Structural gonadal lesions observed in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) following exposure during puberty to the neonicotinoid pesticide, imidacloprid.

Exposure to the neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid (IMI), causes reproductive toxicity in mammals and reptiles. However, reports on the effects of IMI on the gonads in birds are grossly lacking. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of pubertal exposure to IMI on the histology, ultrastructure, as well as the cytoskeletal proteins, desmin, smooth muscle actin and vimentin, of the gonads of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Quails were randomly divided into four groups at 5 weeks of age. The control group was given only distilled water, whereas, the other three experimental groups, IMI was administered by oral gavage at 1.55, 3.1, and 6.2 mg/kg, twice per week for 4 weeks. Exposure to IMI doses of 3.1 and 6.2 mg/kg caused dose-dependent histopathological changes in the ovary and testis. In the ovary, accumulation of lymphocytes, degenerative changes, and necrosis with granulocyte infiltrations were observed, while in the testis, distorted seminiferous tubules, germ cell sloughing, vacuolisations, apoptotic bodies, autophagosomes, and mitochondrial damage were detected. These changes were accompanied by a decreased number of primary follicles (P ≤ 0.05) in the ovary and a decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in the epithelial height, luminal, and tubular diameters of seminiferous tubules at the two higher dosages. In addition, IMI had a negative effect on the immunostaining intensity of desmin, smooth muscle actin, and vimentin in the ovarian and testicular tissue. In conclusion, exposure to IMI during puberty can lead to a range of histopathological alterations in the gonads of Japanese quails, which may ultimately result in infertility.

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal improves quail growth performance.

The aim of the present study was to determine the nutritional value of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae meal for quail (experiment I) and the dose-response effects of BSF levels on growth performance, relative organ weight, and body composition of growing quails (experiment II). In experiment I, 100 35-day-old quail were distributed in a completely randomized design, with two treatments (reference and test diet) and 10 replicates. The experimental period consisted of 5 days of adaptation, followed by 5 days of total excreta collection. The experimental feed consisted of a reference diet and a test diet formulated with 850 g/kg reference diet and 150 g/kg BSF. In experiment II, 1000 1-day-old quail were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five dietary levels of BSF (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 g/kg). At 42 days of age, birds were slaughtered, and the relative organ weight and body composition were determined. Apparent metabolizable energy values corrected for nitrogen retention of BSF meal were 13.8 MJ/kg. Across the starter (1-14 days) and overall period (1-42 days), increasing BSF levels had a quadratic effect on body weight and body weight gain. Feed conversion ratio was quadratically affected during the starter phase and linearly reduced over the overall period. Additionally, the BSF levels linearly decreased the small intestine's relative weight at 42 days and had a quadratic effect on the rate of protein deposition. We concluded that the inclusion of 100 g/kg BSF meal improves feed conversion ratio for growing quail.

Impact of Dietary Probiotics on the Immune and Reproductive Physiology of Pubertal Male Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) Administered at the Onset of Pre-Puberty.

Fertility in males is dependent on the proper production of sperms involving the synchronization of numerous factors like oxidative stress, inflammatory processes, and hormonal regulation. Inflammation associated with oxidative stress is also known to impair sperm function. Nutritional factors like probiotics and prebiotics have the potential benefits to modulate these factors which may enhance male fertility. In the present study, immature male Japanese quail at the beginning of 3rd week were administered with Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L), Bifidobacterium longum (B), and mannan-oligosaccharides (M) through dietary supplementation in individual groups as well as in combinations like LB and MLB. Markers of oxidative stress including SOD and catalase were examined by native PAGE; inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1ß, IL-10, and NFκB), apoptotic markers (caspase 3 and caspase 7), steroidal hormones, and their receptors estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and beta (ERß) were assessed in testis. The study reveals that dietary supplementation of 1% L, B, and M in combination significantly and positively increases the overall growth of immature male quail specifically testicular weight and gonadosomatic index (GSI). Furthermore, significant improvement in testicular cell size; increased steroidal hormones like testosterone, FSH, and LH levels; increase in SOD, catalase enzymes; decrease in apoptotic factors Caspase 3, Caspase 7 and immune system strength observed indicated by a decrease in expression of IL-1ß, NFκB; and increase of IL-10 in testis when LBM was used in combination. These variations are attributed to the increase in testicular estrogen receptors alpha and beta, facilitated by the neuroendocrine gonadal axis, ultimately leading to improved male fertility. It can be concluded that the dietary supplementation in combination with L, B, and M enhances male fertility in immature quail by increased expression of estrogen receptors via gut microbiota modulation. It also sheds light on the potential use of these nutritional factors in avian species as therapeutic interventions to overcome low fertility problems in quail thereby benefitting the poultry industry.

The effect of incorporating dietary green seaweed (Ulva sp.) on growth performance, blood parameters, and carcass and meat quality characteristics of Jumbo quail.

Seaweeds are functional aquatic plants that can be used in Jumbo quail (Coturnix sp.) feeds as sources of phytochemicals and nutrients. However, no studies have investigated the feed value of green seaweed (Ulva sp.) meal (SM) for the Jumbo quail. Thus, the impact of different dietary inclusion levels of SM on productive traits, serum biochemistry, haematology, visceral organ sizes, carcass features, and meat quality attributes in Jumbo quail was investigated. In a completely randomised design, one-week-old quail (n = 385; 67.7 ± 3.44 g body weight) were allotted to five treatments, with seven replicate pens (experimental unit). The treatments were produced by including 0 (SM0), 20 (SM20), 40 (SM40), 60 (SM60) and 80 g/kg (SM80) of green SM in a commercial grower diet. Regression results showed no linear or quadratic effects (P > 0.05) to different levels of SM for average weekly feed intake, overall weight gain, haematological indices, internal organs, carcass features, and meat quality characteristics of the birds. However, incorporating SM up to 80 g/kg in the diet linearly reduced overall gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) [R2 = 0.282; P = 0.0001] and slaughter weights [R2 = 0.159; P = 0.026]. Treatment SM80 promoted (P < 0.05) higher feed intake than diet SM60 in weeks 3, 4 and 5, but were comparable to the control treatment in weeks 4 and 5. Birds fed with diets SM0 and SM20 had higher (P < 0.05) overall weight gain than birds fed with diet SM60. Diet SM80 resulted in lower (P < 0.05) overall G:F (0.250) than diet SM0 (0.277). Higher slaughter weights were observed on SM0 and SM20 groups than the SM60 group. We concluded that the use of dietary green SM up to 80 g/kg in Jumbo quail feeds compromises gain-to-feed ratio and slaughter weights but not physiological and meat quality attributes.

Reconstructing migratory network nodes to improve environmental management and conservation decisions: A case study of the common quail Coturnix coturnix as a biosensor.

Public health risks are related to environmental management practices, and are essential to the understanding of ecosystem dynamics. The expansion of urbanized areas affects migratory bird networks and can impact the population sizes of migratory species and, in parallel, increase the risk of diseases carried by migratory species spreading into urban areas. Taking the European population of the common quail as a case study, we reconstructed its migratory network between Europe and the Maghreb using quail recoveries from the Italian Bird Ringing Scheme. We showed that soils at the central European migratory node have been degraded through urbanization and reforestation, decreasing the number of successful migrations over this area. Conceptual models incorporating the One Health approach, natural and social capital, landscape infrastructure, and ecosystem services could explain the relationships between climate warming and extensively developed, intensively developed, and urbanized ecosystems. Failed migratory flights of quail over central Europe highlight not only the problems of infrastructure design and their impact on ecosystems services, but also on One Health parameters. The damage to migratory network nodes presents a global threat to biodiversity and can increase the spread of diseases. To address this challenge we propose: i) improvements in land quality; ii) transboundary migration monitoring programmes; and iii) management plans for migratory birds - the overall aim being to optimize infrastructures to improve the quality of human life. Lessons drawn from a better understanding of the migratory networks of quail in relation to different ecosystems provide useful tools to improve infrastructure management and political decision making processes.

The Effect of In Ovo Administration of Rosemary Essential Oil on Hatchability, Relative Hatching Weight, and Embryo Mortality Rate in Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

This study aimed to determine the effects of air sac injection of rosemary essential oil at different concentrations in ovo in quail eggs on hatching rate, relative chick weight at hatching, and embryonic mortality rate. A total of 1060 Japanese quail eggs were divided into four groups: negative control (non-injected), positive control (30 µL sterile distilled water/egg), and two treated groups with 1 and 3 µL oil/egg, respectively. The concentration of 3 µL/egg showed a toxic effect on embryonic development, as revealed by the significantly (p = 0.015) higher post-injection mortality rate (18.21%) compared to 1 µL/egg with 8.3%. Furthermore, hatchability was significantly increased (p = 0.0001) with 1 µL/egg compared to 3 µL/egg with 69.1% and 44.48%, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the concentration of 1 µL/egg and the control groups (p = 0.822). Both l and 3 µL essential oil/egg significantly enhanced (p = 0.0001) relative chick weight at hatching by 67.14% and 70.32%, respectively, compared to the control groups. In conclusion, injecting eggs with 1 µL oil/egg showed positive effects both on hatching and relative chick weight. The concentration of 3 µL/egg was revealed to be toxic, with dramatic effects on embryonic survival.

Maximum limit of sensible heat dissipation in Japanese quail.

Surface temperature can be used as a tool for calculating sensible heat transfer. However, it needs to be associated with air temperature to identify the direction of heat flow (gain or loss). This study quantified sensible heat transfer in Japanese quail as a function of operative temperature. The meteorological variables were air temperature, relative humidity, and black globe temperature. Quail surface temperature was measured on 50 adult Coturnix coturnix japonica individuals 270 days old during 8 days by using a thermographic camera. The data were analyzed by the least-squares method to assess the effects of sex (male and female), period of the day (morning and afternoon), and body region (head, body, and feet). Quail surface temperature was strongly correlated with operative temperature. The total sensible heat flow was 64.02 W m-2. The morning period had a mean operative temperature of 22.48 °C, providing a higher gradient between air and quail temperature and thereby producing a higher heat flow (82.19 W m-2). In the afternoon, the heat transfer was lower (45.70 W m-2) because the operative temperature was higher (30.84 °C). Comparison between sexes showed that heat transfer was higher in females (67.37 W m-2) than in males (60.53 W m-2). The head served as an important thermal window, with a heat transfer of 78.24 W m-2, whereas the body and feet had a transfer of 56.80 W m-2. Heat transfer by sensible mechanisms was quantified in Japanese quail. Heat transfer depended greatly on ambient temperature. When the operative temperature was below 28 °C, sensible mechanisms were efficient in dissipating heat to the environment. When the ambient temperature exceeded 29 °C, quail could not effectively dissipate heat to the environment through sensible mechanisms. At 30 °C and above, heat loss shifted to heat gain, causing thermal stress in Japanese quail.

Toxin genotypes of Clostridium perfringens isolates from common quail (Coturnix coturnix) with or without acute necrotic enteritis.

Clostridial diseases are one of the foremost causes of mortality in quails which occur by Clostridium colinum, Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens), and Clostridium sordellii. C. perfringens genotypes responsible for quail enteritis are not well understood. In this study, the prevalence of C. perfringens genotypes was investigated in common quail (Coturnix coturnix) farms that suffered from acute necrotic enteritis (diarrhoeic) and compared with healthy (non-diarrhoeic) quails. Toward this end, C. perfringens isolates were collected and genotyped for 16s rRNA, cpa, cpb, cpb2, etx, iap, cpe, netB, and tpeL genes, using PCR. It was revealed that 42, 23, and 19 isolates belonged to toxinotypes A, F, and G, respectively, and the other toxinotypes were not obtained. The recovery ratio of C. perfringens from diarrhoeic farms roughly doubled in non-diarrhoeic farms (40.0% versus 21.5%, p = 0.03). Also, we observed a high isolation ratio of the cpb2 genotype (90.48%), which was significantly eminent in the diarrhoeic group (94.2%, p < 0.05). Although the prevalence of tpeL genes was low (15.48%), there was an interesting relationship between this gene and cpb2, so we did not obtain cpb2-tpeL-. This study showed the prevalence of types A, F, and G of C. perfringens in quail enteritis. Also, we reported tpeL+C. perfringens strains in quail for the first time and its frequent co-occurrence with the cpb2 gene. These results highlight the necessity of more accurate investigations of the C. perfringens genotype in different hosts to verify the exact role of these toxins in quail enteritis.

Cardanol in the feeding of meat-type quail breeders.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of cardanol in the diet of quails on productive performance, egg quality, reproductive performance, and progeny performance. A total of three hundred European quail breeders of 32 weeks of age, with average body weights of 305.98 g, were housed in laying cages in groups (4 females and 1 male), following a distribution in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 6 replications of 10 quails, being the experimental unit constituted by the set of two cages. The treatments consisted of diets with 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00% of cardanol. There was reduction in the performance of the quail with the inclusion of 1.00% of cardanol in the diet when compared to the control treatment, while egg weight and egg mass were lower in the treatments with 0.75 and 1.00% of cardanol, respectively. It was observed that there was decrease in the specific gravity, and increase in color and TBARS value of the yolk in all treatments with cardanol. The inclusion of 0.50% of cardanol decreased the percentage of albumen, and increased the percentage of yolk, while the shell thickness decreased with 0.75%. The weight of the incubated eggs and the chick weight at hatching were lower in the treatments with 0.75 and 1.00% of cardanol. In the evaluation of the progeny performance, it was found that the weight at 7 days of age of chicks from breeders fed the diet containing 1.00% of cardanol was decreased when compared to the chicks from breeders fed the control diet. It was concluded that the inclusion of cardanol did not present benefits to the quail breeders.

Arginine requirement for egg production in Japanese quail.

The objective of this study was to determine the ideal arginine intake for egg production in Japanese quail using the dilution technique. A completely random design was used, with 8 treatments (seven concentrations of arginine plus a control diet) and ten replicates, totaling 80 Japanese quails. The digestible arginine levels included in the study were 0.361%, 0.603%, 0.843%, 1.084%, 1.204%, 1.311%, and 1.460%. The variables analyzed were feed intake, egg production (EP), egg weight, egg output (EO), feed conversion ratio, and body weight were performed using a mixed model. When the effect of arginine levels (P ≤ 0.05) was detected, the model's broken line linear-plateau (BL), quadratic-plateau (BLq), and the first intercept of the BLq in the plateau of BL were adjusted to determine the ideal arginine intake. It observed that the arginine levels modified the quail responses (P < 0.001). Egg production was 10% with the 0.361% arginine in diet and recovered (97%) with the 1.311% arginine diet. The BL and BLq models estimated 232 mg/quail per day and 351 mg/quail per day for EO, respectively. The first intercept obtained was 290 mg/quail per day or 1,411%, which was considered the optimum level arginine intake for EO in Japanese quail.

Massive genome inversion drives coexistence of divergent morphs in common quails.

The presence of population-specific phenotypes often reflects local adaptation or barriers to gene flow. The co-occurrence of phenotypic polymorphisms that are restricted within the range of a highly mobile species is more difficult to explain. An example of such polymorphisms is in the common quail Coturnix coturnix, a small migratory bird that moves widely during the breeding season in search of new mating opportunities, following ephemeral habitats,1,2 and whose females may lay successive clutches at different locations while migrating.3 In spite of this vagility, previous studies reported a higher frequency of heavier males with darker throat coloration in the southwest of the distribution (I. Jiménez-Blasco et al., 2015, Int. Union Game Biol., conference). We used population genomics and cytogenetics to explore the basis of this polymorphism and discovered a large inversion in the genome of the common quail. This inversion extends 115 Mbp in length and encompasses more than 7,000 genes (about 12% of the genome), producing two very different forms. Birds with the inversion are larger, have darker throat coloration and rounder wings, are inferred to have poorer flight efficiency, and are geographically restricted despite the high mobility of the species. Stable isotope analyses confirmed that birds carrying the inversion have shorter migratory distances or do not migrate. However, we found no evidence of pre- or post-zygotic isolation, indicating the two forms commonly interbreed and that the polymorphism remains locally restricted because of the effect on behavior. This illustrates a genomic mechanism underlying maintenance of geographically structured polymorphisms despite interbreeding with a lineage with high mobility.

The composition of the lipid, protein and mineral fractions of quail breast meat obtained from wild and farmed specimens of Common quail (Coturnix coturnix) and farmed Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica domestica).

The present study was intended to answer 2 scientific hypotheses: 1) the quail species has a significant influence in quail breast meat composition; 2) the wild quail's meat presents healthier composition than their farmed counterparts. An analysis of the pectoral muscles of wild and captive common quails (Coturnix coturnix) and domestic quails (Coturnix japonica domestica) was performed. The content of fatty acids (FA), amino acids, total cholesterol, and vitamin E, some basic macro- and microminerals in the pectoral muscles of the 2 species of the genus Coturnix were analyzed. Regarding the quail species influence on meat composition, Japanese Quail (JQ) revealed better lipid composition, characterized by lower saturated FA (SFA; less 3.17 g/100 g of total fatty acids), higher polyunsaturated FA contents (PUFA; more 5.5 g/100 g of total fatty acids) and healthier polyunsaturated FA/saturated FA (P/S) and n-6/n-3 ratios and TI value (1.08, 9.54 and 0.60 vs. 0.76, 12.58, and 0.75, correspondingly). The absence of differences observed on amino acids partial sums and ratios reveals equality between species on protein nutritional quality. On the other hand, Common Quail (CQ) proved to be a better source of copper (0.181 mg/100 g of meat), iron (2.757 mg/100 g of meat), manganese (0.020 mg/100 g of meat), and zinc (0.093 mg/100 g of meat) than JQ. The comparison of farmed and wild specimens within CQ, showed that wild birds presented lower total cholesterol (less 8.32 mg/g of fresh meat) and total PUFA (less 4.26 g/100 g of total fatty acids), and higher n-3 PUFA contents (more 1.53 g/100 g of total fatty acids), which contributed to healthier P/S and n-6/n-3 ratios, but worst PI (1.60, 8.08, and 113.1 vs. 0.76, 12.58, and 100.8, respectively). The wild species revealed higher α-tocopherol content (2.40 vs. 1.49 µg/g of fresh meat. Differences observed on their mineral composition counterbalance each other. Under intensive production system and similar feeding and management conditions, the CQ develops better nutritional qualities than JQ. The comparison of wild and farmed species within CQ reveals more similarities than differences. Quail´s meat presents good nutritional quality and introduces variability to human's diet, which is much valued by consumers.

High rates of antibodies against Toscana and Sicilian phleboviruses in common quail Coturnix coturnix birds.

Introduction: Birds are involved natural cycle of a number of vector-borne viruses in both rural and urban areas. Toscana (TOSV) and Sicilian (SFSV) phleboviruses are sandfly-borne viruses in the genus Phlebovirus that can cause diseases in human. However, there is limited information on the role of the birds in sandfly-borne phleboviruses natural cycle and reservoirs ofthese viruses remain unknown. Methods: In this study, we analyzed Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) sera from Spain to identify the seroprevalence of these two phleboviruses. We tested respectively, 106 and 110 quail serum against TOSV and SFSV from 2018, 2019, and 2021 from two locations in northern Spain with using virus neutralization test. Results: We identified high neutralizing antibody rates for SFSV (45.45%) and TOSV (42.45%) with yearly fluctuation. Discussion: This is the first identification of SFSV and TOSV neutralizing antibodies in wild birds. High seroprevalence rates of TOSV and SFSV in quail birds raises the question whether birds have a role as amplifying hosts in the natural cycle of phleboviruses.

Passion fruit seed cake in the feeding of meat quails: effects on performance, carcass characteristics, lipid stability of the meat, litter quality, and economic viability.

The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition and energy value of passion fruit seed cake (PFSC) and to evaluate the inclusion of different levels of PFSC in the diets for quails on growth performance, carcass quality, litter quality, lipid stability of the meat, and economic viability. In the metabolism assay, 108 European quails of 21 days of age were used, being distributed in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments (one reference ration and two test rations with substitution of 20% and 40% of the reference ration by PFSC) and 6 replications of 6 birds each. It was observed that the apparent metabolizable energy corrected by the nitrogen balance (AMEn) determined in the ration with 20% PFSC (3876.17 kcal/kg DM) was higher than in the 40% (3469.00 kcal/kg DM). In the performance assay, 432 European quails from 7 to 42 days of age were used, being distributed in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments, consisting of a control diet and the others with increasing levels of inclusion of passion fruit seed (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%), and 6 replications of 12 birds. It was observed that the inclusion of PFSC starting from 10% promoted increase FI and FC values, and increasing linear effect of these variables starting from 5% of inclusion. The PFSC did not affect the carcass characteristics and lipid oxidation of the meat. Regarding the litter quality, there was a linear increase in the pH values and worse economic indexes starting from the inclusion of 10% of PFSC. In conclusion, PFSC can be used up to the level of 5% in diets for meat quails from 7 to 42 days of age.

Posthatching developmental studies on the tongue and laryngeal entrance of the common quail (Coturnix coturnix, Linnaeus, 1758) in different five age-stages.

The present study represents the first trial to characterize the ultrastructural of five ages of Coturnix coturnix. Lingual nail had membrane that differ in number among five studied ages. Filiform papillary system had four caudally directed papillae types; small (apex, rostral, and median part of body in 1 day, body in 10 and 20 days), long (apex and rostral part of body in 10 days, tip and two lateral area in 20, 30, 40-days, lateral border in 1 and 10 days, two lateral area of body in 40 days), broad (median area of body in 20, 30, 40 days). Scales on the ventral surface of apex, mound. Lingual sulci on the apex and body without reaching tip in 10, 20, 30, 40-days while, in 1 day the body had ridge caudally. Three papillae on posterior part of lateral border of body. W-shape crest had papillae on its median part while, its lateral part had two giant papillae on each side. Dorsal giant papillae terminated caudally with six processes, while ventral papillae terminated caudally with three processes. The unique root appearance, at 1 day had four papillae while in 10-day, it had one papilla however in 20, 30, 40 days, it had T-shaped ridge. Mound had one longitudinal row on each side of cleft and two transverse papillary rows at its caudal border and additional row at 40-days. Our findings exposed unique structural and functional characterizations of lingual and laryngeal entrance that reflected with feeding behavior.

Exploring the use of residual variance for uniformity of body weight in meat quail lines using Bayesian inference.

1. Uniformity in animal products is an important aspect of the production system. Several studies have reported estimates of genetics on residual variance in different species, indicating that it could be exploited to improve uniformity by selection. Nevertheless, there are no reports about the possibilities of such a selection strategy in meat quail.2. Records of hatching weight (HW) and body weight at 42 days (W42) of female and male birds from two meat quail lines (UFV1 and UFV2) were analysed. A three-step genetic evaluation was used to investigate the effect of genetic variation on residual variance of HW and W42 in both lines. In Step 1, a single-trait model was fitted to the data. In Step 2, log-transformed squared estimated residuals (ln(ê2)) were evaluated for these traits. In Step 3, a multi-trait analysis was performed to estimate the genetic correlation between the additive genetic effects for HW, W42, and their respective ln(ê2).3. The heritability estimates ranged from 0.12 to 0.23 for HW and from 0.22 to 0.35 for W42. The estimated heritabilities for the residual part were low and ranged from 0.0003 to 0.02 for both traits, and the genetic coefficient of variation residual variance estimates ranged from 0.31 to 0.42 for HW and from 0.09 to 0.25 for W42. Genetic correlations between the means (HW and W42) and ln(ê2) values were both positive and did not differ from zero, indicating no association between mean and ln(ê2).4. In conclusion, the uniformity of HW and W42 could be improved by selecting for lower residual variance in both meat quail lines, but the accuracy of selection may be low due to low heritability for uniformity, mainly for W42.

Supplementing flaxseed oil for long periods improved carcass quality and breast fatty acid profile in Japanese quail.

The efficient time for supplementing flaxseed oil to meat-type quail to produce n-3 fatty acid fortified meat has not been determined. This study was conducted to find out the effects of different periods of flaxseed oil supplementation in the Japanese quail diet on the subsequent growth performance, carcass characteristics, fatty acids profile of breast, and functional properties of the Japanese quail meat. Totally, 720 one-day-old Japanese quail were studied in a 35-day experiment using a completely randomized design. Substituting sunflower oil with flaxseed oil had no significant effect on weight gain and feed intake in Japanese quails. Supplementing flaxseed oil for the whole 35-day growth period significantly reduced abdominal fat proportion. Flaxseed oil addition to the quail diet just a week before slaughter resulted in a 4.97-fold increase in the n-3 fatty acid content of the breast muscle. Feeding flaxseed oil decreased the activity of delta-9-desaturase in quail's breast compared to sunflower oil. The greatest thrombogenic index observed in the breast meat from control while consumption of flaxseed oil significantly decreased the thrombogenic index. Supplementing flaxseed oil to quail's diet for 21 and 35 days before slaughter significantly increased breast malondialdehyde content. Feeding flaxseed oil for long periods had no significant impact on the breast meat pH while water holding capacity was decreased. The breast lightness was increased when the flaxseed oil was fed for longer periods. Generally, feeding flaxseed oil in the last week of the growth period improved the feed conversion ratio and the fatty acid profile of quail breast meat with the minimum deterioration effects on meat quality characteristics.

Location, distribution, and quantification of myenteric plexus neurons of the jejunum of quails fed with different levels of commercial Macleaya cordata extract / Localização, distribuição e quantificação dos neurônios do plexo mioentérico do jejuno de codornas de postura alimentadas com diferentes inclusões do extrato comercial de Macleaya cordata

ABSTRACT: Coturniculture has been promising, progressing from a subsistence to a technical activity due to its quick production, low breeding investment, and rapid economic return. After the restriction of antimicrobials as growth promoters, some studies aimed to evaluate alternative products that would make the farming of healthy birds viable without impacting their performance, with commercial Macleaya cordata extract being one of these substitutes. The functions of the gastrointestinal tract are coordinated mainly by the enteric nervous system, and the myenteric plexus is responsible for the reflex control of contractile activities of the external muscles. Thus, this study located and demonstrated the distribution of the myenteric plexus, quantifing the total population of myenteric neurons (Giemsa+) and the subpopulation of myenteric nitrergic neurons (NADPH-d+), and evaluated the effects of commercial Macleaya cordata extract on these populations of quail jejunum neurons. A total of 240 one-day-old female laying quails were distributed into four treatments, with four repetitions of 15 birds each. The test groups (T1, T2, and T3) were treated with commercial Macleaya cordata extract throughout the experimental period using the following doses: T1 - test group, basal diet added with 150 ppm of the extract in the feed; T2- test group, basal diet added with100 ppm of the extract in the feed; T3 - test group, basal diet added with 50 ppm of the extract in the feed; and T4 - control group, basal diet with no added extract. The study included histological analysis, Giemsa+, and NADPH-d+ myenteric neuron staining. The results showed that the myenteric plexus is located between longitudinal layer fibers and in the transition region between the longitudinal and circular layers of the muscular tunic, with the myenteric population organized into ganglia and isolated in the region of neuronal fiber bundles. The commercial Macleaya cordata extract showed no quantitative changes in the myenteric Giemsa+ population and myenteric NADPH-d+ subpopulation, however, the groups that consumed the extract showed greater NADPH-d+ neuron activity compared to the control group, implying that the food remained longer in the intestinal lumen, therefore, enabling greater nutrient use and resulting in increased productive performance.

RESUMO: A coturnicultura tem apresentado características promissoras, deixando de ser uma atividade de subsistência e ocupando patamares tecnificados devido a sua precocidade produtiva, baixo investimento de criação e rápido retorno econômico. A partir da restrição da utilização de antimicrobianos como promotores de crescimento, estudos foram direcionados com o objetivo de se avaliar produtos alternativos que viabilizassem a criação de aves saudáveis, sem comprometer seu desempenho, sendo o extrato comercial da Macleaya cordata um destes substitutos. As funções do trato gastrintestinal são coordenadas principalmente pelo sistema nervoso entérico, sendo o plexo mioentérico responsável pelo controle reflexo das atividades contráteis da musculatura externa. Desta forma, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo localizar e demonstrar a distribuição do plexo mioentérico, quantificar a população total de neurônios mioentéricos (Giemsa+), e a subpopulação de neurônios mioentéricos nitrérgicos (NADPH-d+), além de avaliar os efeitos do extrato comercial da Macleaya cordata sobre estas populações de neurônios do jejuno de codornas. Foram alojadas 240 codornas de postura, fêmeas, com um dia de idade, distribuídas aleatoriamente em quatro tratamentos, com quatro repetições de 15 aves cada. Os grupos testes (T1, T2 e T3) foram tratados com extrato comercial de Macleaya cordata durante todo o período experimental conforme as doses indicadas, sendo: T1 - grupo teste, com dieta basal adicionada de 150 ppm do extrato na ração; T2 - grupo teste, com dieta basal adicionada de 100 ppm do extrato na ração; T3 - grupo teste, com dieta basal adicionada de 50 ppm do extrato na ração, e T4 - grupo controle, com dieta basal isenta do extrato. Foram realizadas análise histológica e a marcação dos neurônios mioentéricos Giemsa+ e NADPH-d+. Os resultados demonstraram que o plexo mioentérico está localizado entre as fibras do estrato longitudinal, e na região de transição entre os estratos longitudinal e circular da túnica muscular, estando a população mioentérica organizada em gânglios, e também isoladamente na região dos feixes das fibras neuronais. O extrato comercial da Macleaya cordata não alterou quantitativamente os neurônios da população mioentérica Giemsa+ e da subpopulação mioentérica NADPH-d+, mas os grupos que consumiram o extrato apresentaram maior atividade dos neurônios NADPH-d+ em relação ao grupo controle, permitindo inferir que o alimento permaneceu maior tempo no lúmen intestinal e, portanto, possibilitou um maior aproveitamento dos nutrientes, podendo refletir em melhor desempenho produtivo.

Growth performance, serum biochemistry and meat quality traits of Jumbo quails fed with mopane worm (Imbrasia belina) meal-containing diets.

Alternative protein sources such as mopane worm (Imbrasia belina) meal (MWM) are essential for sustainable poultry production. To date, no studies have attempted to investigate the effect of replacing soybean products with MWM in Jumbo quail diets. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the optimum inclusion level of MWM in place of soybean products on feed intake, physiological and meat quality responses of Jumbo quails. A total of 384 two-week-old mixed-gender quails (71.2 ± 5.40 g live-weight) were allotted to four isoproteic and isocaloric dietary treatments formulated by replacing soybean products with MWM at 0 (MWM0), 50 (MWM5), 100 (MWM10), and 150 (MWM15) g/kg. Neither linear nor quadratic effects (P > 0.05) were observed for feed intake, physiological responses, carcass traits and internal organs except for large intestines, which linearly decreased (P < 0.05) with MWM levels. There were significant quadratic trends for meat redness (a*), yellowness (b*) and chroma values in response to MWM levels. No dietary influences (P > 0.05) were observed on feed intake, physiological responses, internal organ weights, and carcass and meat quality parameters, except on b*, chroma and shear force. Diets MWM5 and MWM10 promoted higher (P < 0.05) b* and chroma values than MWM0. Whereas diet MWM5 promoted the highest (P < 0.05) shear force (2.39 N) than diets MWM0 and MWM10. We concluded that MWM has the potential to replace soybean products in quail diets without compromising their performance, health and meat quality. An optimum MWM inclusion level could not be determined suggesting that higher levels of MWM should be further investigated.

Parâmetros ósseos de codornas de corte suplementadas com diferentes níveis de vitamina A, de 15 a 35 dias de idade / [Parameters of bone of meat-type quail supplemented with different levels of vitamin A from 15 to 35 days of age]

Avaliou-se o efeito da utilização de níveis crescentes de vitamina A sobre os parâmetros ósseos de codornas de corte de 15 a 35 dias de idade. Foram utilizadas 1520 codornas, não sexadas, com peso médio inicial de 85±4,25g, distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, totalizando oito tratamentos com cinco repetições e 38 codornas por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de oito níveis de suplementação de vitamina A (0; 4.500; 6.000; 7.500; 9.000; 10.500; 12.000 e 13.500UI/kg da dieta). O período experimental foi de 15 a 35 dias de idade. Os ossos analisados apresentaram uma redução linear para o índice de Seedor, resistência óssea e teor de cinzas do fêmur e da tíbia de acordo com os níveis de suplementação de vitamina A. A suplementação de vitamina A para codornas de corte de 15 a 35 dias de idade mostrou resultados negativos para a qualidade óssea, com a necessidade de mais estudos sobre seu antagonismo com a vitamina D.(AU)

This study evaluated the effect of using increasing levels of vitamin A on bone parameters in meat-type quails from 15 to 35 days old. A total of 1520 unsexed quail with an average initial weight of 85g distributed in a completely randomized design, totaling eight treatments with five replicates and 38 quails per experimental unit were used. The treatments consisted of eight vitamin supplementation levels A (0; 4,500; 6,000; 7,500; 9,000; 10,500; 12,000 and 13,500IU / kg diet). The experimental period was 15 to 35 days of age. The bones analyzed showed a linear reduction to the Seedor index, bone strength and ash content of the femur and tibia according to vitamin supplementation levels Vitamin A supplementation for cutting quails from 15 to 35 days of age showed negative results for bone quality, with the need for more studies on its antagonism to vitamin D.(AU)