Thermal comfort thresholds for Japanese quails based on performance and egg quality.

Knowledge of the effects of thermal stress on Japanese quails helps support decision-making regarding the management of climate control systems. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and egg quality of Japanese quails subjected to different air temperatures (tair) and to propose thresholds for the temperature-humidity index (THI), the Black globe humidity index (BGHI), and enthalpy (H). Two experiments (21 days each) were conducted in four climate-controlled wind tunnels. In the first experiment, tair was 20, 22, 24, and 26 °C, and in the second, tair was 20, 28, 30, and 32 °C. The relative humidity (RH) and air velocity were 60% and 0.3 ms-1, respectively. To define the comfort thresholds, the productive performance of the birds, water intake, and egg quality were evaluated. No differences were observed (p > 0.05) for the performance-related variables, except for feed intake, which decreased (p < 0.05) as tair increased, and water intake, which increased (p < 0.5) by 15.9% starting at 28 °C. For experiments 1 and 2, with tair at 20 °C (tair,obs = 20.8 and 21.3 °C, respectively), there was evidence of cold stress. The shell thickness, Haugh unit, and internal quality unit were negatively influenced (p < 0.05) by tair starting at 28 °C. Japanese quails were able, within certain limits, to adapt to continuous thermal stress. The Japanese quails thermal comfort intervals recommended for THI, BGHI, and H are 68.4 to 76.2, 69.1 to 77.2, and 50.5 to 67.2 kJ kgdry air-1, respectively.

An assessment of responses to egg production and liver health of Japanese quails subjected to different levels of metabolizable energy.

OBJECTIVE: Current quail production is configured as an economic activity in scale. Advancements in quail nutrition have been limited to areas such as breeding and, automation of facilities and ambience. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance responses, liver and oviduct morphometry, and liver histology of Japanese laying quails subjected to different levels of nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (MEn). METHODS: A completely random design was used that consisted of nine levels of MEn, six replicates, and five hens per cage with a total of 270 quails. The experimental period lasted for 10 weeks. The variables of performance were subjected to analysis of variance and then regression analysis using the broken-line model. The morphometric and histological variables were subjected to multivariate exploratory techniques. RESULTS: The MEn levels influenced the responses to zootechnical performance. The brokenline model estimated the maximum responses for feed intake, egg production, egg weight, and egg mass as 3,040, 2,820, 1,802, and 2,960 kcal of MEn per kg of diet, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the occurrence of hepatic steatosis and increased levels of Kupffer cells were not related to MEn levels. CONCLUSION: The level of 2,960 kcal/kg of MEn meets performance variable requirements without compromising hepatic physiology.

Aspectos reprodutivos e desempenho de diferentes linhagens de matrizes de codornas japonesas / Reproductive aspects and performance of differents strains of Japanese quail breeders

Objetivou-se avaliar parâmetros reprodutivos e o desempenho de diferentes grupos genéticos de codornas japonesas com diferentes pesos iniciais de produção. O delineamento experimental utilizado para os dados de desempenho zootécnico das aves foi inteiramente casualizado, com esquema fatorial 3 x 2 (três linhagens: UEM1, UEM2 e Comercial (COM), e duas classes de peso: leves e pesadas), totalizando seis tratamentos, com oito repetições cada, portanto 48 parcelas. Cada parcela continha oito aves (dois machos e seis fêmeas), num total de 384 codornas. Foi analisado: a idade ao primeiro ovo, idade aos 50% de produção, idade de pico de produção e persistência de pico em semanas. O desempenho foi analisado por meio da produção de ovos, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar e mortalidade. Ainda, foi estudado a produção de ovos incubáveis. A linhagem COM apresentou maior peso vivo às seis semanas de idade, sendo UEM 1 e UEM 2 semelhantes entre si. Para a idade ao primeiro ovo, o grupo COM se equiparou UEM 1, sendo a UEM 2 foi mais tardia. Já para a variável idade aos 50% de produção de ovos a linhagem COM apresentou-se mais precoce em relação às demais linhagens. Não foi observado efeito do peso das codornas sobre a idade do primeiro ovo. Não houve efeito de interação entre linhagem e peso inicial das aves para nenhuma das variáveis de desempenho reprodutivo estudadas. Ainda, pode-se observar que não houve diferença entre os grupos genéticos ou peso corporal inicial para produção de ovos, quando considerado o período de 6 a 26 semanas de idade. Não houve diferença entre os grupos genéticos para consumo de ração durante o período de 20 semanas estudado e não houve efeito do peso inicial de produção sobre essa variável (P>0,05). A conversão alimentar kg/dz, melhorou pelos grupos das linhagens UEM 1 e UEM 2. Para a peso de ovos incubáveis o grupo comercial apresentou maior peso...(AU)

The objective was to evaluate the performance and reproductive parameters of different genetics groups of Japanese quails with different initial weights. The experimental design was completely randomized, with a factorial 3 x 2 (three strains (UEM1, UEM2 and Commercial (COM)) and two weight classes (light and heavy), totaling six treatments. Was used with eight replications, totaling 48 plots. Each plot contained eight birds (two males and six females), with a total of 384 quails. The COM line presented higher live weight at six weeks of age, being UEM 1 and UEM 2 similar to each other. For age at first egg, the COM group equated EMU 1, with EMU 2 being later. For the variable age at 50% of egg production, the COM strain was earlier than the others. No effect of quail weight was observed on the age of the first egg. There was no interaction effect between strain and initial weight of the birds for any of the reproductive performance. Also, it can be observed that there was no difference between the genetic groups or initial body weight for egg production, when considered the period from six to 26 weeks of age. There was no difference between the genetic groups for feed intake during the 20-week period studied and there was no effect of the initial weight of production on this variable. For the results of the feed conversion index kg/eggs, it can be observed that the best results were presented by the groups of the EMU 1 and EMU 2 strains. It was possible to conclude that genetic improvement of Japanese laying quails requires better adjusts and that an unimproved commercial strain may present similar results to the improved lineages.(AU)

The effect of dietary phytase and various available phosphorus levels on performance and egg quality in Japanese quail / Fitase e diferentes níveis de fósforo disponível em dietas de codornas japonesas sobre a produção e qualidade de ovos

Birds show poor utilization of phytic phosphorus in their diets because of the lack of endogenous enzymes to digest phosphorus and make it bioavailable. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate phytase supplementation in the diets of laying quails. Eighty quails were used in a completely randomized experimental design with five treatments and four replicates of four birds each. The treatments were as follows: 0.35% Pd; 0.20% Pd; 0.20% Pd + 500FTUs of phytase; 0.09% Pd; 0.09% Pd + 500 FTUs of phytase. The birds were housed in metallic batteries during a trial period of 21 days, for evaluation of egg production, egg weight, feed intake and feed conversion. After being collected, the eggs were sent to the nutrition laboratory of the department of zootechnics of the CEO/Udesc, where analyses of albumin, yolk and shell quality were performed. The results were subjected to analysis of variance, and the differences between the averages were compared using the Tukey test at 5% of significance. No differences (P> 0.05) were observed in terms of performance and egg quality parameters. We conclude that the inclusion of phytase in the diet of laying quails can be accomplished without compromising the performance and quality of the eggs. Additionally, 0.09% of 22 disponible phosphorus can be used to grant adequate performance for 21 days.(AU)

As aves possuem baixo aproveitamento do fósforo fítico das dietas, devido à falta de enzimas endógenas que consigam realizar a quebra e aproveitamento do mesmo. Objetivou-se no presente estudo avaliar a adição de fitase em dietas de codornas poedeiras. Foram utilizadas 80codornas, em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado composto por cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições, de quatro aves cada. Os tratamentos foram: 0,35% Pd; 0,20% Pd; 0,20% Pd + 500FTUs de fitase; 0,09% Pd; 0,09% Pd + 500 FTUs de fitase. As aves foram alojadas em baterias metálicas, em período experimental de 21 dias, para avaliação da produção de ovos, peso dos ovos, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar. Após coletados, os ovos foram encaminhados ao laboratório de nutrição do departamento de zootecnia do CEO/Udesc, onde foram realizadas as análises de qualidade de albúmen, de clara e casca. Os resultados obtidos foramsubmetidos à análise de variância e as diferenças entre as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de significância. Não foram observadas diferenças (P>0,05) nos parâmetros de desempenho e qualidade de ovos avaliados. Conclui-se que a inclusão da fitase na dieta de codornas poedeiras pode ser empregada sem causar comprometimento do desempenho e qualidade dos ovos das aves. Adicionalmente, 0,09% de fósforo disponível pode ser utilizado, garantindo o desempenho em período de 21 dias de produção.(AU)

Resíduo de acerola em dietas para codornas / Acerola residue in feed for quails

Objetivou-se avaliar a inclusão do resíduo da acerola em dietas de codornas de corte sobre o desempenho produtivo, rendimento de carcaça, biometria intestinal e viabilidade econômica das aves, aos 42 dias de idade. Foram utilizadas 400 codornas europeias, não sexadas, de um dia de idade, distribuídas em delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco níveis de inclusão (0,0; 3,0; 6,0; 9,0 e 12,0%) de resíduo da acerola, com oito repetições e 10 aves por unidade experimental. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas (P>0,05) para o ganho de peso, o consumo de ração, a conversão alimentar, os pesos absolutos e os rendimentos de carcaça e os cortes nobres (peito, coxa e sobrecoxa). Houve efeito (P<0,05) linear para os pesos absolutos e relativos de fígado e moela. A biometria intestinal das aves não foi (P>0,05) influenciada pelos níveis de inclusão do resíduo de acerola. O resíduo de acerola pode ser utilizado como ingrediente alternativo nas dietas de codornas europeias, até o nível de 12% de inclusão, sem comprometer o desempenho produtivo, o rendimento de carcaça das aves e a viabilidade econômica.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of the acerola residue in broiler quail diets on productive performance, carcass yield, intestinal biometry, and poultry economic viability at 42 days of age. Four hundred one-day unsexed European quail were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with five inclusion levels (0.0, 3.0, 6.0, 9.0 and 12.0%) of residue of acerola, with eight replicates and 10 birds per experimental unit.No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed for weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, absolute weights and carcass yields, and noble cuts (chest, thigh and sobrecoxa). There was a linear effect (P<0.05) for absolute and relative weights of liver and gizzard. The intestinal biometry of the birds were not (P>0.05) influenced by the inclusion levels of the acerola residue. The acerola residue can be used as an alternative ingredient in European quails diets up to a 12% inclusion level, without compromising productive performance, poultry carcass yield and economic viability.(AU)

The effect of dietary phytase and various available phosphorus levels on performance and egg quality in Japanese quail / Fitase e diferentes níveis de fósforo disponível em dietas de codornas japonesas sobre a produção e qualidade de ovos

Birds show poor utilization of phytic phosphorus in their diets because of the lack of endogenous enzymes to digest phosphorus and make it bioavailable. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate phytase supplementation in the diets of laying quails. Eighty quails were used in a completely randomized experimental design with five treatments and four replicates of four birds each. The treatments were as follows: 0.35% Pd; 0.20% Pd; 0.20% Pd + 500FTUs of phytase; 0.09% Pd; 0.09% Pd + 500 FTUs of phytase. The birds were housed in metallic batteries during a trial period of 21 days, for evaluation of egg production, egg weight, feed intake and feed conversion. After being collected, the eggs were sent to the nutrition laboratory of the department of zootechnics of the CEO/Udesc, where analyses of albumin, yolk and shell quality were performed. The results were subjected to analysis of variance, and the differences between the averages were compared using the Tukey test at 5% of significance. No differences (P> 0.05) were observed in terms of performance and egg quality parameters. We conclude that the inclusion of phytase in the diet of laying quails can be accomplished without compromising the performance and quality of the eggs. Additionally, 0.09% of 22 disponible phosphorus can be used to grant adequate performance for 21 days.

As aves possuem baixo aproveitamento do fósforo fítico das dietas, devido à falta de enzimas endógenas que consigam realizar a quebra e aproveitamento do mesmo. Objetivou-se no presente estudo avaliar a adição de fitase em dietas de codornas poedeiras. Foram utilizadas 80codornas, em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado composto por cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições, de quatro aves cada. Os tratamentos foram: 0,35% Pd; 0,20% Pd; 0,20% Pd + 500FTUs de fitase; 0,09% Pd; 0,09% Pd + 500 FTUs de fitase. As aves foram alojadas em baterias metálicas, em período experimental de 21 dias, para avaliação da produção de ovos, peso dos ovos, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar. Após coletados, os ovos foram encaminhados ao laboratório de nutrição do departamento de zootecnia do CEO/Udesc, onde foram realizadas as análises de qualidade de albúmen, de clara e casca. Os resultados obtidos foramsubmetidos à análise de variância e as diferenças entre as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de significância. Não foram observadas diferenças (P>0,05) nos parâmetros de desempenho e qualidade de ovos avaliados. Conclui-se que a inclusão da fitase na dieta de codornas poedeiras pode ser empregada sem causar comprometimento do desempenho e qualidade dos ovos das aves. Adicionalmente, 0,09% de fósforo disponível pode ser utilizado, garantindo o desempenho em período de 21 dias de produção.

Resíduo de acerola em dietas para codornas / Acerola residue in feed for quails

Objetivou-se avaliar a inclusão do resíduo da acerola em dietas de codornas de corte sobre o desempenho produtivo, rendimento de carcaça, biometria intestinal e viabilidade econômica das aves, aos 42 dias de idade. Foram utilizadas 400 codornas europeias, não sexadas, de um dia de idade, distribuídas em delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco níveis de inclusão (0,0; 3,0; 6,0; 9,0 e 12,0%) de resíduo da acerola, com oito repetições e 10 aves por unidade experimental. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas (P>0,05) para o ganho de peso, o consumo de ração, a conversão alimentar, os pesos absolutos e os rendimentos de carcaça e os cortes nobres (peito, coxa e sobrecoxa). Houve efeito (P<0,05) linear para os pesos absolutos e relativos de fígado e moela. A biometria intestinal das aves não foi (P>0,05) influenciada pelos níveis de inclusão do resíduo de acerola. O resíduo de acerola pode ser utilizado como ingrediente alternativo nas dietas de codornas europeias, até o nível de 12% de inclusão, sem comprometer o desempenho produtivo, o rendimento de carcaça das aves e a viabilidade econômica.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of the acerola residue in broiler quail diets on productive performance, carcass yield, intestinal biometry, and poultry economic viability at 42 days of age. Four hundred one-day unsexed European quail were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with five inclusion levels (0.0, 3.0, 6.0, 9.0 and 12.0%) of residue of acerola, with eight replicates and 10 birds per experimental unit.No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed for weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, absolute weights and carcass yields, and noble cuts (chest, thigh and sobrecoxa). There was a linear effect (P<0.05) for absolute and relative weights of liver and gizzard. The intestinal biometry of the birds were not (P>0.05) influenced by the inclusion levels of the acerola residue. The acerola residue can be used as an alternative ingredient in European quails diets up to a 12% inclusion level, without compromising productive performance, poultry carcass yield and economic viability.(AU)

Effects of the Dietary Inclusion of Xylanase on the Performance and Jejunum Morphometry of Meat-Type Quails

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of two xylanase products to diets with reduced metabolizable energy fed to meat-type quails during the starter phase (1-14 days). A completely randomized experimental design in a 2 x 3 + 1 factorial arrangement two reduced metabolizable energy (ME) diets, inclusion or not of xylanase, and a control diet with no enzyme addition) was applied, totaling seven treatments with five replicates of 45 quails each. At 14 days of age, jejunum segments were collected for morphometry evaluation. No interaction between the studied factors were detected for performance and jejunal morphometry parameters. Body weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion were not influenced by enzyme inclusion. Reduced ME diets (-70 or -140 kcal/kg) did not affect performance, except for feed intake. Xylanase inclusion increased villus height and villus:crypt ratio. Therefore, xylanase supplementation can be effective in corn and soybean meal-based diets, without causing any impairment in the performance of 1- to 14-day-old quails. Xylanases A and B were more efficient when dietary energy level was reduced in 140 kcal ME/kg, and were also shown to effectively improve the jejunal morphometry of starter meat-type quails.(AU)

Effects of the Dietary Inclusion of Xylanase on the Performance and Jejunum Morphometry of Meat-Type Quails

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of two xylanase products to diets with reduced metabolizable energy fed to meat-type quails during the starter phase (1-14 days). A completely randomized experimental design in a 2 x 3 + 1 factorial arrangement two reduced metabolizable energy (ME) diets, inclusion or not of xylanase, and a control diet with no enzyme addition) was applied, totaling seven treatments with five replicates of 45 quails each. At 14 days of age, jejunum segments were collected for morphometry evaluation. No interaction between the studied factors were detected for performance and jejunal morphometry parameters. Body weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion were not influenced by enzyme inclusion. Reduced ME diets (-70 or -140 kcal/kg) did not affect performance, except for feed intake. Xylanase inclusion increased villus height and villus:crypt ratio. Therefore, xylanase supplementation can be effective in corn and soybean meal-based diets, without causing any impairment in the performance of 1- to 14-day-old quails. Xylanases A and B were more efficient when dietary energy level was reduced in 140 kcal ME/kg, and were also shown to effectively improve the jejunal morphometry of starter meat-type quails.

Xylanase for meat-type quails from 15 to 35 days old

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the supplementation of two xylanases in the diet of meat-type quail on performance, morphology of the intestinal mucosa, metabolization of nutrients, and carcass yield. The experimental design was a completely randomized 2×3+1 factorial arrangement [two metabolisable energy reductions (70 and 140 kcal/kg), with or without the inclusion of two xylanases (A and B), plus a control treatment without xylanase), totalling seven treatments with five replicates and 42 quail each. Total excreta were collected at 28 days of age to determine the metabolisable coefficients of dry matter, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and gross energy (GE). There was no interaction between the energetic reductions and inclusion of xylanases on performance variables of the birds. The 70 kcal/kg reduction led to better results for feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion, while the 140 kcal/kg reduction led to worse results. In terms of jejunum morphometry, there was no interaction between energy reductions and inclusion of xylanases, although xylanases increased villi height and villus:crypt ratio. There was an interaction between energy reduction and inclusion of enzymes for the metabolisability coefficients of CP, NDF, and GE, leading to improvements in these coefficients. Xylanases A and B are effective in energy-reduced corn and soybean meal diets for 15 to 35-day-old quail.(AU)

Aspectos reprodutivos e desempenho de diferentes linhagens de matrizes de codornas japonesas / Reproductive aspects and performance of differents strains of Japanese quail breeders

Objetivou-se avaliar parâmetros reprodutivos e o desempenho de diferentes grupos genéticos de codornas japonesas com diferentes pesos iniciais de produção. O delineamento experimental utilizado para os dados de desempenho zootécnico das aves foi inteiramente casualizado, com esquema fatorial 3 x 2 (três linhagens: UEM1, UEM2 e Comercial (COM), e duas classes de peso: leves e pesadas), totalizando seis tratamentos, com oito repetições cada, portanto 48 parcelas. Cada parcela continha oito aves (dois machos e seis fêmeas), num total de 384 codornas. Foi analisado: a idade ao primeiro ovo, idade aos 50% de produção, idade de pico de produção e persistência de pico em semanas. O desempenho foi analisado por meio da produção de ovos, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar e mortalidade. Ainda, foi estudado a produção de ovos incubáveis. A linhagem COM apresentou maior peso vivo às seis semanas de idade, sendo UEM 1 e UEM 2 semelhantes entre si. Para a idade ao primeiro ovo, o grupo COM se equiparou UEM 1, sendo a UEM 2 foi mais tardia. Já para a variável idade aos 50% de produção de ovos a linhagem COM apresentou-se mais precoce em relação às demais linhagens. Não foi observado efeito do peso das codornas sobre a idade do primeiro ovo. Não houve efeito de interação entre linhagem e peso inicial das aves para nenhuma das variáveis de desempenho reprodutivo estudadas. Ainda, pode-se observar que não houve diferença entre os grupos genéticos ou peso corporal inicial para produção de ovos, quando considerado o período de 6 a 26 semanas de idade. Não houve diferença entre os grupos genéticos para consumo de ração durante o período de 20 semanas estudado e não houve efeito do peso inicial de produção sobre essa variável (P>0,05). A conversão alimentar kg/dz, melhorou pelos grupos das linhagens UEM 1 e UEM 2. Para a peso de ovos incubáveis o grupo comercial apresentou maior peso...

The objective was to evaluate the performance and reproductive parameters of different genetics groups of Japanese quails with different initial weights. The experimental design was completely randomized, with a factorial 3 x 2 (three strains (UEM1, UEM2 and Commercial (COM)) and two weight classes (light and heavy), totaling six treatments. Was used with eight replications, totaling 48 plots. Each plot contained eight birds (two males and six females), with a total of 384 quails. The COM line presented higher live weight at six weeks of age, being UEM 1 and UEM 2 similar to each other. For age at first egg, the COM group equated EMU 1, with EMU 2 being later. For the variable age at 50% of egg production, the COM strain was earlier than the others. No effect of quail weight was observed on the age of the first egg. There was no interaction effect between strain and initial weight of the birds for any of the reproductive performance. Also, it can be observed that there was no difference between the genetic groups or initial body weight for egg production, when considered the period from six to 26 weeks of age. There was no difference between the genetic groups for feed intake during the 20-week period studied and there was no effect of the initial weight of production on this variable. For the results of the feed conversion index kg/eggs, it can be observed that the best results were presented by the groups of the EMU 1 and EMU 2 strains. It was possible to conclude that genetic improvement of Japanese laying quails requires better adjusts and that an unimproved commercial strain may present similar results to the improved lineages.

Productivity of japanese quails in relation to body weight at the end of the rearing phase / Produtividade de codornas japonesas em função do peso corporal ao final da fase de recria

Two experiments were conducted at different times with the objective of investigating how the body weight of Japanese quails at the end of the rearing period may alter the performance during the laying phase. In both experiments, the birds were distributed in five treatments according to their body weights, which were obtained at 42 and 35 days of age for the first and second experiments respectively, and the following categories were considered for said experiments: very light, light, average, heavy and very heavy. For both experiments, the treatments were distributed in a randomized block design, at eight repetitions per treatment for the first one and six for the second one, both at 18 birds per repetition. During the first experiment, sexual maturity, laying percentage, marketable egg percentage, average egg weight and egg mass, in second experiment, feed consumption, final body weight, eggs per bird present, laying percentage, average egg weight, egg mass and alimentary conversion were evaluated. The results obtained show that Japanese quails whose body weight is lower than 140 grams at 42 days of age, or lower than 120 grams at 35 days of age show significantly worse productive results during the laying phase.

Dois experimentos foram conduzidos para investigar como o peso corporal de codornas japonesa ao final do período de recria pode alterar os parâmetros de desempenho durante a fase de postura. Nos dois experimentos as aves foram distribuídas em cinco tratamentos em função do peso corporal, estes foram obtidos aos 42 e aos 35 dias de idade, para o primeiro e segundo experimento respectivamente. Para ambos os experimentos foram consideradas as classes: muito leves, leves, peso médio, pesadas e muito pesadas. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com oito repetições por tratamento para o primeiro experimento e seis repetições por tratamento para o segundo experimento, ambos com 18 aves por repetição. No primeiro experimento, foram avaliados a maturidade sexual, a porcentagem de postura, a porcentagem de ovos comercializados, o peso médio dos ovos e massa de ovos. No segundo experimento foram avaliados o consumo de ração, o peso corporal final, os ovos por ave presente, a porcentagem de postura, o peso médio dos ovos, massa de ovos e a conversão alimentar. Os resultados mostram que codornas com peso corporal inferior a 140 gramas aos 42 dias de vida, ou inferior a 120 gramas aos 35 dias de vida, pioram significativamente os resultados produtivos durante o período de postura.

Productivity of japanese quails in relation to body weight at the end of the rearing phase / Produtividade de codornas japonesas em função do peso corporal ao final da fase de recria

Two experiments were conducted at different times with the objective of investigating how the body weight of Japanese quails at the end of the rearing period may alter the performance during the laying phase. In both experiments, the birds were distributed in five treatments according to their body weights, which were obtained at 42 and 35 days of age for the first and second experiments respectively, and the following categories were considered for said experiments: very light, light, average, heavy and very heavy. For both experiments, the treatments were distributed in a randomized block design, at eight repetitions per treatment for the first one and six for the second one, both at 18 birds per repetition. During the first experiment, sexual maturity, laying percentage, marketable egg percentage, average egg weight and egg mass, in second experiment, feed consumption, final body weight, eggs per bird present, laying percentage, average egg weight, egg mass and alimentary conversion were evaluated. The results obtained show that Japanese quails whose body weight is lower than 140 grams at 42 days of age, or lower than 120 grams at 35 days of age show significantly worse productive results during the laying phase.(AU)

Dois experimentos foram conduzidos para investigar como o peso corporal de codornas japonesa ao final do período de recria pode alterar os parâmetros de desempenho durante a fase de postura. Nos dois experimentos as aves foram distribuídas em cinco tratamentos em função do peso corporal, estes foram obtidos aos 42 e aos 35 dias de idade, para o primeiro e segundo experimento respectivamente. Para ambos os experimentos foram consideradas as classes: muito leves, leves, peso médio, pesadas e muito pesadas. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com oito repetições por tratamento para o primeiro experimento e seis repetições por tratamento para o segundo experimento, ambos com 18 aves por repetição. No primeiro experimento, foram avaliados a maturidade sexual, a porcentagem de postura, a porcentagem de ovos comercializados, o peso médio dos ovos e massa de ovos. No segundo experimento foram avaliados o consumo de ração, o peso corporal final, os ovos por ave presente, a porcentagem de postura, o peso médio dos ovos, massa de ovos e a conversão alimentar. Os resultados mostram que codornas com peso corporal inferior a 140 gramas aos 42 dias de vida, ou inferior a 120 gramas aos 35 dias de vida, pioram significativamente os resultados produtivos durante o período de postura.(AU)

Whole rice in japanese quails diet / Arroz integral na alimentação de codornas japonesas

A trial was conducted to evaluate the use of dehulled and unpolished whole rice in Japanese quails diet. A total of 100 80-days-old Japanese quails (149.07 ± 10 g) were distributed in five treatments: 0% dehulled and unpolished whole rice (control diet based on corn and soybean meal), 20, 40, 60, and 80% of whole rice in replacement of corn; respectively, treatments 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Productive performance was evaluated through egg production (%), egg weight (g), body weight (g), egg mass (g), feed conversion per egg mass and feed conversion per dozen eggs. The following variables measured the internal quality of eggs: albumen height (mm), yolk color and percentage, egg white percentage and Haugh units. The external quality of eggs was measured through specific gravity (g cm-3), shell thickness (µm) and shell percentage. Treatment means were analyzed through polynomial regression at 5%. As the level of whole rice was increased in the diets, a significant linear increase in egg production (p = 0.005), egg mass (p = 0.007), shell thickness (p = 0.03) and specific gravity (p = 0.007) was observed. Feed conversion per egg mass (p = 0.006), feed conversion per dozen eggs (p = 0.003) and egg color (p 0.0001), on the other hand, were reduced linearly. The increased utilization of whole rice increased the cost of the diet. In conclusion, the addition of dehulled and unpolished

O objetivo foi estudar a utilização do grão de arroz integral na dieta de codornas japonesas. Foram utilizadas 100 codornas japonesas com peso médio de 149,07 ± 10 gramas e 80 dias de idade, distribuídas em cinco tratamentos 0% de arroz integral (dieta controle à base de milho e farelo de soja), 20, 40, 60 e 80% de arroz integral em substituição ao milho. Foi avaliado o desempenho produtivo das aves, através da produção de ovos (%), do peso dos ovos (g), do peso das aves (g), massa de ovos (g), conversão por massa e por dúzia. Nas variáveis de qualidade interna dos ovos foram analisadas a altura de albúmen (mm), cor da gema, porcentagem da gema, porcentagem da clara e unidade Haugh. A qualidade externa dos ovos foi avaliada através da gravidade específica (g cm-3), espessura (m) e porcentagem da casca. Os dados foram submetidos à análise regressão polinomial a 5% de significância. Conforme aumentou a inclusão de arroz integral na dieta houve um aumento linear da produção de ovos (p = 0,005), massa de ovos (p = 0,007), da porcentagem da casca (p = 0,03) e da gravidade específica (p = 0,007), ao contrário da conversão por massa (p = 0,006), por dúzia (p = 0,003) e da cor da gema (p 0,0001), que reduziram linearmente. O aumento da inclusão de arroz integral aumentou o custo da dieta. Conclui-se que a substituição do milho pelo grão de arroz integral na dieta aumenta

Whole rice in japanese quails diet / Arroz integral na alimentação de codornas japonesas

A trial was conducted to evaluate the use of dehulled and unpolished whole rice in Japanese quails diet. A total of 100 80-days-old Japanese quails (149.07 ± 10 g) were distributed in five treatments: 0% dehulled and unpolished whole rice (control diet based on corn and soybean meal), 20, 40, 60, and 80% of whole rice in replacement of corn; respectively, treatments 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Productive performance was evaluated through egg production (%), egg weight (g), body weight (g), egg mass (g), feed conversion per egg mass and feed conversion per dozen eggs. The following variables measured the internal quality of eggs: albumen height (mm), yolk color and percentage, egg white percentage and Haugh units. The external quality of eggs was measured through specific gravity (g cm-3), shell thickness (µm) and shell percentage. Treatment means were analyzed through polynomial regression at 5%. As the level of whole rice was increased in the diets, a significant linear increase in egg production (p = 0.005), egg mass (p = 0.007), shell thickness (p = 0.03) and specific gravity (p = 0.007) was observed. Feed conversion per egg mass (p = 0.006), feed conversion per dozen eggs (p = 0.003) and egg color (p 0.0001), on the other hand, were reduced linearly. The increased utilization of whole rice increased the cost of the diet. In conclusion, the addition of dehulled and unpolished(AU)

O objetivo foi estudar a utilização do grão de arroz integral na dieta de codornas japonesas. Foram utilizadas 100 codornas japonesas com peso médio de 149,07 ± 10 gramas e 80 dias de idade, distribuídas em cinco tratamentos 0% de arroz integral (dieta controle à base de milho e farelo de soja), 20, 40, 60 e 80% de arroz integral em substituição ao milho. Foi avaliado o desempenho produtivo das aves, através da produção de ovos (%), do peso dos ovos (g), do peso das aves (g), massa de ovos (g), conversão por massa e por dúzia. Nas variáveis de qualidade interna dos ovos foram analisadas a altura de albúmen (mm), cor da gema, porcentagem da gema, porcentagem da clara e unidade Haugh. A qualidade externa dos ovos foi avaliada através da gravidade específica (g cm-3), espessura (m) e porcentagem da casca. Os dados foram submetidos à análise regressão polinomial a 5% de significância. Conforme aumentou a inclusão de arroz integral na dieta houve um aumento linear da produção de ovos (p = 0,005), massa de ovos (p = 0,007), da porcentagem da casca (p = 0,03) e da gravidade específica (p = 0,007), ao contrário da conversão por massa (p = 0,006), por dúzia (p = 0,003) e da cor da gema (p 0,0001), que reduziram linearmente. O aumento da inclusão de arroz integral aumentou o custo da dieta. Conclui-se que a substituição do milho pelo grão de arroz integral na dieta aumenta(AU)

Salmonella Enteritidis in the eggs of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica - Temminck & Schlegel, 1849) fed diets with different calcium and phosphorus levels

Several studies point out that eggs are the main cause of human salmonellosis, particularly when poorly processed or eaten raw. In addition of causing public health problems, the presence of Salmonella hinders international food trade, and therefore, it is a health barrier. There are several predisposing factors for the contamination of internal egg content by Salmonella spp, including eggshell quality, which is related to dietary calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels. In this study, eggs from Japanese quails fed diets containing two different Ca (2.0 or 3.5%) or P (0.25 or 0.45%) levels were evaluated. Three production phases were used in the experiment: starter, intermediate, and final. The presence of Salmonella Enteriditis in the eggshell and internal content in in the periods of 0, 24, 96, and 168 hours after the experimental contamination of the eggs by immersion in broth containing Salmonella Enteriditis. The bacterium was detected in decreasing numbers in the eggshell of eggs from all treatments and during all storage periods. No significant bacterial numbers were found in the internal egg content in none of the treatments during none of the production phases. Therefore, the evaluated Ca and P levels in the diet of Japanese quails did not result in higher or lower public health risk relative to the presence of Salmonella Enteritidis in the internal egg content.(AU)

The use of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes for the detection of poultry offal meal in meat-type quail feeds

The objective of the present study was to trace the inclusion of poultry offal meal (POM) in the diet of meat-type quails reared for a long period using the technique of stable isotopes. A number of 320 quails were randomly distributed into eight treatments: vegetable diet (T1), and a diet containing 8% POM were fed until the end of the experimental period (T2) or replaced by the vegetable diet on day 42 (T3), 56 (T4), 70 (T5), 84 (T6), 98 (T7), and 112 (T8). Breast muscle samples were collected from four birds randomly selected per treatment every 14 days. The obtained isotope results were submitted to multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with the aid of the GLM procedure of statistical SAS program. Treatments were different from T1 when birds were sacrificed at least two weeks after the diet was changed. T2 results were different from T1 in all evaluated periods. It was concluded that it is possible to trace poultry offal meal inclusion in a strictly vegetable diet after the diet was changed for at least 14 days.(AU)

The use of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes for the detection of poultry offal meal in meat-type quail feeds

The objective of the present study was to trace the inclusion of poultry offal meal (POM) in the diet of meat-type quails reared for a long period using the technique of stable isotopes. A number of 320 quails were randomly distributed into eight treatments: vegetable diet (T1), and a diet containing 8% POM were fed until the end of the experimental period (T2) or replaced by the vegetable diet on day 42 (T3), 56 (T4), 70 (T5), 84 (T6), 98 (T7), and 112 (T8). Breast muscle samples were collected from four birds randomly selected per treatment every 14 days. The obtained isotope results were submitted to multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with the aid of the GLM procedure of statistical SAS program. Treatments were different from T1 when birds were sacrificed at least two weeks after the diet was changed. T2 results were different from T1 in all evaluated periods. It was concluded that it is possible to trace poultry offal meal inclusion in a strictly vegetable diet after the diet was changed for at least 14 days.

Salmonella Enteritidis in the eggs of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica - Temminck & Schlegel, 1849) fed diets with different calcium and phosphorus levels

Several studies point out that eggs are the main cause of human salmonellosis, particularly when poorly processed or eaten raw. In addition of causing public health problems, the presence of Salmonella hinders international food trade, and therefore, it is a health barrier. There are several predisposing factors for the contamination of internal egg content by Salmonella spp, including eggshell quality, which is related to dietary calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels. In this study, eggs from Japanese quails fed diets containing two different Ca (2.0 or 3.5%) or P (0.25 or 0.45%) levels were evaluated. Three production phases were used in the experiment: starter, intermediate, and final. The presence of Salmonella Enteriditis in the eggshell and internal content in in the periods of 0, 24, 96, and 168 hours after the experimental contamination of the eggs by immersion in broth containing Salmonella Enteriditis. The bacterium was detected in decreasing numbers in the eggshell of eggs from all treatments and during all storage periods. No significant bacterial numbers were found in the internal egg content in none of the treatments during none of the production phases. Therefore, the evaluated Ca and P levels in the diet of Japanese quails did not result in higher or lower public health risk relative to the presence of Salmonella Enteritidis in the internal egg content.

Acidulants for japanese quails housed at high stocking rates at finishing phase / Acidulantes para codornas japonesas alojadas em altas taxas de lotação na fase final de produção

The quail for being an alternative species will be able to supply a new market niche due to its fast growth, high laying rate, low feed intake, in addition to the increase of the acceptance of its products by the consumer. A growing interest in raising the stocking rates in the cages as an alternative to increase the performance of the stock is noticed; although studies demonstrate that high densities can result into unfavorable environment to the birds welfare with alterations in the performance of the flocks and as a stressing factor being able to alter the production and profitability of the flock. At high stocking rates, the birds become predisposed to aggressiveness reactions, presenting cannibalism behavior, besides the combination of factors such as pH, temperature, ventilation and humidity deficiency which create environmental conditions favorable for certain benign bacteria which utilize uric acid of the manure through their enzymatic complexes and produce ammonia, causing stress to birds and which can cause damages to performance with significant economic losses to the producer.  The experiment with 112-day duration was conducted with the objective of evaluating the inclusion of acidulants in the Japanese quails drinking water and verifying the effect on the stocking rate in cages. A completely randomized design with four treatments (2 stocking rates of quails x 2 a

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