD supplementation. The quails in control consumed more feed intake (FI) (p < 0.05), and they were different from the groups who got SD therapy in that they had a regular feed conversion ratio (FCR). The percentages of hatchability and fertility increased when SD was added to quail meals at up to 1.00 g/kg. When compared to the control quail, the quail supplemented with SD levels showed a non-significant rise in albumin%, yolk%, Haugh unit, and unit surface shell weight (USSW), as well as an increase in eggshell percentage and a drop in egg shape index (p < 0.05). Renal and hepatic enzyme functioning improved when SD was added to the diets. Additionally, lipid profile indicators were reduced by SD supplementation (except low-density lipoprotein-LDL). Moreover, compared to the control, incorporating SD led to a nonsignificant rise in immunoglobulin concentrations (IgG and IgM). In conclusion, adding SD to the diet can improve body weight, lipid profile, immunological response, and liver and kidney functions in Japanese quail.

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.

Laying performance, genetic parameters, and the expression of FSHß, LHß, FSHR, and LHR genes in Japanese quails selected for early egg production.

Investigating the impact of early egg production selection (the first 90 d of laying) on egg production features, cumulative selection response (CSR), and the mRNA expression of gonadotropins (FSHß and LHß), and their receptors (FSHR and LHR), in Japanese quails was the goal. The selection experiment involved 1293 females in all, 257 from the base group and 1036 from the 4 selected generations. Age and body weight at sexual maturity (ASM, BWSM), weight of the first egg (WFE), days to the first 10 eggs (DF10E), egg mass for the first 10 eggs (EMF10E), egg weight (EW), egg number at the first 90 d of laying (EN90D), and egg mass at the first 90 d of laying (EM90D) were all recorded. Most egg production traits had heritability estimates that were low to moderate and ranged from 0.17 to 0.33., where the highest estimates were reported for EN90D (0.33) and BWSM (0.32). With the exception of EN90D, low to moderate positive genetic correlations were observed between ASM and other egg production traits (0.17-0.44). The fourth generation showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower ASM and DF10E but higher BWSM, WFE, EN90D, EM10E, and EM90D when compared with the base generation. CSR were significant (P < 0.05) for ASM (-6.67 d), BWSM (27.13 g), WFE (0.93 g), DF10E (-1.25 d), EN90D (7.24 egg), EM10E (10.57 g), and EM90D (140.0 g). FSHß, LHß, FSHR, and LHR gene mRNA expression was considerably (P < 0.05) greater in the fourth generation compared to the base generation. In conclusion, selection programs depending on the efficiency of egg production (EN90D) could improve the genetic gain of egg production traits and upregulate the mRNA expression of FSHß, LHß, FSHR, and LHR genes in selected quails (fourth generation). These findings might help to enhance breeding plans and create commercial lines of high egg production Japanese quails.

Improving performance, reproduction, and immunity in laying Japanese quail with algal derivatives.

We investigated the effect of the Persian Gulf algae derivatives, namely phycocyanin (PC) and fucoidan (FUC), on the performance, reproductive traits, and immune responses of laying Japanese quails. A completely randomized design was used to distribute 250 six-wk-old Japanese quails with an average body weight of 215 ± 10 g into 5 treatments, 5 replicates, and 10 birds in each replicate over a 5-wk period. Unlike the control groups, the treatment groups received drinking water supplemented with PC and FUC at concentrations of 20 or 40 mg/L, denoted as PC20, PC40, FUC20, and FUC40, respectively, while all birds were provided with identical feed. Supplemental algal derivatives notably improved hen day egg production (HDEP), egg mass, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Incorporating PC and FUC had no significant effect on the weight of males' testes or the weight and length of hens' oviducts. Additionally, the experimental treatments had no impact on the chicks' hatching weight. The supplementation of PC and FUC resulted in increased fertility (P = 0.038) and hatchability (P < 0.001) rates, with the exception of fertility in the PC40 group. The effect of the experimental treatments on immune responses was largely not statistically significant, except in the case of ND. Specifically, the experimental treatments resulted in increased (P = 0.033) antibody titers against ND when compared to the control group, with the exception of FUC20. Supplemental algal derivatives significantly (P < 0.01) reduced total cholesterol, creatinine, and triglycerides (except in the case of PC20). Overall, these findings underscore the potential of algal derivatives to enhance quail performance, reproductive traits, and immune responses.

Role of Eruca sativa L. seeds in boosting the reproductive performance of male Japanese quails (Coturnix c. japonica).

Herein we attempt to shed light on the potential improving effect of Eruca sativa seeds (ESS) on the reproductive aspects of male Japanese quails. To accomplish this objective, two groups of quails were supplemented with ESS powder at doses of 5 and 10 g/kg feed from 7 days to 140 days of age, in addition to the control group, which did not receive treatment. Forty males were reared singly in cages to evaluate sperm characters and 32 males were raised with 64 females to evaluate fertility and sperm penetrability. Sixty-six phytochemical compounds were found according to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of ESS. The most plentiful ones are 13-docosenoic acid methyl ester, 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, and linoleic acid methyl ester. Both 5 g/kg and 10 g/kg doses of ESS showed similar effectiveness in enhancing various reproductive parameters, including gonadal index, sperm characteristics, fertility, libido, and cloacal gland attributes. However, some aspects like sperm concentration and testosterone levels exhibited a dose-dependent response. There is no significant change in mortality rate of supplemented groups compared to the control one. ESS also caused a reduction in feed intake and an enhancement in feed conversion ratio without affecting final body weight and body weight gain. This suggests potential nutritional benefits beyond reproductive health. The low-dose-fed group showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol and malondialdehyde compared to the high-dose-fed and unfed groups. The higher dose notably increased total antioxidant capacity compared to the lower dose and control group. Despite the positive effects on male reproductive parameters, there wasn't a significant impact on hatchability percentage, indicating that while male fertility improved, it might not have directly affected the viability of the eggs. Overall, the study suggests that ESS could be a safe and promising addition to the diet of male Japanese quails to enhance their reproductive capabilities without adverse effects. The findings could have implications for poultry farming by potentially improving breeding efficiency and health outcomes in quails.

Incubation as a driver of maternal effects: Temperature influences levels of yolk maternally derived 5α-dihydrotestosterone.

In birds, maternal hormones deposited into eggs in response to environmental stimuli can impact offspring phenotype. Although less studied, environmental conditions can also influence females' incubation behavior, which might play a role in regulating embryo exposure to maternal hormones through changes in incubation temperature that affect the activity of the enzymes responsible for converting testosterone (T) to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or estradiol. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the initial T content of the yolk and incubation temperature determine exposure to T metabolites during early embryo development. In the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), we experimentally manipulated yolk T and incubation temperature (38° C versus 36° C) and analyzed DHT and estradiol titers on day four of incubation. We found that eggs with experimentally increased T and those incubated at 36° C showed higher DHT concentration in egg yolk (with no synergistic effect of the two treatments). Estradiol titers were not affected by T manipulation or incubation temperature. Our study suggests that incubation temperature influences DHT titers and may act as an understudied source of maternal influence on offspring phenotype.