Male Japanese Quail Research Articles

Sexually differentiated and neuroanatomically specific co-expression of aromatase neurons and GAD67 in the male and female quail brain.

Testosterone aromatization into estrogens in the preoptic area (POA) is critical for the activation of male sexual behavior in many vertebrates. Yet, the cellular mechanisms mediating actions of neuroestrogens on sexual behavior remain largely unknown. We investigated in male and female Japanese quail by dual-label fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) whether aromatase-positive (ARO) neurons express glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), the rate-limiting enzyme in GABA biosynthesis. ARO cells and ARO cells double labeled with GAD67 (ARO-GAD67) were counted at standardized locations in the medial preoptic nucleus (POM) and the medial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) to produce three-dimensional distribution maps. Overall, males had more ARO cells than females in POM and BST. The number of double-labeled ARO-GAD67 cells was also higher in males than in females and greatly varied as a function of the specific position in these nuclei. Significant sex differences were however present only in the most caudal part of POM. Although both ARO and GAD67 were expressed in the VMN, no colocalization between these markers was detected. Together, these data show that a high proportion of estrogen-synthesizing neurons in POM and BST are inhibitory and the colocalization of GAD67 with ARO exhibits a high degree of anatomical specificity as well as localized sex differences. The fact that many preoptic ARO neurons project to the periaqueductal gray in male quail suggests possible mechanisms through which locally produced estrogens could activate male sexual behavior.

Intensity of heavy metal accumulation in plants of Silybum marianum L. in conditions of field rotation

Intensity of heavy metal accumulation in plants of Silybum marianum L. in conditions of field rotation

Water and Food restriction decreases immunoreactivity of oestrogen receptor alpha and antioxidant activity in testes of sexually mature Coturnix coturnix japonica

Food and water are closely associated with reproductive willingness in vertebrates. These are important for animals and their non-availability act as stressors which decrease sex steroid secretion suppressing reproductive behaviour. Oestrogen plays a crucial role in reproduction via its receptors alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ). This study tested the hypothesis that ERα in testes of male Japanese quail is regulated during water and food deprivations. The present study reveals that both water and food deprivations cause oxidative stress and subsequently decrease catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, while these increase malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide. Both deprivations reduce plasma oestradiol whereas elevate corticosterone level. The immunofluorescent localization of ERα in the testes occurs predominantly in the seminiferous tubules of control while reduces after both food and water deprivations. All types of spermatogenic cells were seen in control testis, while after water and food deprivations size of seminiferous tubules and spermatogenic cells population decreased. Scanning electron microscopic study exhibited fully mature sperms in clusters with head and elongated flagellum, whereas after water deprivation maximum sperms were distorted, scattered with highly reduced head. On food deprivation, only few sperms were seen with head and tail. Thus, taking into account the localization of ERα in testis, it is obvious that oestrogens produced locally are involved in regulation of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis during stress.

Toxicity evaluation of pesticide chlorpyrifos in male Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica).

In the current study, chlorpyrifos was used as a test chemical to evaluate its possible toxicological effect on birds. A total of 45 adult male Japanese quails were divided into five groups (A to E). Each group, containing 9 birds was further divided into 3 sub-groups (containing 3 birds each). Group A served as control, while all other groups and sub-groups were exposed to selected pesticide for different trial periods. Chlorpyrifos sub-lethal doses were orally administered daily at the rate of 3, 6, 9, and 12mg/kg body weight per day to group B, C, D, and E, respectively. Birds were kept under observation for behavioral changes throughout the trial periods. Clinical signs, histological alterations, genotoxicity, and blood biochemical alterations were recorded after each 15-day trial. Mild to moderate clinical signs like staggering gait, tremors, diarrhea, dullness, less frequency of crowing, and decrease foam production were observed in group D and E throughout the study. The changes in the body weight gain and blood biochemical parameters among different groups at a given trial period were insignificant. The appearance of micronuclei in group E birds was more significant, indicating that nucleus damage was dose-dependent while to lesser extent duration-dependent. The comet assay showed significant dose- and duration-dependent DNA damage among various groups. In comparison with control group, extensive histological degenerative alterations in the liver, testes, and kidneys were observed in birds of group D and E, where mild to severe alteration like congestion, vacuolation, necrosis, apoptosis, karyopyknosis, extensive degeneration, and alteration in many cellular structures were noticeable.

Impact of Turmeric Curcuma longa on the Body Weight and Liver Function of Japanese Quails Exposed to Dietary Aflatoxins

Background: The contamination of poultry feed with Aflatoxins (AF) is important in terms of economic damage to the poultry industry and public health. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of Turmeric Powder (TP), containing 2.96% of Total Curcuminoids (TCM) on reducing the adverse effects of dietary AF in Japanese quails. Methods: 180 male Japanese quails aged 22-55 days were divided into six groups, and were fed basic diet (group 1, controls), or basic diet contaminated with 4 mg/kg AF and/or TP doses as follows: 3 g/kg TP (group 2), 5 g/kg TP (group 3), 4 mg/kg AF (group 4), 4 mg/kg AF and 3 g/kg TP (group 5) or 4 mg/kg AF and 5 g/kg TP (group 6). Results: Adding TP to the quails diet that contained AF improved the liver antioxidant status, reduced Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, increased the serum SOD and CAT enzyme levels and improved the total antioxidant capacity (P<0.05). The addition of TP significantly reduced the adverse effects of AF on body weight loss, relative liver weight gain, decreased serum total protein, and increased the AST, ALT and ALP enzyme activities. It also reduced the severity of liver histological pathologies, such as fatty changes, biliary duct proliferation, periportal fibrosis, hyperemia, and leukocyte infiltration. Conclusion: The effect of TP on reducing the adverse effects of dietary AF may be attributed to its antioxidant properties. The AF-contaminated diet containing 5 g/kg TP (148 mg/kg TCM) was more effective in reducing the AF complications in the quails compared to 3 g/kg of TP (88.8 mg/kg TCM).

Effects of Yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae) Probiotics Supplementation on Bone Quality Characteristics in Young Japanese Quail (Coturnix Japonica): The Role of Sex on the Action of the Gut-Bone Axis.

Simple SummaryThe gastrointestinal tract; as an important mediator of nutrients and elements; regulates bone health. In this study, we examined the effect of supplementation with yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae on bone characteristics in young Japanese quails. We found that yeast probiotics, through their action on the gut-bone axis, have a positive effect on the structure of articular cartilage and microarchitecture of trabecular bone in young female quails. These data could provide useful information for further research into the supplementation with yeast probiotics aimed to reduce the risk bone fractures during the egg-laying periodThe aim of the study was to investigate the changes in bone geometry, histological structure, and selected mechanical characteristics in young male and female Japanese quails supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Quails were fed a basal diet containing no yeast or a basal diet supplemented with 1.5% (15 g per 1 kg of diet) of inactive S. cerevisiae, for a period of 42 days. S. cerevisiae inclusion had no effect on bone weight, length, and density, diaphysis geometry (cross-sectional area, wall thickness, moment of inertia) or on the mechanical strength (yield load, ultimate load, stiffness, Young’s modulus, yield stress, ultimate stress). Yeast supplementation improved the morphology of the articular cartilage both in male and female quails, as the total thickness of the articular cartilage was significantly increased. In trabecular bone, an increase in real bone volume and trabecular thickness was observed in females supplemented with S. cerevisiae, while in males the increase in trabecular number was accompanied by a reduction in trabecular thickness. The results of the present study demonstrate that S. cerevisiae, through a sex-dependent action on the gut-bone axis, improved the structure of articular cartilage and microarchitecture of trabecular bone. The positive effects of S. cerevisiae supplementation were more evident in female quails.

Supplementation of various zinc sources modify sexual development and testicular IGF family gene expression in pre-pubertal male Japanese quail

Zinc plays an important role in the regulation of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). IGF system, in turn, has a key role in the development and functions of the reproductive organs. This research was performed to investigate the effects of different sources of zinc on IGF-I gene expression and testicular development in pre-pubertal male Japanese quail. A total of 512 unsexed day-old Japanese quail chicks were randomly divided into 16 groups (4 dietary treatments × 4 replicates) and kept for 35 days. The control group diet was not supplemented with zinc whereas the diets of three groups were supplemented with 25 mg kg−1 zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnON), and zinc-methionine (Zn-Met). On days 28 and 35, one birds from each subgroup were weighed, bled, and euthanized to evaluate gonado-somatic index (GSI), testicular histology, serum testosterone concentration, cloacal gland index (CGI), and the testicular IGF family gene expression. The results showed that GSI was higher in ZnON (2.307) than control (1.619) on day 35 (P < .05). Germinal epithelium thickness was higher in ZnON (78.88 μm) and Zn-Met (79.73 μm) than control (67.73 μm) on day 35 (P < .05). On day 35, the testosterone concentration was lowest in the control (5.830 ng/ml, P < .05). The CGI of 35-day-old birds was higher in Zn-Met (411.28) than the control (307.59, P < .05). IGF-IR mRNA expression was highest in Zn-Met group on day 28. Therefore, supplementation of diet with Zn-methionine is superior to other sources of zinc for diet supplementation in immature Japanese quail.

Heritability of advertisement call properties of the Japanese quail.

The objective of this study was to investigate genetic variances and covariances among features of the male Japanese quail advertisement call. Duration of the first, second and third syllable, the length of interval 1 (between the first and the second syllable), interval 2 (between the second and the third syllable) and damping (extension of the third syllable) were measured as temporal properties of the call. Spectral properties were peak frequencies of each syllable and the damping component. In this study, 1730 calls were recorded from 488 male Japanese quail. The restricted maximum likelihood procedure for repeated measurements was applied to estimate (co)variance components and genetic parameters for the examined traits. Heritability estimates of call parameters of the male Japanese quail ranged from low to high values (0.04-0.65) and they were generally higher for temporal properties than for spectral properties. Among the temporal properties of the call, the highest genetic correlation was between the first and the second syllable (0.96±0.251) while the lowest genetic correlation was between the first and the third syllable (0.03±0.231). Significant genetic correlations were generally high and positive among peak frequencies of the syllables. Despite the lack of apparent pattern, interval lengths tended to have positive correlation with spectral properties of the call, but the correlation of syllable lengths with spectral properties of the call was negative.

Negative effect of feeding with high energy diets on testes and metabolic blood parameters of male Japanese quails, and positive role of milk thistle seed

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the changes in testicular tissue and cell count, testicular oxidative stress and some metabolic blood parameters of male broiler Japanese quails fed with high energy diet and milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seed. One hundred-twenty male 15-day-old Japanese quail chicks were divided into 4 equal groups with 30 each. The applications in each group were repeated 3 times with 10 animals each. Control group was fed with basal diet. Milk thistle seed group was fed with diet including 1% milk thistle seed. High energy diet group was fed with high energy diet including 10% corn syrup. High energy diet + milk thistle seed group was fed with high energy diet including 10% corn syrup along with 1% milk thistle seed. The feeding period in all groups was 35 days. When the quails reached 50 days old, a total of 48, 12 from each group (4 from each replication) were euthanized and blood samples and testes were collected. Compared with the control group, significant increases in body weight, serum cholesterol and glucose level, aspartate aminotransferase activity and testicular malondialdehyde level; however, significant decreases in serum testosterone level, testicular glutathione peroxidase activity, counts of round and elongated spermatid and sperm as well as histopathologically, significant decreases in seminiferous tubular diameter and seminiferous epithelium thickness, and marked disorganization in germinal cells were determined in quails fed with high energy diet. It was observed that almost all of the disturbances in testicular tissue, cell number, oxidant-antioxidant balance and metabolic blood parameters caused by feeding with high energy diet were significantly prevented by supplementation of milk thistle seed to the diet with high energy. On the other hand, alone milk thistle seed and high energy diet + milk thistle seed administrations decreased body weight in comparison to control and high energy diet groups. As a result, feeding with high energy diet causes disturbances in testes of male quails by affecting liver metabolic functions and testicular oxidant-antioxidant balance, but milk thistle seed addition to diet plays a protective role.

Repeated subcutaneous administration of PT150 has dose-dependent effects on sign tracking in male Japanese quail.

A devastating feature of drug dependence is the susceptibility of relapse (40-60%) after stretches of abstinence. In both animal and human research, it has been demonstrated that cues (e.g., levers, paraphernalia) associated with drug reward can instigate renewed drug taking. Research has shown animals that attend to a cue that predicts reward more than the location of reward delivery when the cue is present (sign trackers) have an increase in corticosterone (CORT), a primary stress hormone when compared with animals that do not sign track. This interaction of sign tracking and CORT implicate CORT's effects as a possible pharmacological target for cue-induced relapse behaviors. PT150 is a novel glucocorticoid receptor antagonist that reduces the effects of CORT. Previous research has shown that oral administration of 40 mg/kg PT150 reduced sign tracking. To better understand dose-dependent effects and to control for more accurate doses, the current experiment hypothesized that PT150 (20/40/60 mg/kg) given by subcutaneous (SC) injection to male quail would reduce sign tracking to a keylight conditional stimulus that predicts a grain unconditioned stimulus dose dependently. Results showed that SC injection of 20 mg/kg PT150 reduced sign tracking, but 40 or 60 mg/kg did not. The main findings from the current study are that the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist PT150 reduces sign tracking behavior dose dependently, and SC administration may provide better bioavailability compared with our previous study that used an oral route of administration. The current findings support previous literature by suggesting that the glucocorticoid receptor may be a potential pharmacological target for reducing relapse-like behaviors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

A sinusoidal equation as alternative to conventional growth functions to describe the evolution of growth in quail

Aim of study: The aim of the present study was to introduce a sinusoidal equation into poultry science by applying it to temporal growth data from quail.Material and methods: To examine the performance of the sinusoidal equation in describing the growth patterns of quail, four conventional growth functions (Gompertz, logistic, López and Richards) were used as reference in this study. Comparison of models was carried out by analysing model behaviour when fitting the curves using nonlinear regression and assessing statistical performance. Maximum log-likelihood estimation, mean squared error, Akaike and Bayesian information criteria were used to evaluate the general goodness-of-fit of each model to the different data profiles.Main results: The selected sinusoidal equation precisely describes the growth dynamics of quail. Comparison of the growth functions in terms of the goodness-of-fit criteria revealed that the sinusoidal equation was one of the most appropriate functions to describe the age-related changes of bodyweight in quail.Research highlights: To the best of our knowledge there are no studies available on the use of sinusoidal equations to describe the evolution of growth in quail. The sinusoidal equation used in this study represents a suitable alternative to conventional growth functions to describe the growth curves for a range of strains/lines of male and female Japanese quail.

Amelioration of toxicopathological effects of cadmium with silymarin and milk thistle in male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica).

Cadmium is an important widely distributed heavy metal in the environment due to its several industrial uses, while milk thistle is an important herb and is a source of several antioxidant particularly silymarin which is a pharmacological active substance present in seeds of milk thistle plant (Silybum marianum). The current study investigated pathological effects of cadmium (Cd) and their amelioration with silymarin (SL) and milk thistle (MT) quails. A total of 144 quails were equally divided into 9 groups and given different combinations of cadmium chloride (150 and 300mg/kg feed), SL (250mg/kg), and MT (10g/kg) feed. Parameters studied were clinical signs, mortality, organ weights, testes weight and volume, and gross and microscopic pathology. Results of this study indicated an increased mortality and reduced body weight in cadmium-treated quails. Quails were dull, depressed compared with control. Swollen hemorrhagic liver along with atrophied testes were also observed in these groups. No active spermatozoa were observed in lumen of seminiferous tubules of Cd-treated birds presenting arrest of spermatogenesis. Supplementing MT and SL ameliorated mortality, organ weights, spermatogenesis, and histopathological lesions. It may be concluded that MT and SL proved beneficial in cadmium-induced toxicities in Japanese quails.

Dose‐specific morphological changes in the Sertoli cell of the adult male Japanese quails testes exposed to di(n‐butyl)phthalate DBP prepubertally

Di(n‐butyl) phthalates (DBP) are endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (EDCs) implicated in a number of reproductive disorders in humans and rodents. Previously, we have shown that DBP effects is anti‐androgenic and causing alterations in seminiferous tubular histology and impairment of Leydig cell steroidogenesis in the avian model. However, the ultrastructural changes on the Sertoli cell remain unclear. The present study was designed to assess, morphologically, the dose‐dependent toxic effect of pre‐pubertal exposure of the plasticizer‐DBP, on the histology and ultrastructure of the Sertoli cell. DBP was administered to 10‐week old male quail birds by oral gavage, with a control group given corn oil vehicle(1mL/kg) only, while the other five experimental groups were fed (1, 10, 50, 200– and 400mg/kgbwt/d DBP(dissolved in corn oil) , for a period of 30days. Testes were fixed in Bouin's liquid or in a mixture of 2.5% glutaraldehyde and 2% formaldehyde for analysis under light and electron microscopes(TEM), respectively. Histologically, the basal Sertoli cell cytoplasm in high DBP dosage levels (200mg and 400mg/kgbwt/d), increasingly displayed aggregations of lipid droplets, but only a few in the apical Sertoli cell cytoplasm. In addition, there was marked vacuolations in the lining germinal epithelium. Ultrastructurally, there were notable, dose‐dependent changes seen in the Sertoli cell in DBP‐treated birds, with low dosage groups displaying no obvious structural changes, while the DBP high‐dose resulted in a remarkable accumulation of numerous, scattered or usually, closely packed lipid droplets, found predominantly in the basal part of the Sertoli cell cytoplasm. In addition, there were several mis‐shaped or swollen mitochondria with electron lucent areas, indicative of early cellular degeneration. These degenerating mitochondria were characterized by swelling and deformation of the tubular cristae, resulting in a “moth‐eaten” appearance. These findings showed that high dose of DBP (200 and 400mg/kgbwt/d) administered daily for 30days significantly resulted in degenerative characteristics, such as the increase in lipid droplets, intra‐epithelial vacuolations and mitochondrial damage in the Sertoli cell. Thus, this study has provided a clear evidence that alterations in Sertoli cell morphology and function were involved in spermatogenic failure induced by DBP, in this specie.Support or Funding InformationThe research was supported by Ahmadu Bello University Board of Research and grants from the South African Veterinary/Novartis Wildlife Foundation.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Reproductive characteristics of male and female Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) fed diets with different levels of crude protein during the growth and production phases

The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and reproductive performance of male and female Japanese quails fed diets with different levels of crude protein (CP) during the growth (1 to 35 days of age) and production (36 to 96 days) phases. Three hundred one-day-old males, housed in 30 cages (10 birds/cage), and 360 one-day-old females, housed in 10 cages (36 birds/cage), were used in the present study; they were housed as described above until the birds were 35 days of age (growth phase). The treatments tested during this phase included five different levels of dietary CP (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26%), which were reduced by four percentage units for the production phase. During the production phase, the birds were randomly redistributed into 40 laying cages, each with 9 females and 3 males. During all experimental periods, every 3 days, 12 birds of each sex from each CP level were individually weighed, until the birds reached 60 days of age, to estimate the growth parameters using the Gompertz curve. For the production variables, a completely randomized design with five treatments (dietary CP levels) and eight replicates (cages) was used. For the males, there was a linear increase (P<0.05) in the growth maturity rate and a linear reduction (P<0.05) in the maximum growth interval up to the level of 22% CP. A higher weight at growth maturity (P<0.05) was obtained with 18% CP. There was no effect (P>0.05) of CP levels on the semen quality and fertility rate. In females, the highest CP levels (24 and 26%) reduced (P<0.05) the maturity rate and increased (P<0.05) the age of maximum weight gain. The 24% level of CP increased (P<0.05) the weight at maturity, whereas 26% CP reduced (P<0.01) the feed conversion, and the age at first egg, and at 50 and 95% laying; the same CP level increased (P<0.01) the egg mass and egg density. The highest intensity of laying at 47 days of age was obtained (P<0.01) with either 24 or 26% CP. Egg weight was only reduced (P<0.01) when 18% CP was used. The internal quality of the egg was not influenced (P>0.05) by the dietary CP levels. Dietary CP levels influence the overall growth and development of both male and female quails; however, reproductive traits are only affected in females. For both sexes, 26 and 22% CP are recommended during the growth production phases, respectively.

Quantitative analysis of age and life-history stage related changes in DCX expression in the male Japanese quail (Cortunix japonica) telencephalon

Most avian neurogenesis studies focused on the song control system and little attention has been given to non-song birds such as the Japanese quail. However, the only few neurogenesis studies in quails mainly focused on the sex steroid sensitive areas of the brain such as the medial preoptic and lateral septal nuclei. Despite the important role the quail telencephalon plays in filial imprinting and passive avoidance learning, neurogenesis in this structure has been completely overlooked. The aim of this study was therefore to quantitatively determine how DCX expression in the Japanese quail telencephalon changes with post hatching age (3–12 weeks) and life history stage. In this study, DCX was used as a proxy for neuronal incorporation. Bipolar and multipolar DCX immunoreactive cells were observed in the entire telencephalon except for the entopallium and arcopallium. In addition, DCX expression in all the eight telencephalic areas quantified was strongly negatively correlated with post-hatching age. Furthermore, numbers of bipolar and multipolar DCX immunoreactive cells were higher in the juvenile compared to subadult and adult quails. In conclusion, neuronal incorporation in the quail telencephalon is widespread but it declines with post hatching age. In addition, the most dramatic decline in neuronal incorporation in the telencephalic areas quantified takes place just after the birds have attained sexual maturity.

The Effect of Using Different Levels of Red Ginseng Roots Powder on some Physiological Characteristics of Japanese Quail Males (Coturnix japonica)

The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of adding different levels of ginseng roots to the diet on some physiological characteristics of Japanese quail males. A total of 120 Japanese quail males aged one week were used in this study. The males were randomly distributed into four experimental treatments (n=30). Each treatment was replicated three times (10 individual each). Males were fed experimental diets that were formulated to contain the same components as the control diet which contained red ginseng roots powder at levels 250, 500 and 750 mg/ kg feed in other three experimental diets respectively. The results showed that the males of the fourth treatment recorded the lowest mean of the age of sexual puberty. While the highest average of sexual puberty age was recorded by the males of first treatment. On the other hand, the fourth treatment recorded the highest relative weight of testes compared with the other treatments at the age of 30 and 60 days. The results indicated that the males of the fourth treatment recorded highest Testosterone, FSH and LH levels compared with the other treatments at the age of 60 days. We can conclude from this study that the highest concentration of powder ginseng roots (750mg/kg feed) can promote the development of testes and increase testosterone, FSH and LH hormones in the serum of Japanese quail males.

Toxicokinetics of Imidacloprid-Coated Wheat Seeds in Japanese Quail ( Coturnix japonica) and an Evaluation of Hazard.

Birds are potentially exposed to neonicotinoid insecticides by ingestion of coated seeds during crop planting. Adult male Japanese quail were orally dosed with wheat seeds coated with an imidacloprid (IMI) formulation at either 0.9 or 2.7 mg/kg body weight (BW) (∼3 and 9% of IMI LD50 for Japanese quail, respectively) for 1 or 10 days. Quail were euthanized between 1 and 24 h postexposure to assess toxicokinetics. Analysis revealed rapid absorption (1 h) into blood and distribution to the brain, muscle, kidney, and liver. Clearance to below detection limits occurred at both dose levels and exposure durations in all tissues within 24 h. Metabolism was extensive, with 5-OH-IMI and IMI-olefin detected at greater concentrations than IMI in tissues and fecal samples. There was no lethality or overt signs of toxicity at either dose level. Furthermore, no evidence of enhanced expression of mRNA genes associated with hepatic xenobiotic metabolism, oxidative DNA damage, or alterations in concentrations of corticosterone and thyroid hormones was observed. Application of the toxicokinetic data was used to predict IMI residue levels in the liver with reasonable results for some field exposure and avian mortality events. It would appear that some affected species of birds are either consuming larger quantities of seeds or exhibit differences in ADME or sensitivity than predicted by read-across from these data.

Study of Genotoxic and Cytotoxic effects of Malathion in Japanese Quail

The effect of Malathion was studied orally on Japanese quail males (Cotrunix Cotrunix Japonica). The Median lethal Dose LD50 of malathion through 24 hours was found to be 163.6 mg / kg. Malathion was provided in doses of 75% 122.7 mg / kg b.wt., 50% 81.8 mg / kg b.wt., 25%40.9 mg/kg b.wt. LD50 of body weight plus cyclophosphamide 20 mg/kg b.wt as positive control and Corn oil as a negative control, The current study was carried out to detect the effects of malathion on cell cytotoxicity based on genetic cytotoxicity tests such as Micronuclei Test (MN for mature red blood cells in peripheral blood and immature blood cells in bone marrow for 18, 20 and 22 hours per treatment and Chromosomal Aberration (CA) test for immature red blood cells in bone marrow, And 24 hours for each treatment with subcutaneous injection of colchicine 0.5gm prior to 3-hour incubation. The results of the statistical analysis Suggested that a significant increase in P≤0.05of micronucleated mature red blood cells in peripheral blood and micronucleated immature blood cells in bone marrow for 18, 20 and 22 hours per treatment in the formation of micronuclei compared to negative control. The results of the study also Suggested that a significant increase in P≤ 0.05 on the induction of chromosomal Aberration of immature red blood cells in bone marrow.

Site-specific effects of aromatase inhibition on the activation of male sexual behavior in male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Aromatization within the medial preoptic nucleus (POM) is essential for the expression of male copulatory behavior in Japanese quail. However, several nuclei within the social behavior network (SBN) also express aromatase. Whether aromatase in these loci participates in the behavioral activation is not known. Castrated male Japanese quail were implanted with 2 subcutaneous Silastic capsules filled with crystalline testosterone and with bilateral stereotaxic implants filled with the aromatase inhibitor Vorozole targeting the POM, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) or the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN). Control animals were implanted with testosterone and empty bilateral stereotaxic implants. Starting 2 days after the surgery, subjects were tested for the expression of consummatory sexual behavior (CSB) every other day for a total of 10 tests. They were also tested once for appetitive sexual behavior (ASB) as measured by the rhythmic cloacal sphincter movements displayed in response to the visual presentation of a female. CSB was drastically reduced when the Vorozole implants were localized in the POM, but not in the BST nor in the VMN. Birds with implants in the BST took longer to show CSB in the first 6 tests than controls, suggesting a role of the BST in the acquisition of the full copulatory ability. ASB was not significantly affected by aromatase blockade in any region. These data confirm the key role played by the POM in the control of male sexual behavior and suggest a minor role for aromatization in the BST or VMN.

Effect of silymarin supplementation on some productive and hematological parameters in meat type male Japanese quails

A total of 90 14-day-old meat type male Japanese quails were included in the experiment and equally divided into 3 groups: control group (CG) without treatment, experimental group 1 (EG 0.5%), supplemented with silymarin 0.5% and experimental group 2 (EG 1%), supplemented with silymarin 1%. The aim of the current study was to establish the effect of supplementation with different doses of silymarin extract on the growth performance and some hematological parameters in male Japanese quails. Main growth performance (body weight, feed consumption and weight gain) were examined and FCR was calculated. Some hematological (WBC, RBC, HGB and HTC) and biochemical (triglycerides, AST and ALT) parameters were determined. The highest average body weight was observed in EG 0.5% group at 35-day-old age and the lowest in EG 1%, 239.61±2.96 g and 231.74±2.96 g respectively. The highest values of the weight gain were calculated in EG 0.5% group, 67.02±2.03 g during the first week of fattening and the lowest was observed in EG 1% group at the fifth week after hatching, 23.30±2.03 g respectively. The lowest values of FCR were observed during the first week of the trial, 2.42±0.08 kg/kg to 2.61±0.13 kg/kg in EG 1% and the control group respectively. The supplementation of 0.5% and 1% silymarin did not significantly change the studied hematological and biochemical parameters. A tendency of higher values of triglycerides and lower values of AST and ALT was observed in the groups, supplemented with silymarin compared to the controls. From the obtained results of the present study we can conclude that the silymarin supplementation at higher doses (0.5% and 1%) did not have effect on the main growth performance and some hematological and biochemical parameters of male Japanese quails.