Female Quail Research Articles

Is the sex ratio of Japanese quail offspring equal?

Offspring sex ratios in avian species are of significant scientific interest, with implications for evolutionary biology and poultry production. This study investigated sex ratios in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), a valuable model for other poultry species due to its rapid generation interval. The study examined the impact of selection over generations, age at first egg (AFE), and body weight at AFE (BWAFE) on offspring sex ratios. The dataset included 4,282 Japanese quail records from 968 dams over eight generations, comprising two lines: one selected for high growth rate during 1-21 days of age and an unselected control line. Offspring sex ratio data were categorized based on dam characteristics: AFE (early: <48 days, medium: 48-52 days, late: >52 days) and BWAFE (low: <249g, medium: 249-268g, heavy: >268g). These categories represent below average, average, and above average values for each parameter, respectively. Analyses were done on pedigree and hatching records from two lines of selected and control quails. The chi square and logistic regression analyses exhibited insignificant associations between the examined predictor variables (generation, line, AFE, and BWAFE) and the sex ratio outcome in Japanese quail. Therefore, it can be concluded that the proportion of male and female offspring quail in the flock is statistically equal. However, regarding the BWAFE categories the residual analyses revealed a potential tendency toward a male-biased sex ratio within the medium category also, they suggest potential tendencies toward male-biased (eighth generation) and female-biased (sixth generation) sex ratios that warrant further investigation.

Evaluation of black soldier fly larvae oil (Hermatia illucens L.) calcium salt as an alternative fat source for laying quail diets.

This study aims to determine the effect of adding saponified black soldier fly larvae oil calcium salt (BSFLO-SCa) to quail feed as an alternative source of fat on laying performance, blood lipid profile, egg quality, and gene expression in lipid metabolism. A total of 120 female Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) aged 24 weeks were divided into 3 treatments, each with 8 replications, and each replication consisted of 5 quails in a completely randomized design. The applied treatments were the inclusion of basal feed as a control (T0) and basal feed supplemented with 1% BSFLO-SCa (T1) and 2% BSFLO-SCa (T2). The study indicated that the supplementation starting from 1% of BSFLO-SCa significantly decrease (p<0.05) in feed conversion ratio (FCR), blood lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol). Gene expression on fat synthesis of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and cholesterol synthesis of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) downregulated (p<0.05). In addition, the other parameters did not affect by supplementation of 1% BSFLO-SCa. The inclusion at 2% of BSFLO-SCa significantly increased (p<0.05) protein content of yolk and albumen, egg weight, egg shape index, and gene expression on fat oxidation of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1). Egg yolk cholesterol, egg albumen ash, haugh unit (HU), and gene expression on fat synthesis of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were significantly reduced (p<0.05). Addition of 2% BSFLO-SCa in the feed improves performance, egg quality, and reduces cholesterol in the blood and eggs of quail. This improvement is accompanied by a reduction in the expression of key genes involved in lipid metabolism. BSFLO-SCa oil has the potential to be an alternative oil source in quail feed.

Effect of selenium-enriched yeast diet on performance, biochemistry, and selenium concentration in meat and egg contents of laying Japanese quails

Abstract. This study was conducted to determine the effect of a selenium (Se)-enriched yeast-based diet on the performance; blood biochemistry; and Se concentration in the eggs, breast muscle, and some internal organs of laying Japanese quails. A total of 320 healthy female quails were randomly selected and assigned to four dietary groups. The dietary treatment groups consisted of a standard basal diet (control) without supplementation of Se-enriched yeast (SY) and other groups in which Se was supplemented at 1.5 mg (SY-1.5), 2.5 mg (SY-2.5), and 3.5 kg−1 (SY-3.5). Results showed that quails in SY-3.5 had high (p&lt;0.05) body weight gain. Egg production was improved in SY-2.5 and SY-3.5 groups compared to in the control. Significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher contents of Se in yolk and albumen were observed in the SY-3.5 group. The Se concentration of the breast muscle was higher (p&lt;0.05) in quails of the SY-3.5 group, whereas the liver, kidney, and heart had a high Se content in the SY-2.5 and SY-3.5 groups. Intestinal histological features were improved (p&lt;0.05) in the SY-3.5 group. Overall, this study suggests that adding SY-3.5 to the diet of quails improved their growth and health, as well as the Se content in eggs and meat.

PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF QUAIL (Coturnix-coturnix japonica) AND IDENTIFICATION OF IgY CONCENTRATION IN BLOOD SERUM AND YOLK

This research was conducted to provide information on the production performance of quail parent stock and its offspring with various IgY concentrations. A total of 42 female quail parents stock aged five weeks old were used in this study. Five quails were categorized as medium IgY group with concentrations of 431.12-531.87 µg/mL and 37 quails were categorized as low IgY group with concentration of 251.87-384.68 µg/mL. The variables observed were the production performance such as initial body weight, feed intake, final body weight, body weight gain, number of eggs, egg mass, egg weight, egg laying intensity, feed conversion, morbidity, and mortality rate and IgY concentration of the yolk of the offsprings. Production performance of female quail with different concentrations of IgY was not significantly different (P0.05). IgY concentration of offsprings in egg yolk was also not significantly different (P0.05) in both groups. The results showed that female quails parent stock with low blood IgY showed better production. Meanwhile, female quail parents’ stock with moderate blood IgY concentrations produced offspring with high-maternal IgY concentrations in yolk.

Effects of ginger and purslane supplemented diets on the production and physiology of Japanese quail

The Japanese quail is considered one of the most significant species in the poultry industry. Various dietary strategies aim to improve the quality of quails and reduce or eliminate the use of antibiotics. Therefore, depending on the use of herbal plants, a new trend exists to provide high-quality feed. This study aims to provide insight into the possible improvement effects of ginger and purslane powder concentrations (1% and 2%) on the growth performance and reproductive aspects of quail and to implement a completely randomized design (CRD) in triplicate. The results revealed that 1% ginger powder significantly influenced the final week of feed intake, resulting in minimum cholesterol and blood sugar levels in the blood. The data indicated that 1% purslane powder affected body weight and weight gain. It also has a positive effect on blood attributes, including PCV, Hb, amylase, and HDL, while the lowest LDL level is recorded. The application of 2% purslane resulted in the highest feed conversion ratio (FCR) and lipase blood parameters. The male quail presented the highest levels of PCV, Hb, and HDL but the lowest levels of blood sugar and TG. However, the female quail presented the lowest levels of cholesterol and LDL and the highest total protein. The findings of this study suggest that incorporating herbal plants like ginger and purslane into Japanese quail diets can enhance poultry quality. Such dietary supplements may offer natural, cost-effective alternatives for improving the health and productivity of quails, benefiting breeders and farmers in the poultry industry.

Histological structures of liver and Bursa of Fabricius in two-line selection female and male Japanese quail Coturnix japonica

Histological structures of liver and Bursa of Fabricius in two-line selection female and male Japanese quail Coturnix japonica

Effect of Incorporating Soursop (Annona muricata) Leaves Powder on Reproductive Performance of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Introduction: Soursop leaves are rich in various molecules, including total phenols, terpenes, and steroids, which possess a range of pharmacological properties that can be utilized in animal production to enhance both growth and reproduction of animals. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporating soursop (Annona muricata; A. muricata) leaves powder into feed on the reproductive performance of Japanese quail. Materials and methods: A total of 80 Japanese quails (64 females and 16 males) aged two weeks were randomly divided into four experimental groups, labeled T0, T1, T2, and T3, and received feed additives with 0 mg/kg body weight (bw), 250 mg/kg bw, 500 mg/kg bw, and 750 mg/kg bw of powdered soursop leaves, respectively. Additionally, water was provided ad libitum, and the quails' weights were measured every 7 days for a period of 75 days. At the end of the period, 12 female quails from each group were sacrificed after 24 hours fasting period. Blood was collected for hematological (Leukocyte, Erythrocyte, and Platelet indices) and serum biochemical (total serum cholesterol, total proteins, albumin, and globulin, Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Urea, and Creatinine) analysis. The males were also sacrificed to evaluate the spermatozoa characteristics (mobility, concentration, and viability). Results: No statistical significant changes in growth characteristics or hematological parameters were observed. However, biochemical parameters increased significantly with the inclusion of Soursop (A. muricate) in quail feed, including increased total cholesterol, total protein, and globulin levels, and decreased malondialdehyde levels. This effect was most significant at dosage of 500 mg/kg bw. Serum levels of urea, Alanine aminotransferase, and Aspartate aminotransferase were not significantly affected by A. muricata whatever the concentration considered. A significant increase in fast progressive spermatozoa, along with a decrease in immotile spermatozoa, was observed with A. muricate at dosage of 500 mg/kg bw compared to the control. Sperm viability also increased significantly, particularly in live at dosage of 500 mg/kg bw. Significant increase was observed in fertility parameters, including increased fertility rate, hatchability rate of fertile eggs, total hatchability rate, and chick weight, along with decreased embryonic mortality at 500 mg/kg bw treatment compared to the control. Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings indicated that incorporating A. muricata leaf powder at 500 mg/kg bw into quail feed positively influences reproductive cells and boosts fertility growth promoters.

Pengaruh Substitusi Tepung Ikan dengan Tepung Larva BSF dalam Ransum terhadap Konsumsi Protein Kasar, Lemak Kasar dan Serat Kasar pada Burung Puyuh

The research was carried out experimentally at the Non-Ruminant Livestock Laboratory, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Hasanuddin University from April to June 2019. This research aims to determine the effect of substituting fish meal with BSF larvae meal in the ration on the consumption of crude protein, crude fat and crude fiber in quail. 60 female quail were used in this study using cages measuring 90 x 60 x 30 cm. This research method used a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of four treatments and five replications, divided randomly based on treatment as follows: P0 Ration without adding BSF larval meal, P1 = BSF larval meal 3.183% (6.67% crude fish meal protein) , P2=BSF larval meal 6.370% (3.34% fish meal crude protein), P3=BSF larval meal 9.565% (0% fish meal crude protein). The variables observed were the consumption of crude protein, crude fat and crude fiber in quail. The data obtained were then analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 software. The results of the analysis of the effect of substituting fish meal with BSF larvae meal in the ration had no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on the consumption of crude protein, crude fat and crude fiber in quail.

Modulation of Intestinal Histology and Immune Functions Using Different Level of Salvia Indica Supplementations with Stocking Density in Local Quails

Under the direction of Salahaddin University in Erbil's College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, study was carried out to investigate how local quail performed biochemically, histologically, and immune-wise when varied levels of Salvia indica (SI) additive were added at high stocking density. For a 42-day trial, 216 one-week-old local quails were divided into four treatments at random, with three replicates for each treatment, in cages measuring 60 by 30 by 25 centimeters. The following was the design of the feed treatments: Positive control (12 birds/replicate), Negative control 20 birds per replicate at a high stocking density, 20 birds per replicate plus 0.2% of SI additive, and 20 birds per replicate plus 0.4% of SI additive. When compared to a negative control, the results indicated that 0.4% SI supplements with high stocking density produced the best live body weight and weight gain. When compared to positive and negative controls, the cholesterol level of female quails considerably (P&lt;0.05) decreased in both SI with high stocking density; however, no significant variations were seen with either of the SI additives with high stoking density. Furthermore, when compared to the positive control, the LDL content in female quails was considerably (P&lt;0.05) reduced by both supplements of SI with high stocking density and negative control. When treated with SI, the height of the jejunum villus was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than when treated with both positive and negative controls. The size of Fabricius follicles was significantly (P&lt;0.05) enhanced by the addition of SI treatments, but no significant difference was seen between the two SI additives with high stocking density. In summary, adding Salvia indica to a diet with high stocking density enhanced the quail population's biochemical markers, immunological response, and jejunum histology.

Bayesian modeling of the Gompertz curve for meat quails growth data considering different error distributions

This study applied the Gompertz model to quail growth data, assuming symmetric and asymmetric homoscedastic and heteroscedastic error distributions (Normal, t-Student, Skew normal, and Skew t), undera Bayesian framework. Model selection criteria included the Bayesian Deviance Information Criterion (DIC) and the analysis of residual standard deviation (σ), as well as graphical assessment of the fit. For both homoscedastic error structures (males: DIC=7.186; σ=10.73) and (females: DIC=5.572; σ=11.88) as well as heteroscedastic structures (males: DIC=6.493; σ=0.795) and (females: DIC=4.405; σ=0.824), the best fits were obtained by considering the Skew t distribution for errors. In homoscedastic fits, significant residual asymmetry (λ) was observed only for female quails (CI(λ)=[-8.039;-0.340]), whereas in heteroscedastic fits, the parameter was not significant for both sexes. Additionally, heteroscedasticity (δ) captured in the fits was significant for both sexes (males: CI(δ)=[1.66;2.13] and females: CI(δ)=[1.80;2.26]). Understanding animal growth is crucial for optimizing management and feeding practices, reducing time and costs in production. In this case, the use of nonlinear models considering heteroscedastic and/or asymmetric residual structures contributes to greater accuracy in decision-making.

The Effects of Rearing Systems on Incubation, Egg Production and Quality Traits in Pharaoh Quails

This study was conducted to determine the effect of rearing quails in different rearing systems on egg production, egg quality characteristics, and incubation results. The 360 quails were distributed equally to 3 different rearing groups (cage, enriched cage, and floor) in a male:female mixed at the age of 3 weeks. The eggs were individually weighed and recorded one by one daily (5487 eggs) for 3 months. To determine egg quality and incubation characteristics, 750 eggs were broken, and 3284 eggs were incubated, respectively. The results showed that female quail in the floor group have lower body weight at 6 weeks old (177.19 g), and they reached sexual maturity (age of first egg laying) later (65.36 day, P&lt;0.01), The lowest egg production (61.14%) occurred in the floor group during the 3-month egg production period (P&lt;0.05). The lowest average egg weight (9.07 g) was determined in the floor group (P&lt;0.05). It was determined that the eggs of quails raised in the enriched group had a rounder shape index because they have larger widths (P&lt;0.01). While the highest average yolk height (11.24 mm) was determined in the enriched cage group (P&lt;0.01), the highest averages of albumen length (72.41 mm) and lowest averages of yolk index (48.43%) were determined in the cage group (P&lt;0.01). The lowest average values (113.17) in Haugh unit were detected in the floor group (P&lt;0.05). The highest fertility rate (98.44%) was in Floor♂:Cage♀, the highest hatchability of fertile egg rate (94.67%) was obtained from Enriched♂:Cage♀, and the highest hatchability (89.10%) was obtained from Floor♂:Cage♀ pairing (P&lt;0.05). The lowest fertility rate (88.00%) was obtained from the Enriched♂:Floor♀, the lowest hatchability of fertile egg rate (86.01%) was obtained from the Enriched♂:Enriched♀, and the lowest hatchability (75.62%) was obtained from the Enriched♂: Enriched♀ groups. As a result, it has been revealed that the effect of various rearing systems is different on egg production, egg quality traits, and hatching results in quails. Thus, it has been shown that different programs at the rearing period to be applied to the male and female quails can achieve better incubation results and reproductive success.

Effect of Adding Date Palm Pollen and Physical Diet Form on Productive Performance and Egg Quality of Female Quail

This experiment was conducted to estimate the main effect of adding Data palm pollen (DPP) and the form of diet on the productive performance of female quail compliant with: Hen day egg production (HD), Egg weight (EW), Egg mass (EM), Feed intake (FI) and Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and eggs quality of quail compliant with: Shape index (ShI %), shell weight (%), yolk weight (%), albumen weight (%), Yolk index (YI%), Albumen Index (AI%) and Hough unit (HU). For eight weeks, from February 14 to April 13, 2023. Two hindered fifty-two female quail with age about forty-seven days were divided into six treatments, each including forty-two birds with three replicates (four ten quail of each). The treatments were T1: 0% DPP with mash feed form, T2: 0% DPP with pellet feed form, T3: 0.5% DPP with mash feed form, T4: 0.5% DPP with pellet feed form, T5: 1% DPP with mash feed form and T6: 1% DPP with pellet feed form. The quail were fed a productive diet with 2794 kcal/kg energy and 18.39% crude protein, and similar rearing conditions. Results showed there were significant effects in the percentage of HD, EW., EM, and (FCR) in treatments with DPP and pellet feed form when compared with the other treatments, as well as an improvement in egg quality in treatments with DPP and pellet feed form when compared with the other treatments.

The Effect of Diets Containing Different Amounts of Chasteberry Seed (Vitex Agnus Castus) On Performance, Carcass, Meat Quality and Stress Parameters of Japanese Quails

Aim of study: To investigate the effects of diets containing different amounts of chasteberry seeds (Vitex agnus- castus L.) on the growing performance, slaughter characteristics, breast meat quality characteristics and stress parameters of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Area of study: Çakmar, Aydın, Türkiye. Material and methods: A total of 240 one-day-old mixed-sex Japanese quail chicks (9.38 ± 0.02 g) were divided into three treatments with four replicates of 20 birds each in a completely randomized design. The groups were fed a control diet without chasteberry seeds (CS0), a diet containing 25 g/kg chasteberry seeds (CS25), and a diet containing 50 g/kg chasteberry seeds (CS50). The experiment lasted 35 days. Main results: Body weight, body weight gain, and feed intake of the CS50 group were found to be lower than the other groups on days 0-35 (p&lt;0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in carcass and internal organ weights (p&gt;0.05). Except for breast meat water holding capacity, lightness, redness, and hue angle characteristics in females, the effects of diets containing different chasteberry seeds on the meat quality characteristics of male and female quails were not significant (p&gt;0.05). CS25 and CS50 diets caused a statistically significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase values and a statistically significant decrease (p&lt;0.05) in malondialdehyde values in male quail breast meat. Economically, although the lowest feed cost was obtained in the CS50 group, there was no difference in net profit between the groups. Research highlights: The addition of 25 g/kg chasteberry seeds in quail diets can be used easily without any negative effects. However, further studies are needed to determine the effects of different doses of chasteberry seeds on performance and meat quality.

Effects of inclusion of the blend of essential oils, organic acids, curcumin, tannins, vitamin E, and zinc in the maternal diet, and of incubation temperature on early and late development of quail

The maternal diet and egg incubation temperature are some of the factors that can influence the embryonic development and performance of the newly chicks at 15 d of age. This study evaluated the effects of adding a blend of organic acids, essential oils, curcumin, tannins, vitamin E, and zinc microencapsulated in to the diet of female quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) on their productive, reproductive performance and redox parameters of their eggs and the interaction of maternal diet × incubation temperature on embryo (E16 and E18) and chicks development. At 98 d of age, 64 female quails with a mean body weight of 150 g ± 0.5 were distributed into two treatments: a Basal diet or a diet supplemented with blend (Sannimix). The eggs from each female were incubated at 37.5°C (Control) and 38.5°C (High Temperature) throughout the incubation period. After hatching, chicks were distributed in a 2 (maternal diet) × 2 (incubation temperature) factorial design. Female quails supplemented with Sannimix showed better productive and reproductive performance and produced higher-quality embryos. Their offspring had greater weight at hatch and at 15 d of age. The eggs and offspring of supplemented with Sannimix female quails showed better oxidative stability. At E16 and E18, High Temperature increased yolk sac utilization and gene expression of the growth hormone receptor (GHR). At E16, embryos from supplemented with Sannimix female quail had higher expression of insulin-like growth factor type I (IGFI) and heat shock protein 70 kDa genes. At 15 d of age, highest expression of the GHR and IGFI genes was observed in chicks from female quails fed the Sannimix diet, regardless of incubation temperature. Regarding the maternal diet × incubation temperature an improved result was observed for chicks from female quails fed with Sannimix even when eggs are exposed to High Temperature during the incubation. The supplementation of quail diets with blend Sannimix improves productive and reproductive performance, egg quality and their embryos, as well as their offspring quality.

Impact of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal on Egg Quality Traits in Japanese quail

To evaluate the effect of diet supplementation with Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on egg quality traits of Japanese quails, a study was conducted for 16 weeks. For this purpose, a total of 270 adult female quails and 90 adult male quails of seven weeks of age were divided into 5 groups (M0, M0.5, M1, M1.5, and M2) of 3 replicates of 24 birds (18 females and 6 males) each. The groups corresponded to 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% inclusion levels of MOLM. The egg quality traits were studied fortnightly in four randomly collected eggs per replicate. An improvement (P≤0.05) in the egg quality traits, particularly egg shape index, albumen index, yolk colour score, and Haugh unit was recorded in the quails fed MOLM-based diets which denote better egg quality and higher chances of acceptability of the eggs by the consumer. It is concluded that MOLM can be safely included at 2% in the diets of Japanese quails.

Research Note: Sexual dimorphic effect of myostatin mutation on fat accumulation in Japanese quail

As an anti-myogenic factor, the myostatin (MSTN) gene was mainly considered as a genetic marker to improve meat production. Moreover, an additional effect of the MSTN mutation on reducing fat deposition in various farm animals suggested a potential application of the MSTN gene on regulating fat deposition in poultry species. Although increase in muscle mass resulted from muscle hyperplasia in the MSTN mutant quail, cellular mechanism behind the decrease in fat deposition was not investigated in the quail model. In the current study, to investigate sexual dimorphic association between fat deposition and Mstn mutation in quail, leg and abdominal fat pads from 4-month-old male and female quail were histologically analyzed. Interestingly, abdominal and leg fat pad weights were significantly decreased by the MSTN mutation only in female quail, but not in male quail, showing sexual dimorphism in regulating fat deposition by the MSTN mutation in quail. Histological analysis also revealed that fat cell sizes of leg and abdominal fats were significantly reduced only in female groups aligning with the decreased fat pad weights. Sexual dimorphic effect of the MSTN mutation on fat cell hypotrophy and reduced fat pad weights in quail provided an important scientific finding to be considered on the usage of the MSTN gene as a genetic marker to reduce fat deposition in poultry species.

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

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

THE PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF LAYING QUAILS TO NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL LIGHT INTENSITY

The current study was aimed to investigate the impact of white light of various intensity of illumination on some reproductive and hematological parameters of female quail (Coturnix coturnix), Where 80 one-day-old birds were used, separated into four groups distributed as follows: The 1st represented as control was exposed to natural lighting, while 2ed ,3rd ,4th was subjected to different intensity of light represented by 0.6, 25 and 45 lux, respectively, for 5 h/day, each group was divided into 4 replicates. The study continued for 8 weeks. The results indicates a notable raise in the level of FSH and LH hormone with an increase in ovarian weight, an elevate in the number of outgrowth and grown-up follicles for groups exposed to 25 and 45 lux light intensity compared to control and 0.6 lux. It was observed for the same groups an increases in the weight of the edible organs (heart, liver and gizzard). In addition, there was a clear increase in the number of RBC, WBC, lymphocytes, hemoglobin and PCV levels, while the 25 and 45 lux groups showed a decline in the level of MCV with a raise in MCH and MCHC compared with the control and 0.6 lux. It conclude that the intensity of different lighting had positive effects in improving some reproductive and blood characteristics of female quail.

Dietary restriction reveals sex-specific expression of the mTOR pathway genes in Japanese quails

Limited resources affect an organism’s physiology through the conserved metabolic pathway, the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). Males and females often react differently to nutritional limitation, but whether it leads to differential mTOR pathway expression remains unknown. Recently, we found that dietary restriction (DR) induced significant changes in the expression of mTOR pathway genes in female Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). We simultaneously exposed 32 male and female Japanese quails to either 20%, 30%, 40% restriction or ad libitum feeding for 14 days and determined the expression of six key genes of the mTOR pathway in the liver to investigate sex differences in the expression patterns. We found that DR significantly reduced body mass, albeit the effect was milder in males compared to females. We observed sex-specific liver gene expression. DR downregulated mTOR expression more in females than in males. Under moderate DR, ATG9A and RPS6K1 expressions were increased more in males than in females. Like females, body mass in males was correlated positively with mTOR and IGF1, but negatively with ATG9A and RS6K1 expressions. Our findings highlight that sexes may cope with nutritional deficits differently and emphasise the importance of considering sexual differences in studies of dietary restriction.

Imunitas dan Produktivitas Puyuh Periode Bertelur dengan Pemberian Tepung Daun Senduduk (Melastoma malabathricum L.) dalam Pakan

Senduduk leaf flour (Melastoma malabatricum L.) is a processed product from weed plants that can potentially be a source of nutrients and bioactive compounds that are beneficial for human and livestock health. This research aims to examine the immunity and productivity of quail during the egg-laying period by administering senduduk leaf flour. This study used 120 female quail aged 40 weeks, which were kept for 4 weeks. The experimental design used was a Completely Randomized Design. The treatment of providing senduduk leaf flour in feed consisted of four treatment levels, namely P0 (without flour), P1 (feed + 1.5% flour), P2 (feed + 3% flour), and P3 (feed + 4.5% flour). The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance and descriptive analysis. The results showed that adding senduduk leaf meal can reduce egg yolk cholesterol and increase quail immunity. Adding senduduk leaf meal at a 3% level produced the best immunity and performance, with a feed conversion value of 2.81. The 4.5% addition of senduduk leaf flour produced the lowest cholesterol level in quail egg yolk. Keywords: egg quality, immunity, performance, quail, senduduk leaf