Broiler Quail Research Articles

Different lines of camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) in broiler quails’ diets: effects on meat physicochemical traits and sensory profile

The present study investigated the effect of Camelina sativa cake dietary inclusion on quail meat fatty acids (FA), amino acids (AA), and sensory characteristics. To this, 480 broiler quails were allocated to four dietary treatments (12 replicated cages/treatment): a control diet (Control) and three diets with 15% camelina cake, containing a commercial cultivar (Calena) and two improved lines (Pearl: low linoleic acid; Alan: low glucosinolates). After slaughter, breast meat FA and AA profiles and contents were analysed, alongside a sensory evaluation by trained panellists. The dietary inclusion modified breast meat FA profile and contents (p < .001), notably increasing α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3), which improved overall n-3 PUFA and reduced the n-6/n-3 ratio to recommended levels. Health indices improved in a line-dependent manner: atherogenicity lowered in Alan compared to Control and Calena (p < .01), while thrombogenicity reduced in all camelina treatments than the Control (p < .001). Camelina-fed groups showed an AA profile in line with the Control one, and Pearl displayed a higher essential AA content compared to Alan (p < .05). Sensory results indicated no substantial changes in meat attributes across treatments, except for tenderness and animal fat flavour: the first lowered in Alan meat compared to the Control (p < .05), while the latter was higher in the Control than in Alan and Calena groups (p < .01). In conclusion, the 15% dietary inclusion of different camelina cakes in quail diets positively influenced meat FA, enhancing product healthiness without negatively impacting its nutritional quality and sensory attributes. Findings indicated that camelina cake is an effective feedstuff to improve quail meat quality. HIGHLIGHTS Once fed to quails, all tested camelina cakes increased meat n-3 PUFA and reduced the n-6/n-3 by about 5 and 7 times, respectively. Meat atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices of camelina-fed quails improved, indicating enhanced product healthiness. Camelina inclusion did not alter quail meat sensory attributes compared to the control group.

Rationale for the use of quail meat in the production of food products for special purposes

As a result of scientific research carried out on the materials and technical base of KubSAU named after. I.T. Trubilin and MSTU technological parameters and biological value of quail meat has been studied. Texas broiler quails, which were raised on a farm in the Krasnodar Territory, were slaughtered. The rationale for the use of Texas broiler quail meat in the technology of special-purpose meat products has been given. Studies of technological properties showed that the slaughter yield of an uneviscerated carcass is on average 85%. The yield of boneless meat was assessed in two ways: after gutting and after blanching the carcass, which showed that the yield of boneless meat after blanching was higher by 16.87 g, which was explained by a more thorough separation of muscle tissue from the bones. The results provided the basis for the use of blanching of whole carcasses in the production technology of special products based on quail meat. The recipe composition of meat cream based on quail meat and offal was modeled. Experimental batches were developed, followed by a tasting assessment and calculation of nutritional value, which showed high results, which justified the use of Texas broiler quail meat for the production of products for both general and special purposes.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Multidrug-Resistant ESBL-Producing E. coli in commercial poultry

Background: Rural poultry farmers are gradually changing from the backyard poultry production to intensive production, which made poultry more vulnerable to diseases and lead to indiscriminate use of antimicrobials in poultry production. As per OIE, FAO and WHO, multiple spread antimicrobial resistant pathogenic bacteria are a serious global human and animal health problem. Hence the study has been carried out to know the antimicrobial resistance status of poultry in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India. Methods: The study was aimed to find the occurrence of extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBLs) producing E. coli from poultry origin. Caecum samples from the broiler (n=180), desi chicken (n=180) and Japanese quail (n=180) were processed for the isolation and phenotypic identification of ESBL E. coli. The isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility test and characterization of ESBL and virulence genes done by PCR. Result: On phenotypic confirmation of ESBL producing E. coli by combined disk diffusion test (CDDT), a total of 9.63% samples were positive for extended spectrum beta lactamase producer (ESBL). Multi drug resistance (MDR) was observed in 38.23% of the broiler isolates, 27.27% and 57.14% in desi chicken and Japanese quail isolates, respectively. All the phenotypically confirmed ESBL producing E. coli isolates (n=52) were positive for uspA gene by PCR confirming the isolates as E. coli. The overall presence of the blaTEM gene was 57.69%, with broiler isolates having the highest prevalence of 67.47%, followed by desi chicken 36.36% and Japanese quail 42.85%. In contrast, the blaSHV gene was found in only 17.64% of the broiler isolates, but none were positive for the blaCTXM and blaOXA-1 gene.

Suplementação dietética de glutamina e ácido glutâmico sobre o desempenho, morfometria intestinal e características de carcaça de codornas de corte

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with glutamine and glutamic acid (Gln+Glu) on performance, intestinal morphometry, and carcass characteristics of broiler quails. Eight hundred birds were used, distributed in an entirely randomized design with 20 birds per experimental unit, and given five treatments (0.0; 0.2; 0.4; 0.6; and 0.8% Gln+Glu supplementation) with eight replicates. At 1-21 days of age, lower (P &lt; 0.05) feed intake at 0.6 and 0.8% Gln+Glu supplementation and lower weight gain at 0.8% Gln+Glu supplementation compared to the control treatment were observed. By regression analysis, excluding the control treatment, there was an increasing linear effect (P &lt; 0.05) for feed intake at 22 to 42 days of age. For intestinal morphometry, Gln+Glu supplementation only favored the villus development of the ileum (P &lt; 0.05), giving it greater height at 0.2, 0.6, and 0.8% supplementation. Carcass characteristics, cuts, and edible viscera of the birds at 42 days were not affected (P &gt; 0.05) by Gln+Glu supplementation levels. Thus, the glutamine and glutamic acid supplementation affected the performance and intestinal morphology of 21-d-old quails, decreasing feed intake and weight gain associated with the improvement of ileum morphology; conversely, performance and carcass characteristics at 42 days were not affected by amino acid supplementation.

Microbioma intestinal e morfometria de codornas alimentadas com dietas contendo óleos essenciais

ABSTRACT: One of the greatest challenges in poultry production is maintaining intestinal mucosal barrier integrity and gut microbiota balance. Safe alternative antimicrobials that can regulate the microbial community through animal feed have been the subject of research in poultry production. This study evaluated the effect of Mentha piperita and Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils (EOs) on the gut microbiome and morphometry of broiler quails under normal feeding conditions. The gut microbiome was studied using a completely randomized design consisting of 4 treatments, namely control, bacitracin zinc, and the Eos M. piperita and M. alternifolia, with 8 repetitions and 7 quails per treatment, totaling 224 quails from 1 to 42 days old. The intestinal contents of the slaughtered quails were collected to evaluate the gut microbiome profile of their digestive tract. Gut morphometry was analyzed using a completely randomized factorial design, with four experimental rations for three intestinal sections (4x3) and five replications. The variables studied were villus surface area and height, crypt depth, villus height to cryptdepth ratio (VH:CD), villus-crypt ratio (V:C), villus width to height ratio (VW:H), and height of the intestinal epithelium and musculature. M. alternifolia (50 mg/kg of feed) in the diet of broiler quails improved gut morphometry, similar to the results obtained with bacitracin zinc. This EO also altered the gut microbiome of quails and reduced pathogenic bacterial diversity.

Effect of citrus peeling (Citrus sinensis) on production performance, humoral immunity, nutrients, and energy utilization of broiler quails

Citrus citrus peeling has a wide range of vitamins and trace minerals that have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It is hypothesized that the addition of citrus peeling to broiler quail diets can improve their production performance, humoral immunity, nutrients, and energy utilization. A trial was performed to study the impact of a methanolic extract of citrus peeling (Citrus sinensis) on production performance, humoral immunity, nutrients, and energy utilization of broiler quails. A healthy day-old 300 quails were randomly assigned with 5 replicates each replicate had 15 birds and used CRD for the trial. Different dietary supplementations were presented to different groups. The control group was not supplemented with any supplementation in their feed. While, the 3 other groups were supplemented by 0.5 mL/kg, 1 mL/kg, and 1.5 mL/kg of methanolic extract of dried Citrus sinensis peel (DCSP) in the basal diet (DCSP0.5, DCSP1, and DCSP1.5 groups, respectively). All the birds were allowed ad libitum feeding and water. The feed intake and FCR were significantly higher in the control group, followed by DCSP0.5, and then DCSP1. The significantly lowest feed intake and FCR were observed in the DCSP1.5 group. The weight gain and dressing % were significantly improved with the increasing level of methanolic extract of Citrus sinensis. The significantly highest weights of thymus, spleen, and bursa were recorded in the DCSP1.5 group, followed by the DCSP1. The antibody titers against infectious bursal disease, New Castle disease, and infectious bronchitis disease were significantly higher in the DCSP1.5, DCSP1, and DCSP0.5 groups than in the control group. It was concluded from the study that supplementation of quails with methanolic extract of citrus at a dose rate of 0.5 to 1.5 mL/kg of feed can improve feed intake, weight gain, FCR, dressing percentage, relative weight of lymphoid organs, and digestibility coefficient. Supplementation of Citrus sinensis has also concluded positive impacts on antibody titers against various viral diseases. The best improvement in the evaluated parameters was observed at a dose of extract of citrus was 1.5 mL/kg of feed.

The Effect of Stocking Density on Performance of Padjadjaran Broiler Quail

This research's purpose was to determine the effect of stocking density on the performance of Padjadjaran broiler quails (feed consumption, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio). This experiment used 90 day old quails (DOQ) of Padjadjaran broilers quail and raised them for 6 weeks from 23 January until 5 March 2023 at the Quail Breeding Center, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Padjadjaran University. The research used an experimental method with a complete randomized design (CRD). The stocking density treatment was applied to quails starting at the age of 3 to 6 weeks, consisting of P1 (stocking density of 40 birds per m2), P2 (stocking density of 50 birds per m2), and P3 (stocking density of 60 birds per m2). Each treatment was replicated 6 times with each replicate containing 5 quails. Data on feed consumption, body weight gain and feed convertion ratio were analyzed by variance analysis and to determine differences between treatments were tested using Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The results showed that stocking density had no effect (P&gt;0.05) on the performance of Padjadjaran broiler quails. Based on the results of the study, we concluded that stocking densities of up to 60 birds per m2 still provide a good performance in Padjadjaran broiler quails.

Evaluation the effect of dietary vitamin E, sesamin and thymoquinone bioactive compounds on immunological response, intestinal traits and MUC-2 gene expression in broiler Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica)

The current study was performed to determine the effect of dietary vitamin E, sesamin and thymoquinone bioactive lignans derived from sesame and black seed on immunological response, intestinal traits and Mucin2 gene expression in broiler quails. Three hundred and fifty (one days-old) quails were allotted to seven dietary treatments with five replicates as an experimental randomized design study. Treatments were basal diet as a control, control +100 and +200 mg of vitamin E, sesamin and thymoquinone per each kg of diet respectively. At 35 d of age, two quails from each pen were chosen, weighted, slaughtered, eviscerated and lymphoid organ relative weights were measured. Anti-body titers against Newcastle disease (ND), Sheep red blood cell (SRBC), and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and Avian influenza (AI) vaccination were determined. The serum activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and serum antioxidant activates such as superoxide dismutase (SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GPX), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were examined. The cell mediated immunity by dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) challenges were assessed. The microflora populations of ileum, morphological traits of jejunum and mucin2 gene expression were analyzed. Data showed that the lymphoid organ (thymus, spleen and Bursa) relative weights and antibody titer against HI, AI, SRBC and IB vaccination were increased compared to the control (p ≤ 0.05). Serum activities of ALP, ALT and AST were decreased under influences of dietary treatments (p ≤ 0.05). The serum antioxidant activates of GPX,SOD,CAT and TAC were increased and Increasing in mean skin thickness after DNCB challenge and decrease wing web swelling response to PHA mitojen injection were observed (p ≤ 0.05). Salmonella enterica, E-coli and Coliforms colonies were decrease and Lactobacillus colonies increased instead (p ≤ 0.05). The villus height and surface, crypt depth and goblet cells density were increased compared to the control (p ≤ 0.05). The expression of MUC2 gene increased under influnces of vitamin E, sesamin and thymoquinone supplemented diets (p ≤ 0.05).

Marine macroalgae as an alternative in the feeding of broiler quails in an environment of thermal stress

The objective of this research was to evaluate the productive performance, carcass quality, and intestinal biometry of European quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix), kept under cyclic heat stress (air temperature of 32.5°C±0.5) receiving a ration with different concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5%) of seaweed meal of Sargassum sp. A total of 240 quails were used, distributed in a completely randomized design with 4 levels of bran inclusion, 6 replications, and 10 birds per experimental unit. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed, and the means were compared by Tukey's test with 5% probability and subjected to regression by PROC REG of SAS® (2002). No similarity was observed in water and feed consumption between treatments. There was a significant difference in most of the variables studied, with a significant difference only occurring in the dorsum, gizzard, and large intestine. Therefore, it is recommended to include up to 7.5% of sargassum bran in the diet of European quails kept under a 12-h heat cycle (32°C±0.5).

Effect of the dietary inclusion of Camelina sativa cake into quail diet on live performance, carcass traits, and meat quality

The present research studied the effect of the dietary inclusion of 3 different camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) cakes on the live performance, slaughter traits, and breast meat quality of broiler quails (Coturnix japonica). With this purpose, a total of 480 fifteen-day-old broiler quails of both sexes were allocated to 48 cages (12 replicates/treatment, 10 quails/replicate) and received 4 dietary treatments: a control diet (Control), and 3 diets containing 15% of 1 commercial cultivar (Calena), and 2 improved lines (Pearl: low linoleic acid; Alan: low glucosinolates). During the experiment, individual live weight (LW) and cage feed intake were recorded to calculate body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). At 35 d of age, quails were slaughtered, and carcasses were weighed and dissected to compute yields. On breast (pectoralis major muscle) the measurements and analyses considered ultimate pH, L*a*b* color values, proximate composition, oxidative status, cooking loss and WBSF toughness. Broiler quails receiving diets with camelina cakes exhibited mortality and health status similar to the control. However, growth performance was impaired in camelina-fed groups, especially for Calena (P < 0.05). Overall LW and BWG were slightly lower, whereas feed intake was slightly higher in camelina-fed groups compared to Control (P > 0.05). Therefore, higher FCR was recorded for camelina-fed groups compared to Control (P=0.0004). Moreover, breast meat from Calena treatment displayed higher water (P=0.0170), and lower lipid (P=0.0051) contents compared to those of the Control group, while protein and ash content remained unaffected. Heme-iron content and oxidative status of breast meat were not influenced by the dietary incorporation of camelina (P > 0.05). The research outcomes indicated that camelina cakes can be used as an alternative feed ingredient for broiler quails' diets, without compromising carcass yields and meat quality. However, as 15% dietary incorporation worsened live performance, the ideal camelina cake inclusion level should be thoroughly investigated as well as a parallel research effort into further reducing glucosinolates content of camelina.

Performance and Carcass of Broiler Quails Fed Distillers’ Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS)

Performance and Carcass of Broiler Quails Fed Distillers’ Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS)

Effect of ginger extract on sensory quality of spent Japanese quail meat tandoori

Spent Japanese quail (SJQ) meat was tenderized with ginger extract and utilized in the preparation of tandoori. The ginger extract level for tenderization of SJQ meat was optimized by physico-chemical and sensory analyses. The SJQ meat was treated with two levels of ginger extract and used for tandoori preparation along with two controls (broiler quail meat and spent quail meat). Japanese quail tandoori was prepared as four treatments namely CYB (Control young broiler), CSA (Control spent adult), G20 (Spent adult - ginger treatment 20%) and G40 (Spent adult - ginger treatment 40%). The aqueous ginger extract was prepared from fresh ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). The SJQ was marinated in ginger extract marinade, tumbled, and placed in the chiller (4±1⁰C) for 24 hours and utilized for tandoori preparation. The cooked tandoori of all the treatments were analysed for the physico-chemical and sensory parameters. With ginger extract marination, the pH of cooked tandoori was not affected and the product yield was improved. In the organoleptic evaluation, the appearance score increased in the treatment with 20% ginger extract. The flavour score was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in CYB and G20. The SJQ was significantly (p&lt;0.05) tenderized by treatment with 20% and 40% ginger extract. CYB and G20 had significantly (p&lt;0.01) higher scores for overall acceptability scores. It is concluded that 20% ginger extract level could effectively be used to tenderize the SJQ meat for the preparation of tandoori without affecting the physico-chemical and sensory properties.

Methionine in Poultry Nutrition: A Review

Methionine is an essential amino acid which is commonly used as a supplement in poultry diets. Multiple systems are involved in the absorption and transportation of liquid and powder Methionine in the segment of the jejunum. Methionine supplementation in a low-protein diet alleviates the negative effects of heat stress and improves the performance of chickens. The supplementation of the synthetic Methionine improves the amino acid balance and consequently promotes growth performance by enhancing quantity and quality of egg production, feed efficiency, and protein synthesis, as well as decreasing fat synthesis in poultry breeds (Broiler Chicken, Laying hen, Turkey, Duck, Guinea fowl, Quail breeder, and Gees). Methionine supplementation also improves the immune response through the direct effects on protein synthesis and breakdown and indirect effects on the derivatives of Methionine. The variables, such as growing period, type of production, sex, and breed, influence the Methionine requirement. Moreover, the Methionine requirement expressed as a percentage of diet declines during the starter and grower phases.

Betaine: A Potential Nutritional Metabolite in the Poultry Industry

Simple SummaryThe effects of antibiotics as alternative feed additives on the health of poultry have gained promising results. Betaine has been extensively used in the poultry industry as a potential metabolite. This review article focuses on the interaction between betaine and other elements, such as methionine, choline, and creatine. In addition, poultry carcass traits and performance, as well as its osmoregulatory, anticoccidial, immune-modulatory, and heat-stress alleviation activities, were discussed with regard to the effects of dietary supplementation of betaine. Due to the different advantages of using betaine, it has been suggested to be a promising feed additive to the poultry diet. More research is needed to explain how betaine exerts its action in the body.Poultry industry has been recognized as a fast-developing sector aiming to produce low-cost and high-nutrient foods for human consumption. This review article aimed to focus on the significant roles of dietary betaine supplementation in the poultry industry. In this respect, different effects of betaine on performance and carcass traits, as well as its osmoregulatory, anticoccidial, immune-modulatory, and heat-stress alleviation activities, were discussed. Different concentrations of betaine supplementation can improve the feed conversion ratio, final body weight, breast muscle yield, egg production ratio, and reduce body fat contents in broiler chicken, turkey, duck, geese, and quail diets. Betaine supplemented with methyl groups can eliminate the need to have some methyl-group donors, including choline and methionine, therefore having positive effects on feed conversion ratio in poultry diets. The osmolytic character of betaine can alleviate heat stress and have a positive impact on tonic immobility, which consequently reduces stress in poultry. By inhibiting distinct developmental stages of Eimeria species, betaine reduces the damaging effects of coccidiosis on broiler chickens and improves intestinal structure and function. The immunological, cardiovascular, neurological, renal, and hepatic metabolic systems benefit from betaine’s osmo-protective properties. Therefore, betaine has the potential to be considered as an alternative to feed additives and enhances the health status and productive performance of poultry.

Identification of reference genes for studies of quantitative gene expression in male and female quail tissues.

In industrial poultry, quail production has gained increasing prominence over the years. It is known that the intensification of genetic studies has contributed greatly to this growth, through techniques, such as analysis of gene expression by PCR, for example. This study aimed to evaluate stability and recommend reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in different tissues from male and female broiler quails. The stability of 10 housekeeping genes (GAPDH, RPL5, MRPS27, MRPS30, TFRC, HMBS, EEF1, LDHA, B2M, and UBC) by means Bestkeeper, NormFinder, GeNorm softwares with ΔCq method. The tissues analyzed were: heart, thigh muscle, brain, and spleen, considering that they are tissues commonly used in nutrigenomic, immunological, and poultry performance research. As expected, the reference genes tested showed varying stability depending on the tissue evaluated. According to the present study, the most stable housekeeping genes were MRPS30, TFRC, and HMBS in heart; MRPS30, EEF1, and HMBS in thigh muscle; B2M, GAPDH, and UBC in brain; and EEF1, LDHA, and HMBS in spleen. Therefore, it is recommended to be used as reference genes for gene expression studies of male and female quails.

Growth, physiological, and molecular responses of broiler quail to dietary source, particle size, and choice feeding of calcium

Two experiments were performed to explore the effect of dietary supplemental different sources and particle sizes of calcium (Ca) on growth performance, bone mineralisation, blood attributes, and calbindin gene expression in broiler quail. In experiment 1, 480-day old broiler Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) were allotted to four dietary treatments based on a factorial arrangement (2 × 2) consisting of basal diets formulated either with limestone or oyster shell with coarse or fine particles. Supplemental coarse oyster shell impaired growth performance and Ca intake compared to coarse limestone (p < .05). The concentration of blood Ca was lower in birds who received supplemental coarse or fine oyster shell than coarse limestone (p < .05). Higher expression of calbindin gene observed in birds fed on the coarse oyster shell (p < .05). In experiment 2, a total of 360 Japanese quail assigned to experimental treatments of feeding: (1) control: a basal diet; (2) choice feeding between a Ca deficient diet and limestone with coarse (granulated) and fine particles; (3) choice feeding between a Ca deficient diet and oyster shell with coarse and fine particles. All birds preferred to use fine Ca particles across the first week of the experiment (p < .05) whereas tended to consume higher fine oyster shell during the entire rearing period (p < .05). Feed conversion ratio impaired in birds subjected to choice feeding (p < .05). Overall, coarse oyster shell decreased the growth of birds in the first experiment. The overall growth of choice-fed birds depressed compared to when received one conventional feed. HIGHLIGHTS Growth of quail decreased when they fed on diets containing coarse oyster shell. Higher expression of calbindin gene observed in quail received coarse oyster shell. Quail tended to use a separate source of Ca when fed with a Ca deficient diet.

Pathomorphological changes in the organs of chickens infected spontaneously by the species Salmonella pullorum on private farms in Chernivtsi region

Commercial poultry production growth and the increase in the number of small farms specializing in raising broiler chickens, laying hens, quails, and other poultry contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. Non-compliance with the principles of biosafety during incubation and breeding results in mass deaths of poultry and, consequently, significant economic losses for farmers. Salmonellosis is one of the most dangerous anthropozoonotic diseases of poultry, which is most often registered in private farms. Age analysis of the poultry salmonellosis in the EU countries indicates the infection of adult laying hens most often, young poultry to a lesser extent, and chickens aged up to 10 days less frequently. Although the program for the prevention and elimination of poultry salmonellosis has been approved at the legislative level in Ukraine, monitoring studies are not carefully conducted. This is especially true for private homesteads and small farms, which greatly complicates the epizootiological situation in some regions of the country. The article describes the pathological and histological changes in the liver, heart, lungs, kidneys, and spleen. The changes were detected in chickens aged 10 and 14 days infected with microorganisms of the species Salmonella pullorum. Eggs for incubation were obtained from different family flocks, and incubation was performed in a single incubator. The initial clinical signs of the disease appeared in chickens aged 7 days and included diarrhea, increased water consumption, lameness, mass concentration of chickens near heat sources, nervous phenomena in the form of circle walking, and partial blindness in some cases. The pathological autopsy revealed hepatomegaly with sharp change in the organ colour, diapedetic hemorrhage under Glisson’s capsule, and diffuse miliary necrosis. Greyish-white nodular lesions of the lungs and heart, dystrophic changes in the kidneys, and deposition of uric acid salts in the ureters were also characteristic features. Diffuse coagulation necrosis, massive perivascular infiltration by heterophilic lymphocytes and stasis were observed in the liver. Changes in the heart were characterized by significant infiltration by mononuclear cells and heterophiles, which led to atrophy, necrosis, and replacement of cardiomyocytes by connective tissue cellular elements. Delymphatization and necrosis of the lymph nodes were pronounced in the spleen.

Selenium nanoparticles are more efficient than sodium selenite in reducing the toxicity of aflatoxin B1 in Japanese quail.

BackgroundDietary selenium (Se), as an antioxidant element, plays a protective role in aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) toxicosis in poultry.ObjectivesTo compare the effects of sodium selenite (SS) and Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) against AFB1‐induced toxicity on growth performance, carcass traits, immune response, antioxidant status and serum lipid concentrations in Japanese broiler quails.MethodsA total of 540 quails were divided into six treatments, each with six replicates and 15 birds per replicate at 24 days of age and reared for 21 days. Treatments included: (1) a basal diet without Se and AFB1 (negative control; NC); (2) NC + 1.0 mg/kg AFB1 (positive control; PC); (3) PC + 0.2 mg/kg Se as SS; (4) PC + 0.5 mg/kg Se as SS; (5) PC + 0.2 mg/kg Se as SeNPs; and (6) PC + 0.5 mg/kg Se as SeNPs.ResultsTreatment with PC diet decreased feed intake and body weight gain and increased feed conversion ratio than the NC diet. The PC diet also atrophied the lymphoid organs and depressed antibody responses against Newcastle disease and avian influenza viruses and sheep red blood cell. Moreover, quails treated with PC diet appeared to have lower serum glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase activities and disturbed serum lipids than those receiving the NC diet. Dietary Se attenuated these detrimental effects, but failed to completely eliminate them. Additionally, SeNPs performed better than SS in improving thioredoxin reductase activity and antibody titer against sheep red blood cell.ConclusionsDiet supplementation with SeNPs to provide 0.5 mg/kg of Se is recommended to reduce the AFB1 toxicosis in broiler quails.

Coenzyme Q10 in quail nutrition: effects on growth performance, meat quality, and myostatin gene expression

• Diets without supplemental vitamin E did not impair growth performance of quail. • Supplementation of coenzyme Q10 to basal diet improved growth of broiler quail. • Supplementation of the basal diet with coenzyme Q10 improved meat quality traits. • Expression of myostatin mRNA decreased in quail received 210 mg coenzyme Q10/kg feed. The present experiment was conducted to investigate effects of dietary coenzyme Q10 (CQ10) supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, immune responses, and myostatin gene expression in broiler quail. A total of 605 one d-old Japanese broiler quail ( Coturnix japonica ) were randomly allotted to 11 dietary treatments with 5 replicates pens of 11 chicks each in a completely randomized design during a 5-wk period. Experimental treatments consisted of a control (CTL) diet: basal corn-soybean meal diet supplemented with vitamin E in the vitamin premix as recommended by breeder manual; CTL diet without vitamin E supplementation in the vitamin premix (CTL–), and CTL diet supplemented with 100 IU vitamin E in the vitamin premix (CTL+). The other dietary treatments included CTL diet supplemented with inclusion rates of 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, and 210 mg CQ10/kg. Although CTL– or CTL+ diets did not affect growth performance of broiler quail, supplementation of 105 or 210 mg CQ10/kg to CTL diet improved weight gain and feed conversion ratio so that quail possessed better growth performance ( P < 0.05). The breast muscle of quail fed diets supplemented with 30 to 210 mg CQ10/kg contained greater water holding capacity ( P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of 60 to 210 mg CQ10/kg increased meat pH compared to quail in the other experimental treatments except for those fed with dietary supplemental 45 mg CQ10/kg ( P < 0.05). Concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance and cooking loss of meat samples were lower in quail received diets supplemented with 45 to 210 mg CQ10/kg diet ( P < 0.05). Quail received dietary supplemental 105 to 210 mg CQ10/kg had lighter meat than those fed the CTL, CTL+, and CTL– diets ( P < 0.05). Red blood cell and white blood cell counts decreased after feeding quail with diets without supplementation of vitamin E in the premix ( P < 0.05) but improved through feeding quail with CTL, CTL+, and 15 to 90 mg supplemental CQ10/kg of diet ( P < 0.05). Antibody titer against sheep red blood cells increased in quail fed diets supplemented with 75 mg CQ10/kg ( P < 0.05). Myostatin gene expression was greater in quail received 100 IU vitamin E in their feed than quail in CTL– or COQ210 treatments ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of CQ10 could increase growth performance of quail beyond what observed for vitamin E and also could replace vitamin E in terms of immune responses.

The Growth Performance, Heterosis Value, and Crossbreeding of Selected Japanese Broiler and Malon Quail

This research aims to address the scarcity of broiler quail chicks with relatively large bodyweight. The present study that involved crossbreeding is expected to produce quality broiler DOQ with relatively large body weight, high efficiency, and adaptability. The crossbreeding between two different strains is often used in a production system to utilize hybrid (heterosis). This study aims to determine the growth performance and heterosis value of selected Japanese broiler quail and crossbreeding. The experiment distributed 480-day-old quails (DOQ) to four treatments and six replicates (20 DOQ each) in a Completely Randomized Design. The treatments included selected Japanese quail ♂ x selected Japanese quail ♀ (JJ), Malon♂ x Malon♀ (MM), Malon♂ x selected Japanese♀ (MJ), and selected Japanese ♂ (JM) x Malon♀. The statistical analysis employed SAS’s PROC GLM (General Linear Model) for Duncan’s test. The observed changes were feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion, and heterosis effect. This study found significant differences in feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion across treatments. The best performance was observed in the Malonx selected Japan (MJ) crossbreeding with a high weight gain (246.737 grams) and the lowest feed conversion (2,87) and feed (707.93 g).