Coturnix Coturnix Research Articles

The therapeutic effect of bromocriptine as mesylate and estradiol valerate on serum and blood biochemistry of common quails

Hematology and serum biochemistry study may provide antique knowledge about the physical status of individuals, making them a valuable tool to differentiate healthy animals from affected animals. We aimed to investigate Steroid safety levels in birds through ex-situ studies at regular therapeutic doses. A total of 100 birds were used for hematology and serum biochemistry. This study was designed into 2 trials over the summer and winter, each comprised 5, 10, 15, and 20 d. Each study group was based on 5 control group birds and 20 experimental group birds. A sum of 2 groups representing 2 different steroids trial groups was treated with therapeutic doses to the stretch of 5, 10, 15, and 20 d each season. A therapeutic dose of each of the steroids was given at the rate of 3 drops 2 times a day to each bird. Analysis of data reveals that steroids had severe effects on bird's (Coturnix coturnix) hematological parameters. In most trials, the hematological effects of bromocriptine as mesylate showed an increase in red blood cell count and white blood cell count. On the other hand, steroid estradiol valerate showed a decrease in these parameters. Effect of steroids on serum biochemistry profile indicate acute damage to vital organs, especially to liver and kidney, indicating an increase in cholesterol, total protein, albumin, urea, and uric acid. The overall effect of steroids on the bird's serum and biochemistry of quails were nearly similar but different only in their intensity.

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.

EVALUATION OF CALCIUM CARBONATE CONTENT IN EGGSHELLS OF AVIAN, TURTLE, SNAIL, AND OSTRICH USING CHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

In the present study, different eggs were collected and analyzed from five various animal species: European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758)), giant African land snail (Achatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822)), common ostrich (Struthio camelus (Linnaeus, 1758)), white, light-brown, and dark-brown laying hen (Gallus gallus domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) and European quail (Coturnix coturnix (Linnaeus, 1758). The typical mineral shell mainly composed of the calcite polymorph of CaCO3 but the eggshell consists of membranes, that composed mainly of proteins. The shell quality also could be assigned by several external and internal factors such as oviposition time, animal genotype and age, housing system (for poultry), and mineral nutrition complex. The CaCO3 content was determined by the standard titration method, coz the titration could provide a reliable method for evaluation of CaCO3 content in different types of eggshells. The structural surface characterization of eggshells was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with a field emission gun. In terms of chemical composition, ostrich eggshells generally did not differ much from those of laying hen, turtles, giant snails, or quail eggs, but the concentration of calcium carbonate was the highest. The average calcium carbonate content of various eggshells is between 84 and 98%. The thickness of the eggshell ranges from 0.08 to 1.89 mm, and it is not the same over the entire surface of the egg. At the sharp end of the egg, the shell is slightly thicker than at the blunt end. The purpose of this study was to study the quantitative content of calcium carbonate in various eggshells of different animals to draw further conclusions in which animals the eggshell contains the maximum amount of biological calcium carbonate.

On the Hunting of the Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix Linnaeus, 1758) Along the Mediterranean Coast of the Gaza Strip – Palestine

Palestine is a major route for migratory birds coming from Europe to Africa and vice versa. Both migratory and resident birds are commonly hunted for different purposes using different means in the Gaza Strip. The current descriptive study, which is the first of its kind, aims at introducing information on the hunting of the Common Quail (Coturnix Coturnix Linnaeus, 1758) in the Gaza Strip, which is a 365 km2 arid to semi-arid coastal zone lying in the southern part of the Palestinian coast along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Since 2015, frequent field visits and discussions with bird hunters and other stakeholders have been carried out to get more information on quail hunting. Annually, hundreds of trammel or mist nets with camouflaging colors, having a height of about 2.5 meters and a distance of 100-200 meters off the coastline, are cleverly placed along the beach to hunt Common Quails and other non-target birds. Guns are used in hunting of quails scattering among inland low-growing vegetation types. The Common Quail is a source of livelihood for dozens of Gazan families, though it does not generate large sums throughout its hunting season. For several reasons, quail hunters claimed that the current quantities of Common Quails reaching the Gaza Strip do not exceed 20% of the amount that arrived 30-40 years ago. Along with the Common Quail, 50 migratory and resident bird species, with passerines making their half, were found to be incidentally caught in quail nets. Because of its feeding and healthy values, the demand of Gazans on Quail and its eggs is increasing day by day, and as a result, quail breeding was found to be a successful task in the Gaza Strip. The goodness of wild quail is many times greater than its farmed counterpart. The price of wild quail is USD 6-7 per pair, while the farmed counterpart is about USD 2 per pair. Finally, bird hunting should be regulated in the Gaza Strip in order to conserve wildlife in a sustainable fashion.

Impacts of sheep versus cattle livestock systems on birds of Mediterranean grasslands

Mediterranean pastures are experiencing strong changes in management, involving shifts from sheep to cattle-based livestock systems. The impacts of such shifts on biodiversity are still poorly understood. Here, we sought to contrast the grazing regime, vegetation structure, bird species richness and abundance, between sheep and cattle grazed parcels, to understand the mechanisms through which management decisions impact farmland birds. During spring 2019, we characterized livestock management, bird populations and sward structure in 23 cattle and 27 sheep grazed parcels. We used a Structural Equation Model to infer the direct and indirect effects of sheep and cattle grazing on birds. Although no effects were found on overall species richness, there were species-specific responses to sheep and cattle grazed systems. Grazing pressure (variable integrating stocking rate and the number of days in the parcel) had negative impacts on the prevalence/abundance of Zitting Cisticola, Corn Bunting and Little Bustard, either directly or indirectly, through the effects of grazing pressure on vegetation height. Animal density and vegetation cover had direct positive effects in Galerida spp. and Common Quail, respectively. Zitting Cisticola and Little Bustard also showed a direct response to livestock type. Our study emphasizes the importance of grazing pressure as a driver of negative impacts for bird populations in Mediterranean grasslands. Since the ongoing transition from sheep to cattle-based systems involves increases in stocking rate, and therefore potentially higher grazing pressure, we propose a policy change to cap the maximum allowed grazing pressure. At the landscape scale, a mix of sheep and cattle grazed fields would be beneficial for maintaining bird diversity.

Comparative efficacy of Amprolium, Garlic oil and Ginger oil against Coccidiosis in common quail (Coturnix coturnix).

In birds, Eimeria spp are commonly reported coccidian parasites that cause anorexia, debilitation, bloody diarrhea, mortalities and economical losses. This study was conducted on 30 clinical cases of common quails presented at Pet Centre, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, suffering from coccidiosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparative anti-coccidial efficacy of amprolium, garlic oil and ginger oil. Drinking water of affected birds was supplemented with amprolium (130 mg/100 mL), garlic oil (150µl/0.5L) and ginger oil (150µl/0.5L) for 15 days and fecal sample screening for coccidia oocyst count was performed on days 0, 3, 5, 7, 11 and 15 using direct microscopy with fecal floatation method and McMaster chamber counting technique. The data was statistically analyzed which revealed that amprolium showed highest and rapid efficacy against coccidiosis with complete disappearance of oocysts and improved activity level with better health, increased feed intake and normal feces on day 11 followed by garlic oil that showed recovery from oocysts on day 15, whereas in ginger oil treated birds oocysts were present till the end of study. It was concluded that amprolium is highly effective against coccidiosis followed by garlic oil; on other hand ginger oil was not clinically effective for the treatment of coccidiosis in quails.

Controlled expression of the migratory phenotype affects oxidative status in birds.

High caloric intake can increase production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. We examined whether the emergence of the migratory phenotype, primarily signalled by increased food intake and fuelling, is accompanied by changes in oxidative status. We induced autumn migration followed by a non-migratory wintering phase in common quails (Coturnix coturnix). We compared three markers of oxidative status - oxidative damage to lipids expressed as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS); superoxide dismutase (SOD); and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) - between birds sampled during the migratory and non-migratory phase. We found that the emergence of the migratory phenotype was associated with: (i) higher levels of TBARS in the liver; (ii) lower levels of SOD in red blood cells and, marginally, in the liver; (iii) higher levels of GPx in the pectoral muscle; and (iv) sex-specific changes in red blood cells and liver. We found no link between food intake and variation in markers of oxidative status in any of the tissues examined, despite food intake being higher in the migratory birds. However, the increase in body mass was positively correlated with muscle GPx activity as birds entered the pre-migratory fattening phase, while the amount of decrease in body mass was negatively correlated with muscle GPx as birds transitioned to the non-migratory phase. Such correlations were absent in red blood cells and liver. Our work suggests that during the emergence of the migratory phenotype, birds might strategically displace oxidative costs on the liver in order to safeguard the pectoral muscles, which have a fundamental role in successfully completing the migratory flight.

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.

Choice of non-linear models to determine the growth curve of meat-type quail

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to compare non-linear models fitted to the growth curves of quail to determine which model best describes their growth and check the similarity between models by analyzing parameter estimates.Weight and age data of meat-type European quail (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) of three lines were used, from an experiment in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design, consisting of two metabolizable energy levels, four crude protein levels and six replicates. The non-linear Brody, Von Bertalanffy, Richards, Logistic and Gompertz models were used. To choose the best model, the Adjusted Coefficient of Determination, Convergence Rate, Residual Mean Square, Durbin-Watson Test, Akaike Information Criterion and Bayesian Information Criterion were applied as goodness-of-fit indicators. Cluster analysis was performed to check the similarity between models based on the mean parameter estimates. Among the studied models, Richards’ was the most suitable to describe the growth curves. The Logistic and Richards models were considered similar in the analysis with no distinction of lines as well as in the analyses of Lines 1, 2 and 3.

Selection of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR normalization in European quail tissues.

Coturniculture has been standing out as an industrial poultry activity in several countries around the world because of the several adaptive advantages of quails. Research that considers the analysis of gene expression can enhance this activity. This study aimed to analyze the stability of reference genes (RGs) in different tissues of quails (both males and females) for the recommendation of use in gene expression studies by the quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The expression stability of ten RGs (ACTA1, ACTB, B2M, GAPDH, HMBS, SDHA, HPRT1, MRPS27, MRPS30, and RPL5) was analyzed in four tissues (breast muscle, abdominal fat, liver, and intestine), and assessed using the statistical tools geNorm, NormFinder, comparative ΔCq method, and BestKeeper. The HPRT1 gene was the most stable in all quail tissues tested, followed by MRPS27 and MRPS30 in breast muscle, B2M and RPL5 in abdominal fat, HMBS and B2M in the liver, and RPL5 and HMBS in the intestine. These results may help studies using RT-qPCR assays to assess quail tissues from both sexes because they provide data on the most stable genes, which should be tested as candidate RGs for other experimental conditions.

Performance of european laying quail fed with diets containing maize germ meal

The objective of the research was to study the effect of substitution of maize for maize germ meal in laying European quail diets. 240 female quails were used in a randomized design with three treatments and eight replications, containing 10 birds per plot. The treatments consisted of a maize and soybean meal-based reference diet and two levels of substitution of maize for maize germ meal, 50 and 100%. Evaluated parameters were: number of eggs per bird housed, laying rate, feed intake, feed conversion, weight of egg, yolk, albumen and shell, and yolk pigmentation. Parameters were evaluated using analysis of variance and Tukey test, with the significance level set at 5%. In the two laying cycles studied there was a difference in the number of eggs, percentage of laying, feed conversion, weight of egg, yolk and shell and yolk pigmentation. The replacement of maize by maize germ meal in diets for laying European quail can be carried out up to 100%, producing improvement in the productive performance of the birds and in egg quality.

Digestibility and bioavailability of organic calcium sources for European quail

The objective of this study was to determine the apparent and true digestibility coefficients and relative bioavailability of charru mussel, maçunim (Anomalocardia brasiliana) and oyster shells as organic calcium sources for meat quail. In the digestibility trial, 240 quail were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with five diets (calcitic limestone, calcium carbonate and three marine calcium sources), five replicates and eight quails per experimental unit. The relative bioavailability of calcium was determined by the standard-curve and slope ratio methods in a growth trial in which 288 European quail were distributed in completely randomized experimental design. Treatments consisted of basal diet with a low calcium concentration (0.166%) that was supplemented with two levels of calcium (0.342% and 0.684%) derived from different calcium sources. The apparent and true digestibility coefficients of calcium from charru mussel-, maçunim- and oyster-shell meals for meat quail were 91.85 and 92.04%; 91.71 and 91.90%; and 89.39 and 89.63%, respectively. The relative bioavailability of calcium from charru mussel-, maçunim- and oyster-shell meals obtained using standard-curve and slope ratio methods were 133.22 and 119.18%; 140.05 and 113.69%; and 141.73 and 106.22%, respectively, allowing the use of these organic calcium sources in diet formulations for meat quail.

Quail growth curve model identity

In this study, we sought to apply the model identity technique to compare the influence of eight treatments on growth parameters for three broiler quail lines, estimated using a logistic nonlinear regression model. For the analysis, we used the weight and age data obtained for three lines of European broiler quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) in a completely randomized 2×4 factorial scheme, with two levels of metabolizable energy (2900 and 3100 kcal of ME kg-1 of diet), four levels of raw protein (22%, 24%, 26% and 28% crude protein), and six repetitions. Results obtained for model identity tests indicated that although there were no significant differences among the parameters of the model between the treatments evaluated in each strain, there were, with the exception of Treatment 5 (3100 kcal of ME kg-1 and 22% crude protein), significant differences with respect to the adult weight parameter between lines within each treatment.

Addendum to “Endocrine disruption caused by oral administration of atrazine in European quail (Coturnix coturnix coturnix)”

Addendum to “Endocrine disruption caused by oral administration of atrazine in European quail (Coturnix coturnix coturnix)”

Comparative efficacy of Amprolium, Garlic oil (Allium sativum) and Ginger oil (Zingiber officinale) against Coccidiosis in common quail (Coturnix coturnix)

In birds, Eimeria species are commonly reported coccidian parasites that cause anorexia, debilitation, bloody diarrhea, mortalities and economical losses. This study was conducted on 30 clinical cases of common quails presented at Pet Centre, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, suffering from coccidiosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo comparative anti-coccidial efficacy of amprolium, garlic oil and ginger oil. Drinking water of affected birds was supplemented with amprolium (130 mg/1000 mL), garlic oil (150μL/100 mL) and ginger oil (150μL/100 mL) for 15 days and fecal sample screening for coccidia oocyst count was performed on days 0, 3, 5, 7, 11 and 15 using direct microscopy with fecal floatation method and McMaster chamber counting technique. Data was statistically analyzed which revealed that amprolium showed highest and rapid efficacy against coccidiosis with complete disappearance of oocysts and improved activity level with better health, increased feed intake and normal feces on day 11, followed by garlic oil that showed recovery from oocysts on day 15, whereas in ginger oil treated birds oocysts were present till the end of study. It was concluded that amprolium is highly effective against coccidiosis followed by garlic oil; on the other hand, ginger oil was not clinically effective for the treatment of coccidiosis in quails.

Farelo do fruto na carnaubeira no desempenho e rendimento de carcaça de codornas europeias

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a adição do farelo do fruto da carbaubeira (FFC) em substituição ao milho no desempenho e rendimento de carcaça de codornas europeias. Inicialmente realizou-se a análise bromatológica do FFC para determinar a porcentagem de inclusão do mesmo nas rações experimentais. Foram utilizadas 600 codornas europeias (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) de 1 dia de idade, machos e fêmeas, distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado composto por cinco tratamentos (níveis crescentes de substituição do milho pelo FFC, sendo 0, 4, 8, 12 e 16% de inclusão), oito repetições e 15 aves por repetição. Semanalmente de 1 a 42 dias de idade foram avaliados o consumo de ração (CR), o ganho de peso (GP) e a conversão alimentar (CA). Aos 42 dias após o abate foram determinados o peso ao abate, peso de cortes nobres (peito e coxas) e dos órgãos (moela, ceco e intestino delgado). Os dados foram submetidos a análise de variância e as médias que apresentaram diferença significativa foram comparadas por meio dos testes de Tukey e Dunnet (P<0,05). A inclusão de 8 % de FCC é suficiente para melhorar o desempenho e o rendimento de codornas sem ocasionar problemas aparentes de toxidade para codornas europeias. Outros estudos devem ser realizados para o melhor conhecimento deste ingrediente abordando-se outras fases de produção de codornas, como a postura, para realizarmos afirmações com relação a toxidade deste ingrediente em um maior período de consumo.

MtDNA D-loop genetic diversity of common quail (Coturnix coturnix) migrating through Ukraine and Spain

Populations of common quail (Coturnix coturnix) have recently been declining in Europe. This is the first study of common quail in eastern Europe using molecular markers. The mtDNA D-loop genetic diversity of common quails migrating through Ukraine was analyzed and compared with that of birds migrating via northern Spain in 2017-2018. In samples from 77 birds, 32 polymorphic sites and 30 haplotypes (H1-H30) were identified, only 4 of which were common for birds sampled in both Ukraine and Spain. Phylogenetic analysis indicated 2 well-supported clades. Found were 3 haplotypes clustered in 1 phylogenetic clade only in common quails sampled in Ukraine. The results can be used for the identification of different flyways, particularly for common quails of eastern European origin.

Circahoralian Rhythms of Body Temperature in Mammals and Birds with Different Metabolism Levels.

The time course of intraperitoneal body temperature has been analyzed in two species of mammals (laboratory C57Bl/6 mice and white-breasted hedgehogs (Erinaceus roumanicus) and in two species of passerine birds (common greenfinch Chloris chloris and Japanese quail Coturnix japonica) with different body weights. Similar sets of basic harmonics appearing synchronously in different individuals have been found in the body temperature spectra of the species studied. The level of basal metabolism in those animal species considerably vary; therefore, the period of fluctuations of body temperature in the range of 10-120 min is not determined by the internal characteristics of the body and, presumably, reflects the influence of an external biotropic environmental factor.

Mathematical model for the prediction of available phosphorus and calcium requirements for European quails of 16-36 days old

Were used 724 quails, with initial weight of 105.05±1.40g to determine the model requirements for European quails 16-36 days old. Were used 384 quails for the maintenance requirement experiment and 240 for the gain requirement experiment and the remaining 100 quails composed the birds of the comparative slaughter. Maintenance requirement: the treatments consisted of four levels of feed offerings (100, 75, 50 and 25% of consumption ad libitum) with four pens and four quails per pen for each climatic environment (18, 24 and 28ºC), being 192 quails for each nutrient under study. Gain requirement: the requirements of the studied nutrients for gain were determined from 240 quails, created and fed ad libitum, being 120 quails for each nutrient studied, that is, 30 quails were slaughtered at 21, 26, 31 and 36 days of age. The quails of the reference slaughter comprise the same as the experiment for determining the maintenance requirement. In conclusion. The prediction equations for estimating the requirements were: 1) Pr (mg/quail/day) = (27.029 + 1.5943 × T) × kg0.75 + 12.24 × WG, in which Pr is the phosphorus requirement, kg0.75 is metabolic weight (kg), WG is weight gain (g/quail/day). 2) Ca (mg/quail/day) = (158.93 - 5.187 × T) × kg0.75 + 23.66 × WG, in which Ca is the calcium requirement, kg0.75 is metabolic weight (kg), WG is weight gain (g/quail/day), T is temperature.

Data on the de novo transcriptome assembly for the migratory bird, the Common quail (Coturnix coturnix)

The Common or European quail (Coturnix coturnix) is a Galliform bird of ecological importance for research in the field of animal migration. The Common quail is also a game bird, thus, of great interest for recreational activities and conservation management. Here, we generated a high quality de novo transcriptome for the Common quail for which no reference genome is to date publicly available. The transcriptome was obtained from a population of Common quail originated from captive founders raised under laboratory conditions. Paired-end RNA-Sequencing reads were obtained from extracted total RNA of brain tissue punches (preoptic-hypothalamic region) of 23 quails, which yielded to 5.5–11.2 million reads per individual bird for a total of 236 million reads. After assembly optimization, we used a stringent filtering analysis pipeline to remove redundant and low confidence transcripts. The final transcriptome consisted of 22,293 transcripts of which 21,551 (97%) were provided with annotation data. Our data offers a high quality pipeline for compiling transcriptomes of complex non-genomic species. Our data also provide a robust reference for gene expression studies in this species or other related Galliform species, including the Japanese quail.