Japanese Quail Chicks Research Articles

Effects of olive cake meal on serum constituents and fatty acid levels in breast muscle of Japanese quail

This study was aimed at determining the effects of various levels of dietary olive cake meal (OCM) on certain blood parameters and breast muscle fatty acid and cholesterol levels. For this purpose, 400 day-old Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) chicks of both sexes were randomly assigned to four trial groups, each including five replicates of 20 animals. The quail were fed on a maize and soybean meal-based basal diet supplemented with 0%, 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% of OCM for six weeks. Dietary supplementation with 5% and 7.5% of OCM decreased total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the blood serum, and increased cholesterol levels in the breast muscle. Dietary supplementation with various levels of OCM decreased saturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid levels, and increased monounsaturated fatty acid and total unsaturated fatty acid levels in the breast muscle. As a result, it was concluded that, olive cake meal, which contains a high level of olive oil, could be incorporated in poultry feed at a level of 5%, owing to its beneficial effects of decreasing serum LDL cholesterol, which plays a major role in the aetiology of cardiovascular diseases, and in reducing saturated fatty acid levels in breast muscle.

Growth Performance and Carcass Merit of Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica) Fed with Sorghum as an Energy Source Substitute for Maize in North Western Nigeria

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the growth performance and carcass characteristics of Japanese quails fed diets containing sorghum. A total of ninety of one-week old Japanese quail chicks were used for the experiment. Five diets were formulated in which sorghum was included at graded levels 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60% dietary levels designated as treatment 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. The experimental period was five weeks when the birds reach six weeks of age. The results of the growth performance showed significant differences (P<0.05) in the final body weight (161.70 – 180.10 g) and daily feed intake (21.34–25.12 g). Significant (P<0.05) differences was also observed in all carcass parameters measured except for dressing percentage. Liver weight and large intestine with T5 (65% total replacement) recorded the highest means value of 6.00 g and 6.66 g. Non-significant high values of feed conversion ratio were also obtained among the treatments. Treatment 1 (0%) and Treatment 5 (60%) showed better results in all parameters measured compared to other treatments. In conclusions, sorghum grain can play a significant role in formulating quail feed and can completely (60%) be used to replace maize without affecting the performance and carcass yield of the quails.

Effect of embryonic light exposure on laterality and sociality in quail chicks (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Lateralization is the ascendency of one side of the body or the brain to control and perform motor or perceptual functions. Light exposure during prenatal life can modulate the expression of visual lateralization (strength and direction) in a variety of species, including birds. Individual lateralization provides cognitive advantages, but the function of lateralization at the population level is less obvious. Recent studies support the hypothesis that intra-specific population-level lateralization may favour coordination between asymmetrical individuals during synergistic (cooperative) social interactions. Since cohesion requires a good coordination, one can therefore imagine that a higher alignment of lateralization within a group, by making coordination between individuals easier, may promote social cohesion. Our study investigated the effect of light on laterality and social behaviour in Japanese quail chicks (Coturnix coturnix japonica). We compared chicks coming from eggs exposed to light during incubation to chicks coming from eggs maintained in complete darkness. We expected light-exposed (LE) chicks to be more aligned than dark-incubated (DI) ones and we wanted to test whether the most aligned chicks were also the most coordinated. We assessed laterality, social motivation, synchronization and spatial cohesion within groups of LE and DI chicks. The prenatal light conditions did not affect either laterality or chicks’ social behaviour, and there was no turning bias at the group level. An absolute laterality index characterizing the alignment of chicks living together showed that the groups with the highest indices were not necessarily the groups with the greatest synchronization and spatial cohesion. This suggests that light does not consistently induce laterality in Japanese quail chicks and that the alignment of the chicks’ turning bias does not influence their social cohesion. Quails are widely used in farm industry and scientific research and better knowledge of the consequences of incubation conditions on their behavioural asymmetries and sociality could help improve their handling and welfare.

Effects of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaf meal on performance, carcass, organs, eggs and meat of Japanese quails

There are several reports on the utilisation of Moringa oleifera in poultry nutrition due to its essential bioactive compounds yet, little is known about its influence on Japanese quail eggs and meat qualities. Hence, this study was aimed at examining the performance, eggs and meat qualities of Japanese quail hens fed M. oleifera leaf. To achieve this, 240 Japanese quail chicks were allocated to three dietary treatments: D1: control, 0.0% (without M. oleifera leaf meal), D2: (0.5% M. oleifera leaf meal) and D3: (1% M. oleifera leaf meal). Data on performance, carcass, organs, eggs and meat qualities were collected and subjected to ANOVA at 0.05. Results revealed that feed consumption was lowest (2,701g) in D1 and highest (2,800g) in D2, carcass weight varied from 100 – 100.67g, thigh weight (12.66 – 13.58g) and breast weight was highest (40.41g) in D3. Liver weight was lowest (3.25g) in D1, kidney was largest (0.91g) in D3 whereas, the heart, gizzard and spleen weights ranged from 1.00 – 1.16g, 3.08 – 3.50g and 0.04 – 0.08g, respectively. In the eggs, crude protein (10.94%), crude fat (6.71%), ash (1.36%), high-density lipoprotein (96.12mg/100g) and low-density lipoprotein (120.67mg/100g) were highest in D1. Total cholesterol (364.08mg/100g) and triglycerides (147.27mg/100g) were least in D1 and the caloric value varied from 1.46 – 1.47kcal/g. In the meat, crude protein (17.14%) and energy value (1.96kcal/g) were best in D2 but, crude fat (12.62%), ash (2.85%) and carbohydrates (1.31%) were superior in D3. In both eggs and meat, no crude fibre (0.0%) was detected. In any case, all the parameter values were within the normal ranges given in healthy Japanese quails at similar age. Consequently, inclusion of M. oleifera leaf meal at 1.0% in Japanese quail diets might not depress performance, affect carcass quality, cause organs dysfunctions but may improve nutritional quality of the eggs and meat.

Protein requirement of Japanese quail (coturnix corturnix japonica) chicks in Nigeria

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of varying dietary levels of protein on performance of Japanese quail chicks. Six iso-caloric (2953-3078 kcal/kg, ME) diets were formulated to contain crude protein (CP) at 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28% levels, respectively. Each of the dietary treatment was replicated three times with sixty (60) quail chicks per replicate. A total of 1080 day-old unsexed quail chicks were used for the study and distributed using completely randomized design. The experiment lasted 42 days during which data were collected. Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and protein intake differ significantly (P<0.05) due to dietary treatments. Final live weight and cost per gain were not significantly (P>0.05) different across dietary treatments. Age at first egg and average weight of eggs at point of lay differed significantly (P<0.05) across dietary treatments. The haematological parameters (Total protein, haemoglobin, albumen and red blood cell) were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the dietary protein levels. Carcass weight, dressing percentage, prime cuts and the weight of major organs expressed as percentage of the live weight were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. It was concluded that Japanese quail chicks required up to 26% level of dietary protein for optimum performance.

Response of Japanese quail chicks (Cortunix cortunix japonica) to various dietary energy levels in a tropical environment

A total of one thousand and eighty (1080) unsexed day-old quail chicks with an average initial weight of 7.68±0.39g were used in a feeding trial to determine the growth response of quail chicks fed iso-nitrogenous rations to various dietary energy levels in Nigerian (tropical) environment. Six iso-nitrogenous (26% CP) diets containing 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900 and 3000 Kcal/kg ME were used in a complete randomized design, respectively for the study. The birds were fed feed and water ad libitum for 6 weeks at the end of which 10 birds from each replicate were randomly selected for carcass analysis. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in the final live weight, weight gain, cost per gain and age at 1 egg across dietary treatments. Feed, intake decreased non-significantly (P>0.05) as the level of energy increased in the diets. Total protein, Haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cell and white blood cell were non significantly (P>0.05) affected by dietary treatments and were within the normal range for quails. The cholesterol level however, increased non-significantly (P>0.05) as the level of dietary energy increased. Except for the carcass weight and abdominal fat, the carcass parameters were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. It was concluded that a dietary energy level of 2800 Kcal/kg ME, will be adequate for optimum performance of quail chicks under the condition of this experiment

THE FEEDING VALUE OF CASSAVA MEAL DIETS FOR GROWING JAPANESE QUAIL (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica)

A six-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the replacement value of Cassava meal for maize in a piratical quail diet. It involved ninety six day-old quail chicks housed in cages in a brooding house. Four isonitrogenous (22%mde protein) diets incorporating graded levels (0.0, 15, 25 and 35%) of cassava meal as a replacement for maize were tested. The diets were also isocaloric (280Kcal/kg M. E.) and contained crude protein (25.53%; diet 1, 25.00%; diet 2, 24.34%; diet 3and 24.00% diet4) and were replicated three times. Feed intake weight gain feed/gain ratio and feed cost/kg gain did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) across the treatment. Feed cost decreased numerically across the treatments and was lowest for diet 4, i.e., the diet in which all the maize was replaced by 35% cassava meal. Feed cost/kg gain was numerically lower for diet 4 (146.34) than the other diets (233.16, 169.39, and 159.94). Results of this study indicated that at dietary crude protein levels of between 24 and 25% and M.E. of 2800Kcal/kg feed, 35% cassava meal based diet was suitable for acceptable ‘growth performance in Japanese quail chicks in the first six weeks of life’

Effect of organic Chromium on productive, physiological rates, and ameliorating oxidative stress induced of growing Japanese quail under high ambient temperature

This study was designed to determine the effect of Chromium methionine (CrMet) at different levels on growth parameters, blood constituents, immunity, and anti-oxidative properties of growing Japanese quail. A total of 150 7-day old unsexed Japanese quail chicks were randomly distributed to five dietary treatments of thirty birds to a treatment. Each treatment was replicated three times with ten birds to a replicate. Five isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were formulated. CrMet was added to the basal diet at five different levels being 0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg /kg diet, respectively. CrMet supplementation improved body weight (BW) at 6 weeks of age by 2.3%. compared with those on diet 1 (control). Feed intake (FI) increased gradually by increasing CrMet levels in the diets compared with the control group and the group fed on 200 mg CrMet /kg diet. The best (P≤ 0.05) value of feed conversion ratio (FCR) was noticed in group fed 600 mg CrMet /kg as compared with other experimental groups. CrMet improved (P ≤ 0.01) the thymus, heart and testes weights, white blood cell (WBC) counts, hemoglobin (Hb), Packed cell volume (PCV%), and monocytes of growing Japanese quail. Also, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total antioxidant capacity, while albumin, albumin/globulin ratio, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipid peroxide concentrations contents decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.01). In summary, inclusion of CrMet in growing quail diets may exert beneficial effects on growth parameters, blood constituents, immunity, and anti-oxidative properties.

Calcium requirement of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) chicks in Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract A 6-week feeding trial was carried out to investigate the optimal calcium level in the diet of quail chicks in Nigeria. Four isonitrogenous (25% crude protein) diets containing 0.5, 1.0,1.5 and 2.0% dietary calcium were employed in the trial which involved 480) day-old, uncensored quail chicks. The diets were also isocaloric (2750 kcal/kg M. E). Each dietary treatment was replicated three times. Responses measured included weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio. Feed intake was higher in diet A (P<0.05) in comparison to others. Diet D recorded lower feed intake (P<0.05) than Diets B and C. Weight gain was similar (P>0.05) for Diets A, B and C which were better than diet D (P>0.05). Feed conversion was better with Diets C And D (P<0.05) than with diets A and B. Diet A was poorer (P<0.05) than diet B in terms of feed conversion. Feed cost/gain ratio was lower (P<0.05) on Diet A than others. Percent bone ash was similar on the diets except Diet C. Results of this study indicated that dietary calcium levels of between 0.5 and 1% will support acceptable weight gain and % bone ash in the first 6 weeks of life.

Effects of feeding varying levels of bakery waste meal on the performance and carcass values of growing Coturnix quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Since bakeries are scattered all over Nigeria and beyond, such feed materials like bakery waste abound and this can be tapped as a feed resource for poultry having little pressure of competition. A feeding trial of 6 weeks duration was conducted to determine the effect of replacing maize with bakery waste of CP; 3.32% and ME; 3221.88kcal/kg on the performance of growing Japanese quails.Two hundred two –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, 8.31, 16.61, 24.92 and 28.69% of bakery waste at the expense of maize. The diets, however, varied in energy levels from 2,706.92 (Diet A) to 2,610.76kcal/kg ME (Diet E). Diets B (2,679.17), C (2,650.57) and D (2,623.75) were lower than diet A. Each diet was replicated three times. Feed intake (21.99, 20.34, 21.25, 23.83 and 22.97g/bird/day), weight gain (3.39, 3.29, 3.46, 3.61, 3.75g/bird/day) and feed conversion ratio (6.32, 6.17, 6.16, 6.62 and 6.31) did not differ significantly from the control. Water intake was significantly higher (p<0.05) on diet D (33.78ml/b/day) than on diets A (30.90) and B (30.99) only. Water intake on diets C (31.89) and E (32.91ml/bird/day) were not different. Feed cost/kg gain was significantly higher (p<0.05) for birds on dietsB (632.00) and A (617.67) than on diets C (542.33) and D (550.67) only. Other differences were not significant. Live weight, slaughter weight, plucked weight and drumstick were better on the diet with 100% bakery waste. Feed cost per kg diet decreased from 84.62 (diet A) to 78.75 (diet E) and has a cost saving of 6.94% over the control diet. Therefore, bakery waste could completely replace maize in diets for Japanese quail chicks without adverse effect on performance.

Replacement of Value of Sweet Potato(Ipomea Batatas) Meal For Maize in Practical Diets Fed to Quail (COnturnix cotu-rnix japomica) Chicks

A six- week feeding trial was conducted to determine the value of sweer potato in diets fed to216 Japanese quail chicks in a brooding house. Four isonitrogenous (22%CP) diets tagged A, B<C and D incorporating graded levels (0. 13.73, 23,73 and 38.73%) of sweet potato meal respectively as replacement for maize were used in the trial. The M.E levels of the diets flunctuated between 2692; diets D and 2708kcal/kg M.E; diets B. Each treatment was replicated thrice. Food intake was higher (p<0.05) on diet B (818.62) than the rest of the diets (A:702.10g, C: 688.51 and D: 689.96g). Difference in weight gain (A:122g, B:130.50g. C:121.37g, D:122.15g) were not significant( p>0.05) among the treatments. Feed cost/kg gain was higher(p<0.05) for diet D(134.81) than other diets (A:97.87, B:94.23, C:104.94). Results of this study showed that dietry level of 38.73% sweet potato meal was suitable for growth of Japanese quail chicks provided the diets are isonitrogenous and contained metabolizable energy of between 2692 and 2798kcal/kg

Chilly smaller chicks can't forage as long

Within minutes of hatching, Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) chicks are up and about, pecking around for their first snack. However, these independent youngsters aren't entirely self-sufficient. Unable to generate their own body heat, tiny newly hatched chicks still depend on their parents for warmth. ‘Chicks that feed themselves from the first day of life alternate finding food with being warmed up by mum to avoid their body temperature dropping dangerously low’, says Andreas Nord from Lund University, Sweden. And the smaller the chicks, the more they need their parents’ warmth. In addition, Nord and Jan-Åke Nilsson, also from Lund University, knew that the size of the chicks when they hatch depends on the amount of warmth provided by their parents during incubation; even the most devoted quail parents don't spend the entire time brooding. This made the scientists wonder how much of an effect the warmth provided by incubating parents has on the amount of time their hatchlings can spend foraging before returning to warm up.Incubating quail eggs at temperatures ranging from a cool 35.5°C to a toasty 38.5°C, Nord recorded that the chicks from the warmest eggs hatched after 16 days, while it took the youngsters from the coolest eggs more than 19.5 days to emerge. After collecting the youngsters and transferring them to a cosy pen, complete with heat lamp instead of parents, Nord simulated the effects of the youngsters wandering off at 1 day of age by placing them in a cooler chamber (20°C) for 10 min and checking the youngsters’ body temperature before and after their chilly outing. Repeating the process each day until the chicks were capable of generating enough heat to keep warm (7 days), it was clear that the smallest chicks that had been incubated at the lowest temperature were at a disadvantage when venturing off alone. They lost more heat than the larger chicks that had been incubated at warmer temperatures and they lost it faster.The chicks’ chillier start might put them at a disadvantage relative to those whose attentive parents kept their eggs warm during incubation. ‘If you have to feed yourself, but are not as good at keeping the fire burning when you do, you probably can't spend as long away from mum's warmth. This means you will find less food than your warmer siblings – a bad start for which you may have to pay a price later’, says Nord.

Prediction of body weight from linear body measurements in Japanese quail

A total of 168 two-weeks-old Japanese quail chicks of mixed sex were used to study the relationship between Body weight and linear measurements in Japanese quail. Data were collected on body weight, body length, body girth, wing length, shank length and drumstick length fortnightly for eight weeks to predict body weight. Data were subjected to SAS for analysis. The mean body weights were 38.31, 81.12, 121.38 and 132.15g, respectively. Body weight gain increased as the birds advance in age and the highest body weight gain was between week 2 and week 4. Female birds were significantly (P< 0.05) heavier than male. Body weight had a positive correlation with all linear body measurements at week 2 except for drumstick length. The best correlation was obtained between body weight and body girth at the 2nd week of age (0.82) (P< 0.05). The estimates of coefficient of determination which ranged from 0.0043 to 0.68 and predictive equations show that body weight in Japanese quail is linearly related to body measurements especially with body girth and body length. The study showed that Body girth and Body length could be used as criteria for assessment and early selection of Japanese quail for body weight.

Haematological parameters and serum biochemistry of Japanese quail chicks (Coturnixcoturnix japonica) fed raw and processed pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) seed meal based diets

An experiment was conducted with 720 one - week old Japanese quail chicks to evaluate the effect of feeding raw and processed pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) seed meal based diets on the haematology and serum biochemistry of the Japanese quails in a completely randomized design. Birds were allocated to eight treatment groups with three replicates each containing 30 birds per replicate. The control diet (TI) had no pigeon pea seed meal, T2 was raw pigeon pea seed while other diets contained 30% of pigeon pea seed meal processed by soaking (for 24, 48 and 72 hours) (T3 – T5), fermentation for 72 hours(T5), boiling for 60 minutes(T6) and roasting for 30 minutes(T7). Blood samples were collected from the birds through the wing web vein at the 6th week of the feeding trial. The haematological parameters investigated were packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells count (WBC), lymphocytes, neutrophils, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) while serum biochemical components were creatinine, cholesterol, albumin, urea and total protein concentrations. The results obtained in this study showed that all the haematological parameters and serum biochemistry of birds were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by dietary treatments except albumin concentration (g/dL). The packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, red blood cells and total protein values were within the range of 41.00 – 52.17 %, 13.63 –17.35g/dl, 6.80 – 8.83 (x 106 /mm3 ) and 5.62 – 7.70 g/dl respectively. The results suggest that raw and processed pigeon pea seed meal (PPSM) possess good dietary protein quality for optimal growth and had no adverse effect on haematological and biochemical profiles of quail chicks at 30 % dietary level of inclusion.

Effect of humic acid as an organic additive on growth performance, carcass traits and selected blood parameters of Japanese quails

The supplementation of different organic sources to diet have become an inherent practice in poultry production to improve the growth and quality of meat. Therefore evaluation of the effects of humic acids (HA) on the final body weight, carcass traits and the changes in selected blood parameters of Japanese quails was the major concern in this study. A total of 72 one day old unsexed Japanese quail chicks from line Pharaoh fed a commercial diet were randomly divided into one control and two experimental groups (n=24) with two replications (12 and 12 per pen), and fattened for 52 days. The dietary treatments consisted of the basal or control diet without supplementation and the diet supplemented with 0.5% and 1.0% of humic acids (HA1 group at 5g•kg-1 and HA2 group at 10g•kg-1) from the 1st day finally to 52 days of fattening in HA1 and HA2 group, respectively. The results showed that quails weight and carcass yields of breast and thigh meat after 52 days of fattening did not show any alterations between monitored groups. The 1% addition of HA had a positive impact on the reduction of blood cholesterol level, which can contribute to the use of HA in the feed for the production of quality meat with low-fat content

Effects of Spirulina (Algae) supplementation to Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) diets on growth performance and carcass traits

This study was conducted to determine the effects of spirulina (Sipurulina platensis) (SP) supplementation to quail ration on bird live weights, change in live weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, carcass yield and serum biochemical parameters. A total of 220 Japanese quail chicks (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were used in experiments. There were 4 treatment groups including a control group with 55 birds in each group. Each group was divided into 5 sub-groups with 11 birds in each. Experiments were conducted for 35 days. Control group was fed with a basal ration. Treatment groups were fed with spirulina-supplemented (1, 2 and 4%) rations. Spirulina supplementations had significant effects on live weights. However, differences in live weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and carcass yields were not found to be significant. SP supplementation did not have significant effects on serum total cholesterol, glucose, protein, triglyceride and uric acid concentrations. Although different spirulina supplementations yielded similar growth performance and carcass traits with the control treatment, it can still be stated that such treatments slightly improved growth performance and carcass traits of quail.

Effect of different dietary oil sources of omega- 3 poly unsaturated fatty acids on the meat quality characteristics in Japanese quail

A feeding trial was conducted in Japanese quail broiler birds for a period of five weeks to study the effect of various inclusion levels of feed ingredients rich in omega-3 fatty acids to meatquality characteristics. 360 numbers of day old Japanese quail chicks were selected and distributed randomly into six treatment groups (T1-PO 4%; T2 LO 4%:T3 LO 3% + SO 1%; T4 LO 2% +SO 2%; T5 LO 1% + SO 3%; T6 SO 4%). Six replicates of ten birds (6 x 10 = 60) were maintained in each treatment. The Japanese quail broiler rations were iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. The source of omega-3 rich oils and their combinations are the key variable in these rations. The birds were slaughtered by Halal method at the end of the experiment on 35th day. There is no significant difference (P>0.05) in the dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and total ash content in the Japanese quail meat fed with different sources oil and its combination. No significant (P>0.05) difference was observed on pH, shear force value, water holding capacity and colour of breast meat of Japanese quail fed with different oil sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The sensory evaluation of the breast meat of Japanese quail fed with different oil sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids had significant (P

Defatted yellow mealworm larvae (<I>Tenebrio molitor</I> l.) meal as possible alternative to fish meal in quail diets

The effects of replacing fish meal (FM) in the diet with defatted mealworm larvae meal (DMLM) on growth, carcass, and biochemical constituents of serum of Japanese quail chicks were investigated. A total of 600 unsexed one-day-old chicks were allotted to five dietary treatments with six replicates of 20 chicks each. The diets were formulated by replacing FM with DMLM at the levels of 25% (D25), 50% (D50), 75% (D75), and 100% (D100). The FM, D25 and D50 diets resulted in greater final bodyweight, higher bodyweight gain, and improved feed conversion ratio compared with the other diets. Diets that contained DMLM decreased the feed intake compared with the FM diet. The FM and D25 diets increased the hot and cold carcass yields compared with the other diets, whereas the D75 and D100 diets significantly enhanced the relative weight of the small intestine and abdominal fat compared with FM, D25, and D50. The replacement of FM with DMLM reduced the serum globulin, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and the albumin to globulin ratio significantly. The best protein and energy efficiency ratios and European efficiency factor were obtained with the D25 and D50 diets. In conclusion, the replacement of FM with DMLM at the levels of 25% and 50% produced positive results in growth performance, in serum albumin to globulin ratio, and in nutrient use efficiency in quail.Keywords: performance, serum biochemistry, slaughtering

Effect of licorice extract on growth performance, meat yield and plasma analysis of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of the addition of different concentrations of licorice extract (LE) in drinking water on the growth performance, carcass characteristic and some blood parameters of Japanese quails aged 2 to 7 weeks. A total number of 90 Japanese quail chicks 14-day old were randomly distributed into three experimental treatments, each one was subdivided into 3 replicates (10 birds / replicate). Birds in the first group provided drinking water without any addition and considered as control, whereas birds in second (T1) and third (T2) treatments were provided with 100 or 450mg LE/liter drinking water, respectively. The results indicated that males received 450 mg LE/liter showed the highest (P<0.05) final body weight and body weight gain followed by those received 100 mg LE/liter compared with the control group. However, the final body weight and body weight gain of female quail did not effected by licorice extract concentrations. In terms of feed intake and feed conversion ratio, males that received 450 mg LE /liter recorded the lowest (P<0.01) feed intake followed by control and treatment 1 (100mg LE/liter) and showed better (P<0.01) feed conversion ratio compared to the other treatments. Also, the feed intake of females showed the same trend of males without significant differences in feed conversion ratio among all treatments. LE concentration had no effect on carcass percentages of both males and females compared to control. The highest of triglycerides and Aspartate Aminotransferase AST were observed in males of control and 450mg LE groups compared to the other treatment. Moreover, female Alanine Transaminase ALT and AST decreased in LE treatments than the controls. However, Tri iodothyronine T3 and Thyroxin T4 hormones increased significantly (P<0.05) in treatment 1 than control and treatment 2. In conclusion, the results of this study indicated that adding licorice extract to drinking water at100mg/L and 450mg/L improved some traits of growing quail’s performance at 7 weeks of age.

Effects of Prolonged Dietary Exposure to Cadmium on some Hematological and Immunological Parameters of Japanese Quail and Possible Protective Effects of Ascorbic Acid and Garlic

This study was carried out on 200, one-week old unsexed growing Japanese quail chicks to evaluate the toxic effects of cadmium on hematological and immunological parameters and their modulation with certain antioxidants in growing Japanese quail. The quail were divided into five equal groups with forty chicks in each group and each sub group was allotted into four replicates (10 each) in a completely randomized design. Group one fed basal diet only without supplementation (served as control), group 2, fed basal diet + 40 mg cadmium chloride/kg diet, groups 3, 4 and 5 fed basal diet + 40 mg cadmium chloride/kg diet and supplemented with either of 200 mg ascorbic acid/ kg diet, 500 mg dried garlic powder /kg diet or 200 mg ascorbic acid/ kg diet +500 mg dried garlic powder /kg diet, respectively. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis at the end of experiment. Cadmium caused significant (P ≤ 0.01) decreases in the red blood cells (RBC) counts and hemoglobin (HGB), Packed cell volume (PCV) and numerical decrease hemoglobin (HGB), respectively, as compared with those of the control. While, a no significant increase in white blood cells (WBCs) counts was detected. Combined treatment of cadmium exposed quail with ascorbic acidor/and dried garlic powder had significantly (P ≤ 0.01) improved RBCs and HGB, however, it not compares favorably with those obtained in the control group. Meanwhile, WBC and PCV were insignificantly affected by the feed additives used in the present study. On the other hand, serum IgG level was significantly decreased and numerical decrease in IgM in cadmium group. Combined treatment of cadmium exposed quail with ascorbic acidor/and dried garlic powder had improved immunity. These results mean that dietary supplementation with ascorbic acidor/and dried garlic powder might be useful in reversing the decrease IgG and IgM induced by cadmium and alleviated the adverse effect of cadmium on immunity.