Growing Japanese Quail Research Articles

Effect of basil leaves powder on productive and physiological performance in growing Japanese quail

Effect of basil leaves powder on productive and physiological performance in growing Japanese quail

NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF GRADED LEVELS OF CASSAVA PEEL MEAL FOR GROWING JAPANESE QUAIL (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

A feeding trial of 6 weeks duration was conducted to determine the effect of replacing maize with cassava peel meal of CP: 2.93% and ME; 3042.70kcal/kg on the performance of growing Japanese quails. One hundred and fifty two (152), a week old quails of mixed sexes were randomly allocated to five diets in a completely randomized design. The five isonitrogenous (25% CP) diets incorporated 0, 8.29, 16.58, 24.87 and 28.37% of cassava peel meal at the expense of maize. The diets, however, varied in energy levels from 2,706.45 (Diet A) to 2,558.10kcal/kg M (Diet E). Diets B (2,662.92), C (2,619.80) and D (2,576.42) were lower than for diet A. Each diet was replicated three times. Feed intake (16.75, 16.32, 16.74, 16.69 and 16.91g/bird/day), weight gain (3.39, 3.42, 3.44, 3.44 and 3.55g/bird/day), feed conversion ratio (4.94, 4.77, 4.87, 4.85 and 4.78) did not differ significantly from the control. However, feed cost/kg gain was significantly higher (p<0.05) on diet A (370) than on diets D (320.00), and E (313.33) respectively. Other differences were not significant. Feed cost per kg diet decreased from 74.53(diet A) to 65.10 (diet E) and has a cost saving of 12.65% over the control diet. It is concluded that cassava peel meal could replace 100% of maize in growing quail diet without negative effect on performance.

Assessing the Impacts of Different Levels of Nano-Selenium on Growth Performance, Serum Metabolites, and Gene Expression in Heat-Stressed Growing Quails.

Nano-minerals are employed to enhance mineral bioavailability thus promoting the growth and well-being of animals. In recent times, nano-selenium (nano-Se) has garnered significant attention within the scientific community owing to its potential advantages in the context of poultry. This study was conducted to explore the impact of using variable levels of nano-Se on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum constituents, and gene expression in growing Japanese quails under both thermoneutral and heat stress conditions. A randomized experimental design was used in a 2 × 3 factorial, with 2 environmental conditions (thermoneutral and heat stress) and 3 nano-Se levels (0, 0.2, and 0.5 mg/kg of diet. The findings revealed that heat stress negatively affected the growth and feed utilization of quails; indicated by the poor BWG and FCR. Additionally, oxidative stress was aggravated under heat stress condition; indicated by increased lipids peroxidation and decreased antioxidant enzymes activities. The addition of nano-Se, especially at the level of 0.2 mg/kg of diet, significantly improved the performance of heat stressed quails and restored blood oxidative status. The expression profile of inflammatory and antioxidant markers was modulated by heat stress and/or 0.2 and 0.5 nano-Se in conjunction with environmental temperature in quail groups. In comparison to the control group, the heat stress-exposed quails' expression profiles of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 showed a notable up-regulation. Significantly lower levels of the genes for IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 and higher levels of the genes for SOD and GPX as compared to the heat stress group demonstrated the ameliorative impact of 0.2 nano-Se. The expression profiles of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 are dramatically elevated in quails exposed to 0.5 nano-Se when compared to the control group. SOD and GPX markers, on the other hand, were markedly down-regulated. It was concluded that nano-Se by low level in heat stressed growing quails provides the greatest performance and its supplementation can be considered as a protective management practice in Japanese quail diets to reduce the negative impact of heat stress.

Growth performance, carcass traits and meat physical characteristics of growing Japanese quail fed ginger powder and frankincense oil as feed additives

This work aimed to investigate the effects of dietary frankincense oil and ginger on the growth efficiency of growing Japanese quail, including live body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass traits, and physical characteristics of the meat. In total, 150 unsexed Japanese quail chicks that were seven days old were utilized in the experiment. The chicks were randomly divided into five groups. Each group was divided into three replicates with ten birds in a completely randomized design. Group 1 received a basal diet without supplements and was used as a control group. Groups 2 and 3 received basal diets with 250 and 500 mg of ginger per kg of diet, respectively. Groups 4 and 5 received basal diets with 200 and 400 mg of frankincense oil per kg of diet, respectively. Results showed that BW of chicks received 500 mg of ginger and the two levels of frankincense oil at 5 weeks of age, and 250 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense oil at 6 weeks significantly increased. BWG was significantly increased by using 500 mg of ginger and two levels of frankincense oil at 1-3 weeks, 250 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense oil at 3-6 weeks, and 1-6 weeks of age, in comparison with the control group. Treatments insignificantly influenced feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved considerably by using 250mg of ginger and 400mg of frankincense at 3-6 weeks and 1-6 weeks of age, respectively. Gizzard% was notably reduced with 200mg of frankincense oil. The pH value of meat was significantly increased by having two levels of ginger. Still, water holding capacity and tenderness significantly decreased owing to 500 mg of ginger and 400 mg of frankincense oil. We can conclude that adding ginger and frankincense oil to Japanese quail diets may be beneficial.

Impacts of storage period and egg weight on hatching and growth performance of growing Japanese quails

This investigation aimed to assess how Japanese quail hatchability, growth, and carcass traits were affected by quail egg weight, storage length, and their interactions. One thousand two hundred sixty eggs of the commercial Japanese quail were purchased, and the average age of the birds was 13 weeks. Quail egg weights were divided into three groups using a 3 × 4 factorial design: small (< 11 g), medium (11–12 g), and large (> 12 g). Each group had four storage times (1, 4, 7, and 10 days) and held 105 eggs. The study used a storage room with 70% humidity and 18°C. There were 12 treatment groups. For the final three days of incubation, the eggs were positioned in a hatching machine after being incubated for 14 days at 37.6°C and 65% humidity. For the study, 540 one-day-old Japanese unsexed quail chicks were randomly chosen and placed in groups of five that resembled the distribution of eggs. Three duplicates (15 chicks each) made up each of the four storage periods that comprised the 180 birds. The findings showed that the percentage of hatchable eggs is significantly influenced by their weight and the length of storage; medium and heavy-weight eggs exhibited higher percentages of hatchability while holding for 7–10 days. However, no significant interaction was observed—additionally, heavy egg weight results in higher weight at different ages. Egg weight also significantly impacts chick weight at hatch, three weeks, and six weeks. Egg weight and storage time affect dressing and carcass measurement percentages. We can conclude that the best results in terms of hatch and post-hatch efficiency, as well as carcass characteristics, were obtained with medium or heavy quail eggs and storage times of either one day or four days.

The impacts of dietary inclusion of soybean oil and linseed oil on growth performance, carcass yield, and health status of growing Japanese quail

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including n-6 and n-3 fatty acids, are essential for enhancing the performance and health of poultry. Avian species lack desaturase enzymes for endogenous synthesis of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids. This work aimed to determine the impacts of including soybean oil (SO) and linseed oil (LO) in quail diets on growth, lipid profile, hepatic and renal functions, immunity, and antioxidant status. A total of 350 Japanese quail chicks (1-week-old) were randomly arranged into seven dietary treatment groups. Seven isocaloric and isonitrogenous experimental basal diets were formed based on the nutritional requirements of growing Japanese quail. Group 1, the control, received a basal with no oils, while groups 2–7 received a basal diet containing either 1% SO, 1.5% SO, 2% SO, 1% LO, 1.5% LO, or 2% LO, respectively. Quail groups that consumed diets containing LO at all levels showed significantly greater live body weight (LBW) at 5th week of age than other experimental groups. The dietary incorporation of 1.5 or 2% SO or LO at all levels yielded significant improvements in body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) through 3-5 and 1-5 weeks of age. Different dietary oil sources and levels have no significant impacts on feed intake (FI) and carcass yield parameters. Lipid profile parameters were improved by adding SO and LO in quail diets, with LO having a higher effect than SO. The hepatic and renal functionality were improved by adding SO and LO in quail diets. The lowest uric acid (UA) bloodstream concentrations were recorded in the quail group fed a diet with 2% LO. Values of Gamma globulins (G-GLO) and immunoglobulins (G, M, and A) were increased by adding SO or LO to quail diets. Blood levels of MDA and TAC were improved significantly by including LO in quail diets. The activity of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme was significantly increased by adding SO or LO to quail diets. Generally, adding SO or LO to growing quail diets up to 2% could yield favorable effects on growth performance, blood lipids, hepatic and renal functions, immunity, and antioxidant status; however, LO seems to have better effects than SO.

Calcareous seaweed in the diet of growing Japanese quail

Abstract In this way, the present study assessed the replacement of inorganic calcium sources by organic sources in the diet of growing Japanese quails. The study analyzed 300 Japanese quails distributed in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments (control, 0% inclusion; 0.50% inclusion of calcareous seaweed 1; 0.50% inclusion of calcareous seaweed 2, with both inclusions concerning the replacement of calcitic limestone in the diet). Calcium sources did not differ in terms of either the production performance of birds in the growth phase or at the beginning of laying or in terms of yield, weight, organ size or bone quality. The biochemical blood profile did not change, except for the AST index. The replacement treatment affected egg quality, colorimetric fan color, albumen and yolk height, Haugh unit, and the yolk index. Including 0.50% calcareous seaweed as a replacement for calcitic limestone in the diet of quail does not harm production performance, animal health, organ yield, or bone quality in the growth phase. This diet guarantees satisfactory performance and high-quality eggs in the early laying phase.

Dietary supplementation with mushroom powder (Agaricus bisporus) on performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and bone biomechanical properties of quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

This study was performed to determine the effect of mushroom powder (MP) (Agaricus bisporus) supplementation on growing Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). A total of 300 unsexed 1-day-old Japanese quails with similar body weights (8.38 ± 0.2 g) were randomly assigned to five treatment groups with six replications. Additions of 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, or 1.00% of MP to the basal diet were used to develop the treatment groups. Quails were fed ad libitum for 42 days. At the end of the experiment, 12 quails from each experimental unit were euthanised to determine performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and bone biochemical properties. Results showed that all dietary MP did not negatively affect any performance parameters (P > 0.05), while by the third week of life, there was an increase (P < 0.05) in body weight and body weight gain in the quails of the 0.75% MP group compared to the control group. Nevertheless, these differences disappeared at the end of the trial (P > 0.05). No differences were observed (P > 0.05) for any of the studied carcass traits, except for the pancreas weight which decreased (P < 0.05) with the addition of high MP (1.00%). Regarding meat quality, all color parameters were affected on the fifth day of sampling (P < 0.05) but not on the first day (P > 0.05). It was detected that the breast of the quails in group 0.75% MP had the highest L* value and the lowest a* value. While the breast of the 1.00% MP group had the highest b value and the lowest pH value. Dietary MP enhanced oxidative stability, reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) value in the breast compared to the control at both sampling points (P < 0.01), being more noted on the fifth day of sampling. Bone biomechanical properties (in terms of shear force or shear stress) were improved (P < 0.01) with the dietary addition of MP at 0.75% compared to the control. It can be suggested that MP is a secure ingredient in animal feed without negatively affecting performance parameters, carcass traits, or meat quality. Therefore, including an interval of 0.50–0.75% of MP in the diet of growing quails could be a suitable strategy to improve certain parameters such as the meat’s oxidative stability and the bone’s biomechanical parameters. Moreover, the efficacy of MP on performance development would be greater during the first weeks of the quails’ life due to their intestinal conditions at this stage.

Vitamin C and/or garlic can antagonize the toxic effects of cadmium on growth performance, hematological, and immunological parameters of growing Japanese quail

This study used 300 1-day-old, sexless, developing chicks of Japanese quail to estimate the ability of vitamin C and/or garlic to antagonize the venomous influence of cadmium (Cd) on the hematological, immunological, and performance characteristics of developing Japanese quail. The quail was separated into 5 similar groups of 60 chicks apiece, and 6 duplicates (10 each) were given to each sub-group. The control group received a basal diet without any supplements. The Cd group was nourished with a basal diet of + 80 mg cadmium chloride (CdCl2)/kg diet. The 3rd group was fed a basal diet + 80 mg CdCl2/kg diet and complemented with a 200 mg Vitamin C (Cd + C)/kg diet. The 4th group was nourished with a basal diet + 80 mg CdCl2/kg diet and complemented by a 500 mg dried garlic powder (Cd + G)/kg diet. The 5th group was fed a basal diet + 80 mg CdCl2/kg diet, complemented by a 200 mg vitamin C/kg diet + 500 mg dried garlic powder (Cd + CG)/kg diet. Results showed that in the 5th group in which cadmium was added together with Vit C + garlic, there was an improvement in both live weight gain (1-42 d) and feed consumption (1-21 and 1-42 d ) compared to the group in which Cd was added alone. The addition of Vit C alone and together with garlic seems to completely improve the cadmium-related increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels when compared to the control. Compared to cadmium-polluted diets, quail that got cadmium and feed additives significantly reduced cadmium residue. In addition, the cadmium group's serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) level decreased significantly. These data imply that dietary supplementation with (C) or (G) may be beneficial in retrogressing the drop in immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM caused by Cd and minimizing Cd's deleterious influence on immunity.

Leverage of Matricaria chamomilla L. Oil Supplementation over Ochratoxin A in Growing Quails

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the mycotoxins in the agriculture and livestock sectors. The poultry sector suffered from significant economic losses due to the adverse impacts of OTA on the growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and livability. Thus, the present investigation aimed to determine the impact of chamomile essential oil supplementation against OTA toxicity in growing quails. 360 one‐week‐old growing quails were distributed into six groups (n = 60) with four replicates of 15 birds. The groups were G1 (control negative), G2 (OTA 1 mg/kg diet, control positive), G3 (chamomile oil 0.5 g/kg diet), G4 (chamomile oil 1 g/kg diet), G5 (OTA 1 mg/kg diet + chamomile oil 0.5 g/kg diet), and G6 (OTA 1 mg/kg diet + chamomile oil 1 g/kg diet). Adding OTA significantly (P &lt; 0.05) reduced live body weight and weight gain at 5 weeks. Feed intake at 5 weeks was nonsignificantly reduced in G3 and G4 compared to G1. G4 showed a significant (P &lt; 0.05) increase in weight gain and the lowest feed conversion ratio. The G2 showed the lowest superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione transferase (GST) activity, and the highest levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). Moreover, they showed a significant improvement in liver enzymes and kidney function tests and a significant (P &lt; 0.05) reduction in the levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. Chamomile supplementation alone or with OTA significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increased immunoglobulin M, G, A, and complement 3 than OTA alone. Chamomile oil with an OTA diet or alone reduced the negative effects of OTA and improved the performance, antioxidant status, lipid profile, and immunological state of growing Japanese quails.

Comparison of different papaya forms on the growth performance, immune response, antioxidative capacity, and caecal microbiota of Japanese Quails

Papaya is a sparsely branched tree and grows in many tropical and subtropical areas. Herein, this study compared the effects of papaya at 0.75 % as seeds meal (PSM), leaves meal (PLM), latex powder (PLP), or a mixture of them (PMIX) on the performances of Japanese quails. Two hundred unsexed Japanese quail (1st week-old) with an initial body weight of 21.08 ± 0.32 g were allocated into five experimental groups in cages with free access to water and test diets. Birds fed diets enriched with PSM, PLM, PLP, or PMIX for 55 weeks. The results showed that quail groups fed on papaya diets exhibited improved (P < 0.05) final weight, weight gain (WG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the control. Dietary PLP or PMIX resulted in a remarkable WG enhancement, while PMIX reduced the FCR (P < 0.05). Activities of digestive enzymes (amylase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin) were enhanced (P < 0.05) with dietary papaya, especially in birds fed on PLP. Quails fed on PLM, PLP, or PMIX diets had reduced albumin/globulin ratio (A/G), triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels. At the same time, the level of high-density lipoprotein and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase increased (P < 0.001) by dietary PLP and PMIX. Moreover, higher total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and lower malondialdehyde were recorded with papaya supplements than with the control. A similar trend was recorded for immunoglobulin G and M (IgG and IgM), phagocyte activity, and phagocyte index. Interestingly, low caecal harmful microbiota populations were observed in birds treated with papaya. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of different papaya parts (leaves, seed, latex, and their mixture) can improve the productive performance, immunity, antioxidant indices, intestinal enzymes, and decline intestinal pathogens of growing Japanese quails.

Consequences of dietary cinnamon and ginger oils supplementation on blood biochemical parameters, oxidative status, and tissue histomorphology of growing Japanese quails

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of various concentrations of ginger and cinnamon oils as antibiotic substitutes on some blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity, and histopathological profile of the liver and gut of growing Japanese. A total of 900 Japanese quails were randomly allotted into 6 treatment groups. Each group had 5 replicates (30 chicks each). The first group received a basal diet and served as the control, while the second received a basal diet plus 0.5 g of colistin antibiotic/kg diet. The third and fourth groups were supplemented with 0.5 mL and 1.0 mL of ginger oil (GO)/kg diet, respectively. While the fifth and sixth groups received basal diet with 0.5 and 1.0 mL of cinnamon oil (CO)/kg diet, respectively. Results showed that adding herbal oils significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and urea levels compared to control and colistin groups. Various levels of GO and CO significantly (P < 0.05) reduced cholesterol levels compared to control birds. Compared to the control and antibiotic groups, Japanese quails supplemented with various levels of herbal oils (GO and CO) had more extraordinarily significant (P < 0.05) values for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GSR). Regarding histopathologic examination, the jejunum displayed a nearly empty lumen, a few fusions, and mild goblet cell metaplasia. On the other hand, the duodenum looked tall and had a few fusions of villi and remnants of removal in its lumina. It could be concluded that cinnamon and GO improved birds' blood biochemical parameters, electorate oxidative stress, and enhanced intestinal and hepatic histology of the treated quails. Also, the levels of 0.5 mL CO and 0.5 mL GO may be an acceptable substitute for antibiotics (colistin) in the diets of growing Japanese quail.

Effects of dietary mannan oligosaccharides and coated calcium butyrate on performance, carcass parameters, blood biochemistry and meat quality of growing Japanese quails

Aim of study: Despite previous research into mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) and calcium butyrate coated with palm oil (CCB) in poultry, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding the effects of these feed additives, either individually or in combination, on the growth performance, carcass values, blood biochemistry, immune response, and meat quality of growing Japanese quails. Area of study: Türkiye Material and methods: A total of 168 mixed-sex one-day-old quails were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups, with each group containing 7 birds per cage. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the treatment groups received the following additives: 1 g/kg of CCB, 2 g/kg of MOS, and a combination of MOS+CCB added to the basal diet, respectively. Main results: None of the treatments had a significant impact on performance, relative organ weights, total protein, albumin, globulin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein lipase concentrations in blood serum, or humoral immunity on day 28. However, the inclusion of MOS and CCB in the diet, either individually or in combination, increased carcass yield and reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood serum. Additionally, these additives helped maintain optimal pH levels and lower malondialdehyde concentrations in the breast meat. Moreover, the combination of MOS + CCB significantly improved water holding capacity and antibody titers against the Newcastle Disease vaccine on day 42 in Japanese quails. Research highlights: The natural feed additives CCB and MOS contribute to enhanced carcass yield, improved meat quality, and strengthened humoral immunity, while simultaneously lowering lipid values in the bloodstream.

Growth, carcass criteria, and blood biochemical parameters of growing quails fed Arthrospira platensis as a feed additive

This study investigated the impact of Arthrospira platensis (A. platensis) as a dietary supplement on growth, carcass criteria, liver and kidney function, lipid profile, and immunity of growing Japanese quails. In a 28-day experiment, 240 unsexed 7-day-old quail chicks were used. The quail chicks were divided into 4 treatment sets, each comprising 6 replicates and 10 quail chicks. Group (1) fed the basal diet with no supplements, group (2) fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.25 g A. platensis/kg diet, group (3) fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.50 g A. platensis/kg diet, and group (4) fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.00 g A. platensis/kg diet. The results of this study revealed that the birds that were fed 0.50 g. or 1.00 g A. platensis/kg diet had superior final body weights, body weight gains, feed conversion ratios, and carcass criteria compared to control, furthermore, had significant (P < 0.05) lower levels of liver enzymes and kidney function markers compared to control. Furthermore, birds fed 0.50 g or 1.00 g A. platensis/kg diet had significantly (P < 0.05) reduced cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol levels compared to control. Dietary supplementation of A. platensis at 0.50 and 1.00 g/kg diet significantly (P < 0.05) increased total antioxidant capacity, total immunoglobulin, and lysozyme activity levels. Using A. platensis at 0.5 or 1 g/kg diet levels during the Japanese quails' growth period can improve growth, carcass criteria, liver and kidney function, lipid profile, and immunity.

Effect of using Guava and olive waste with or without enzyme addition in the diets on growing Japanese quail performance

Effect of using Guava and olive waste with or without enzyme addition in the diets on growing Japanese quail performance

Effect of dietary supplementation of Spirulina platensis powder on performance, some serum biochemistry, digestive enzymes, microbial content, antioxidant parameters and immune responses of growing Japanese quail

This study was performed to examine the influences of Spirulina platensis powder (SPP) on growth performance, physiological status, blood biochemistry, and intestinal microbial population in quail. 240-10-days old Japanese quail chicks were distributed into five groups. Each group had four replicate pens with 12 birds each. The first group received a basal diet (control group). Groups from two to five received the basal diet with SPP at levels of 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0% as dietary ingredients, respectively. Results clarified significantly higher live body weight and body weight gain (p < 0.001) with significant enhancements (p < 0.001) in feed conversion values for groups that received SPP levels, especially 4.5% compared with the control and other groups. Birds fed on a diet containing SPP had significantly higher amylase, trypsin and lipase levels (p < 0.001) than the control. Intestinal Lactobacillus sp. was significantly increased, and Escherichia coli and Salamonella populations were significantly decreased by dietary SPP levels (p < 0.001). Liver function, total lipid profile, antioxidant parameters and immune response were significantly affected by SPP levels compared with the control (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the inclusion of SPP until 4.5% in quail diets could improve the growth performance, intestinal microbial population and serum biochemical constituents of growing quail.

Residual feed intake breeding value associated with growth, carcass traits, meat quality, bone properties and humoral immunity in Japanese quail

Improved feed efficiency (FE) is one of the most important achievements in animal breeding programs. The present investigation aimed to determine the phenotypic correlations of residual feed intake (RFI) breeding value with some traits in growing Japanese quail. A total of 48 birds (24 males and 24 females) were selected from 220 quail chicks divided into three classes based on breeding values (BV) for RFI including low (LBV; n = 16), medium (MBV; n = 16), and high-BV (HBV; n = 16) were used to test FE. The effects of three groups of BV on the studied traits including carcass traits, meat quality, humoral immunity, and bone properties were evaluated. The BV for RFI was positively correlated with feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed intake (FI) but not with metabolic BW (MBW0.75). Live body weight, carcass, breast, and thigh weight in the LBV-RFI group were significantly greater than those in the HBV-RFI group. The BV for RFI had a negative correlation with live body weight and thigh weight. Our findings suggested that the selection of LBV-RFI quails may be useful to increase live body weight without any adverse impact on meat quality and bone properties, and live body weight can be implemented in breeding programs as an indirect selection indicator for improvement of FE in quails.

Effects of dietary betaine and protected calcium butyrate supplementation on growth performance, blood biochemical status, and meat quality in growing Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica).

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of betaine (Bet) and protected calcium butyrate (PCB) supplementation individually and together on the performance, carcass traits, blood biochemistry, and meat quality of growing Japanese quails ( Coturnix coturnix Japonica) from 1 to 42 days old. 144 one-day-old unsexed Japanese quails were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments with six replicates each. All birds were fed a maize-soybean meal diet for 42 days. The control group received no feed additives, while the treatment groups received 1.2 g/kg Bet, 1.0 g/kg PCB, or a combination of both in their diets. The results indicated that Bet and PCB supplementation individually and together did not differ performance, relative weights of heart, gizzard, proventriculus, bursa of Fabricius and pancreas, water holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss (CL), blood biochemical values except for glucose and triglyceride. Bet supplementation significantly increased relative liver weights, while PCB supplementation decreased glucose levels in serum. Moreover, carcass yield was increased and triglyceride value in blood serum, malondialdehyde (MDA), and the pH levels of breast meats both on the 1st and 30st day of post-mortem were decreased in all treatment groups. Therefore, based on these results, the combination of betaine and butyrate improves both carcass yield and meat quality in growing Japanese quails. More research is needed to determine the impact of betaine and butyrate on the structure of amino acids in meat, antioxidant enzyme activity, and the immune system in poultry.

Japon Bıldırcını Rasyonlarına Farklı Seviyelerde Nane (Mentha piperita L.) Yağı İlavesinin Performans, Karkas Özellikleri ve Serum Parametrelerine Etkisi

This study was carried out to determine the effects of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) essential oil addition to growing Japanese quail diets on growth performance, carcass and some serum parameters. In the study, a total of 300 mixed-sex Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) chicks at daily age were fed for 35 days with control and diets that were supplemented with peppermint oil at the levels of 0.15, 0.30, 0.45 and 0.60 %. The study was carried out in 5 treatment groups, with 6 replications, in a total of 30 subgroups. At the end of the experiment, the diet peppermint oil levels did not significantly affect the body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The effects of experimental diets containing different levels of peppermint oil on serum glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, HDL, LDL, AST and ALT concentrations were statistically insignificant. There was no statistically significant difference between the treatment groups in terms of carcass weight, carcass yield, liver and heart weights, and small intestine length. According to the results of the present study, it was concluded that the addition of different levels of peppermint oil to growing quail diets did not cause any change in performance, carcass, visceral weights and serum parameters.

Requirement of digestible methionine + cystine for growing Japanese quail and its subsequent effects on laying phase

The objective of this study was to estimate the nutritional requirement of digestible methionine + cystine for Japanese quail during the growth phase and its residual effect on the laying phase. One experiment was conducted, including three phases: starter, from 1 to 14 days of age; grower, from 15 to 42 days of age; and laying, from 43 to 168 days of age. The experimental design was entirely randomized with five treatments (0.52, 0.64, 0.76, 0.88, and 1.00% of [...]