Mature Japanese Quail Research Articles

The use of Astragalus membranaceus as an eco-friendly alternative for antibiotics in diets of Japanese quail breeders

Mature Japanese quails (n. 180), aged 8 wk, were divided into 6 groups to evaluate the influence of dietary Astragalus membranaceus powder on laying and reproductive performances, quality of egg, and blood metabolites. A completely randomized design experiment was performed including 6 groups. The first group of quails was served as control (basal diet). While, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th group of quails fed a basal diet supplemented with 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 g of AM powder/kg diet, respectively. Egg number (EN), weight (EW), and mass (EM) were not significantly influenced by dietary Astragalus membranaceus at all tested levels. The hatchability percentage was quadratically improved by dietary supplementation of A. membranaceus. Dietary supplementation of A. membranaceus positively affects (linear and quadratic) liver and kidney functions. Plasma total cholesterol (TC; P < 0.001) and Triglyceride (TG; P < 0.001) were linearly and quadratically decreased by dietary A. membranaceus increasing level. Blood urea level decreased with increasing A. membranaceus levels in the quail diet. The immunoglobulin G (IgG) and M (IgM) were higher than the control at all A. membranaceus levels. In conclusion, feeding quail breeders with Astragalus membranaceus at 1 g/kg diet has beneficial effects on feed conversion ratio; on production at 2 g/kg diet; on hatchability and immunity at 5 g/kg diet; and on total cholesterol at 3 g/kg diet and on shell quality at 4 g/kg diet. A. membranaceus products are expected to be novel valuable dietary supplements for poultry production, depending on the target trait.

Impact of male-female cohabitation period on behavioral aspects, fertility, hatchability, and hormonal estimates of Japanese quail

To evaluate the impact of male-female cohabitation period on the fertility, hatchability, injuries response, and some hormonal estimates in Japanese quails. A total of 288 mature Japanese quails were equally divided into 3 groups (3 groups × 8 replicates × 12 birds), with 1 Male: 2 Females sex ratio. In the first group (control), male and female quails were reared continuously together, while the males in the second and third groups were reared together with females once or twice/wk times (24 h/ time), respectively throughout the experiment. The obtained results showed that final body weight (FBW/g), fertility (%), and hatchability (%) in the second and third groups significantly (P ≤ 0.01) increased compared with the control group. Laying quails in the second and third groups significantly (P ≤ 0.01) produced more and heavier eggs, while the feed consumption and feed conversion ratio were significantly (P ≤ 0.01) decreased compared with the control group. The injuries response for both sex in the second and third groups significantly (P ≤ 0.01) decreased compared with the control group. The cloacal size (mm2) for quails in the third group significantly (P ≤ 0.01) increased than those of the first and second groups, while the testes (%) were not affected. The testosterone hormone concentration for male chickens in the second and third groups significantly (P < 0.01) decreased, while the female progesterone hormone concentration (ng/mL) significantly (P < 0.01) increased compared with the control group. The means of red blood cells (RBC/106), white blood cells (WBC/103), and hemoglobin (g/dL) for quails in the second and third groups significantly (P < 0.01) increased, while heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L ratio) significantly (P < 0.01) decreased compared with the control group. Thus, it could be concluded that the reduction male-female cohabitation period of quails is recommended for improving the fertility and hatchability percentages as well as and some hormonal estimates.

Effect of dietary protein level on egg production and egg-quality characteristics of Japanese quail (

Context Quail production is increasingly emerging as a low-capital, cheap, alternative source for supplementing protein intake among peoples in tropical countries such as Nigeria. Aims To increase animal protein sources, promote their availability to rural people, and reduce the unit cost of protein to the people, the effect of dietary crude protein on feed consumption, egg productivity and egg-quality characteristics of quail in the high-altitude Ekiti area of Nigeria was evaluated. Methods In total, 142 mature Japanese quails, divided into four groups with four replicates per group, were fed with four diets differing in dietary protein concentration with a near-isocaloric maize–groundnut cake–soybean meal-based diets for 10 weeks. Three experimental diets (18%, 22% and 24% crude protein (CP)) were tested and compared with a control 20% CP diet, in a completely randomised design of four replicates per treatment. Each consisted of 10 quails/cage at 5 weeks of age. Parameters measured on each quail included feed intake, egg number and egg-quality characteristics. Data were subjected to general linear model, regression and Duncan multiple-range procedures for means separation by SAS®v9.4 (2013). Key results Increasing dietary protein from 18% to 24% in the diet of experimental quails decreased daily feed intake, hen-day egg production (HDP) and average egg mass (AEM; P &lt; 0.05) during egg lay, whereas egg weight and diameter, egg shell weight, albumen weight, height and percentage, and yolk height increased significantly (P &lt; 0.05). The 18% CP diet produced the highest HDP and AEM responses (P &lt; 0.05). The 20% CP diet produced the highest numerical shell and yolk percentages (P &gt; 0.05). Birds on 22% CP diet consumed the lowest quantity of feed (daily feed intake, P &lt; 0.05) and had the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR, P &gt; 0.05). Birds on 24% CP diet produced the highest egg weight and diameter, egg shell weight, albumen weight, height and percentage, and yolk height (P &lt; 0.05). Haugh unit values were high and uninfluenced by an increasing dietary protein concentration (P &gt; 0.05). The high and above-threshold environmental temperature–humidity index value of the test station resulted in heat stress during egg production, and was considered major cause of the generally low productivity and low egg-trait values obtained. Conclusions The 18% CP diet produced the highest HDP and AEM, while the 22% CP diet was the most efficiently utilised diet, and 24% CP diet stimulated higher egg-weight and egg-quality traits. Implications Massive quail egg production could be sustained among rural people with the 18% CP diet, with adequate energy level, and without adverse effects on egg quality.

Effects of Varying Dietary DL-Methionine Levels on Productive and Reproductive Performance, Egg Quality, and Blood Biochemical Parameters of Quail Breeders.

Simple SummaryThis study investigated the effects of different DL-methionine levels on quail breeders kept from 8–16 weeks of age. The results revealed that using DL-methionine at levels of 0.5 or 1.5 g/kg improved the liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, immunity and antioxidant parameters of quail breeders.The present study was carried out to study the effects of varying dietary DL-methionine (0, 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 g/kg) levels on the productive and reproductive performance, egg quality and blood biochemical parameters of quail breeders. In total, 150 mature Japanese quails at eight weeks of age were randomly allotted to five groups of 30 for each group. Each group included five replicates, each of six quails (four females and two males). The results showed that egg number, egg weight and egg mass were higher (p < 0.05) with the addition of all DL-methionine levels than that of the control group. Quails from the control group had a lower feed intake (p < 0.001) and a worse feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those from the DL-methionine-treated groups. Supplementation of DL-methionine up to 2.5 g/kg in quail diets increased fertility and hatchability percentages. Birds fed DL-methionine at 1.5 g/kg had the best egg production indices, better FCR and the highest values of fertility and hatchability. Egg weight, yolk %, Haugh unit, egg shape index and unit surface shell weight (USSW) were increased and eggshell % was decreased in quail supplemented with DL-methionine levels compared with the control quail (p < 0.05). Dietary DL-methionine levels did not affect (p > 0.05) the hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and packed cell volume (PCV) of quails. DL-methionine levels (0.5 and 2.5 g/kg) augmented lymphocytes and basophile (p < 0.05). Low DL-methionine levels (0.5 or 1.5 g/kg) improved liver enzymes and kidney functions. Dietary DL-methionine levels (except 3.5 g/kg) declined serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and decreased lipid profile parameters (except high-density lipoprotein—HDL). Supplementation of DL-methionine at 0.5 and 1.5 g/kg increased immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM and IgA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.001) compared with the control. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of DL-methionine (1.5 g/kg) can enhance the reproductive performance and egg quality of quail breeders. DL-methionine use at levels of 0.5 or 1.5 g/kg improved the liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, immunity and antioxidant parameters of Japanese quail.

Does the use of different oil sources in quail diets impact their productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, and blood constituents?

The present study investigated the impact of dietary oil sources (soybean, corn, peanut, flaxseed, olive, and sunflower oils as sources of omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids) on productive and reproductive traits, egg quality, hematological and biochemical blood parameters of laying Japanese quail. A total of 360 eight-week mature Japanese quail were randomly divided into 6 groups fed for 8 wk on a basal diet included with 1.5% of different oil sources. Results showed that the highest egg weights and the best feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01) were recorded for quail fed diets supplemented with 1.5% soybean and peanut oil. The highest hatchability percentages (P < 0.05) were recorded for quail fed diets supplemented with corn oil as compared to the other oils. Furthermore, diets enriched with corn, olive, or sunflower oils had higher values of blood lymphocytes (%) compared to the other treated groups. Blood total cholesterol significantly decreased in quail fed on corn, peanut, flaxseed, or olive oil sources as compared to soybean or sunflower oil groups. Immunologically, the highest levels (P < 0.001) of immunoglobulins (G and M) were recorded for quail fed on corn or olive oil sources compared to other oil sources. Quail consuming olive oil–included diets showed a significant increase in superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase activities and a significant decrease on malondialdehyde level compared with those consumed the other oil sources. It could be concluded that varying the oil source can affect productive, reproductive, and health aspects of Japanese quail. Soybean oil showed good results regarding production aspects; however, olive oil was the best regarding health aspects.

Dietary supplementation of Yucca schidigera extract enhances productive and reproductive performances, blood profile, immune function, and antioxidant status in laying Japanese quails exposed to lead in the diet

The present study investigated the toxic impacts of lead (LD) on the productive and reproductive performances of Japanese quails and the role of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) in reducing these impacts. A total of 360 mature Japanese quails (at 2 months of age) were used and the experiment was lasted for 8 wk. The birds were divided into 6 equal groups as follows: control (basal diet), basal diet + 100mg LD/kg diet, basal diet + YSE (100mg/kg diet), basal diet + YSE (200mg/kg diet), basal diet + LD (100mg/kg diet) + YSE (100mg/kg diet), and basal diet + LD (100mg/kg diet) + YSE (200mg/kg diet). LD resulted in a significant decrease in feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and egg production of birds compared with the control group. Supplementation of YSE (100 or 200) to LD containing diet could significantly improve the quail performance parameters to be comparable with the control values. Fertility and hatchability % were decreased by LD, whereas YSE at both levels (100 or 200) separately or in combination with LD showed fertility and hatchability percentages comparable to that of control. Triglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL contents in LD plus YSE100 or LD plus YSE200 groups were significantly decreased than LD alone group. LD significantly decreased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the serum with no effect on reduced glutathione content. Co-exposure to YSE100 or YSE200 with LD significantly increased the catalase activity and numerically increased the superoxide dismutase activity than LD alone. YSE100 or YSE200 decreased malondialdehyde contents than LD alone group. LD plus YSE100 or YSE200 groups exhibited significant improvements in the level of immunoglobulins. Co-exposure to YSE with LD significantly decreased the LD residues in egg than the LD group. The obtained results showed that YSE exhibited a potential modulatory role against the LD-induced inhibitory effects on the productive and reproductive performances of Japanese quails and YSE at 200mg/kg diet was more effective than 100mg/kg diet in reversing the LD-induced alterations.

Yucca schidigera extract modulates the lead-induced oxidative damage, nephropathy and altered inflammatory response and glucose homeostasis in Japanese quails

The present study was conducted to explore the toxic effects of lead (Pb) on the physiological responses of Japanese quails and to investigate the potential modulatory role of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) against these effects. 360 mature Japanese quails (at 2 months of age) were used and the experiment was lasted for 8 weeks. The birds were divided into six equal groups as follow: control (basal diet, BD), BD+Pb (100 mg/kg diet), BD+YSE (100 mg/kg diet), BD+YSE (200 mg/kg diet), BD+Pb (100 mg/kg diet) +YSE (100 mg/kg diet) and BD+ Pb (100 mg/kg diet) + YSE (200 mg/kg diet). Pb induced a significant reduction in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) level. While, increased protein carbonyl (PC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in tissues of exposed birds. Pb increased level of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in serum. YSE significantly reduced the Pb -induced oxidative stress in co-treated groups especially at 200 mg/kg diet. YSE could modulate the Pb –induced decreased urea, creatinine and beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) levels. YSE200 was found to be better than the YSE100 in decreasing levels of inflammatory markers including tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Furthermore, YSE significantly regulates glucose homeostasis in co-exposed quails. Pb residues were found to be significantly higher in kidney and pancreas tissues of Pb group compared to other groups. YES decreased the expression of metallothionein-1 in the renal and pancreatic tissues, while elevated insulin expression in the pancreatic cells by immunostaining in co-exposed groups. In conclusion, the present results conclusively demonstrate the potential modulatory effect of YSE against the Pb-induced toxic effects in different organs of Japanese quails.

Influence of dietary inclusion of untreated or heat-treated Jatropha meal on productive and reproductive performances and biochemical blood parameters of laying Japanese quail

Jatropha meal (JM) has been characterized as a potential animal feedstuff due to its high crude protein content and high levels of essential amino acids. However, it contains anti-nutritive and toxic compounds that may hinder its use. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a dietary inclusion of raw Jatropha meal (RJM) and heat-treated Jatropha meal on the growth and production of laying Japanese quail using productive, reproductive, and biochemical blood parameters. A total number of 180 mature Japanese quail at 2 months of age (120 females and 60 males) was randomly divided into 4 treatment groups: control (0% JM); 3.5% RJM; 3.5% JM heated in an oven at 100°C for 24h (JM24); and 3.5% JM heated in oven at 100°C for 48h (JM48). After 8 wk on treatment diets, the inclusion of RJM to quail diets reduced (P < 0.05) feed intake, feed efficiency, egg number, and egg mass compared with the control diet. There was no difference between the heat-treated Jatropha (JM24 and JM48) treatments and the control. Fertility and hatchability percentages were improved (P <0.001) with JM24 and JM48 compared with the RJM group. Feeding of 3.5% RJM or JM24 in quail diets led to significant decrease (P <0.05) in serum total protein, albumen, globulin, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, total and HDL-cholesterol, immunoglobulin (IgG and IgM), and increased serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and creatinine along with the mortality rate when compared with birds fed JM48. In conclusion, heat treatment of JM is essential to eliminate its hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects and, when properly heat-treated, can be used in laying Japanese quail diets without detrimental effects on production, reproductive performance, and health status.

Recovery of fertility from adult ovarian tissue transplanted into week-old Japanese quail chicks

Fertility of cryopreserved ovarian tissue from immature chickens and Japanese quail has been recovered by transplantation. This is of special importance for non-mammalian vertebrates in which cryopreservation and in vitro maturation of oocytes are challenging because their oogenesis is characterised by vitellogenesis. This study tested whether fertility of adult quail ovarian tissue could be recovered by transplantation. Ovaries were isolated from mature Japanese quail hens, trimmed, cut into 3- to 4-mm2 pieces and transplanted into ovariectomised, week-old chicks. Recipients were administered an immunosuppressant for two weeks. Ten of 12 recipients survived until sexual maturity and seven laid eggs, but all stopped laying by 17 weeks of age. The age at first egg of recipients laying eggs (75.7±4.2 days) was greater than that of untreated hens (51.8±1.7 days) and egg production of recipients during the laying period (21.7±5.7) was less than that of untreated hens (60.8±3.5). Recipients were paired with males from the WB line for test mating. Only two hens laid eggs during the test period but both produced 100% donor-derived offspring. This research demonstrated that the reproductive potential of ovarian tissue from adult quail hens can be restored by transplantation.

Immunolocalization of Intermediate Filaments and Laminin in the Oviduct of the Immature and Mature Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

This study describes the distribution of vimentin, desmin, smooth muscle actin (SMA) and laminin in the oviduct of the immature and mature Japanese quail. The cytoskeletal proteins vimentin, desmin and SMA have been shown to be involved in cellular support, differentiation, migration and contractility. Laminin is a major component of basement membranes. Luminal epithelia in the infundibular and magnal regions of immature and mature birds exhibited strong vimentin immunoreactivity. Luminal epithelial cells exhibiting strong vimentin immunoreactivity were present in the isthmus and shell gland regions of only mature quails. Infundibular glandular grooves displayed strong vimentin immunostaining. In contrast, the glandular epithelia of the magnum, isthmus and shell gland were vimentin immunonegative. Fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells in the lamina propria of the oviductal regions studied exhibited strong vimentin immunostaining. Smooth muscle cells forming the tunica muscularis and vascular tunica media displayed strong desmin and SMA immunostaining. Strong laminin immunostaining was demonstrated in the basement membranes associated with smooth muscle cells, as well as in the basement membranes underlying the luminal and glandular epithelia. In conclusion, this study has shown that the immunolocalization of desmin, SMA and laminin in the oviduct of the Japanese quail is similar to that in the domestic fowl. However, differences in the immunoexpression of vimentin in the LE of the two avian species were shown to exist. In addition, the study has shown that the immunolocalization of vimentin in the Japanese quail varies depending on the oviductal region, as well as the developmental stage of the oviduct.

Immunolocalization of sex steroid receptors in the epididymis and ductus deferens of immature and mature Japanese Quail, Coturnix Japonica

ABSTRACTThe goal of this study was to determine whether in the Japanese quail the male genital tract contains receptors for progesterone, androgen and estrogen (PR, AR and ER, respectively), which have significant roles in reproductive functions, and whether their localization changes during sexual maturation. The epididymis and ductus deferens (middle and ampulla regions) of immature (approximately 30‐day‐old) and mature male Japanese quail were collected and frozen sections of them were immunostained for PR, AR and ER. The immunoreaction products for AR and PR were found in the nuclei of epithelial cells in the efferent ductules, epididymal duct, and the middle and ampulla regions of the ductus deferens of mature and immature birds. In the mature birds, the epithelial cells of the efferent ductules, epididymal duct, and the middle and ampulla regions of the ductus deferens were positive for ER, although some of the cells in the ductus deferens were negative. The epithelial cells of the ductules in the epididymis stained positive for ER, but the immunoreactions were negligible in the ductus deferens of immature birds. These results suggest that the epididymis and ductus deferens in quail possesses PR, AR and ER receptors. Each receptor is expressed before sexual maturation, although enhancement of ER expression may occur during maturation.

Existence of galanin in lumbosacral sympathetic ganglionic neurons that project to the quail uterine oviduct.

Oviposition in birds is conducted by vigorous contractions of the uterine oviduct. We recently isolated an oviposition-inducing peptide that was identified as avian galanin from mature quail oviducts. This peptide was localized in neuronal fibers terminating in muscle layers in the uterine oviduct and evoked vigorous uterine contractions through binding to receptors located in the uterus. However, no cell bodies that express avian galanin were detected in the uterus or other oviduct regions. To understand the control mechanism of avian oviposition by galanin, we identified the neurons that synthesize galanin and project to the uterus with the combination of retrograde labeling with neurobiotin and immunocytochemistry for galanin in mature Japanese quails. Retrograde labeling with neurobiotin from the uterus revealed that lumbosacral sympathetic ganglionic neurons located in the uterine side projected their axons to the uterine muscle layer. Abundant elementary granules were observed in somata of the retrogradely labeled sympathetic ganglionic neurons, suggesting that labeled neurons may function as a neurosecretory cell. Immunocytochemical analysis with the antiserum against avian galanin showed an intense immunoreaction restricted to somata of the retrograde-labeled ganglionic neurons. Preabsorbing the antiserum with avian galanin resulted in a complete absence of the immunoreaction. Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using antigalanin serum confirmed that avian galanin existed in the sympathetic ganglionic neurons. Expression of the avian galanin messenger RNA in the neurons was further verified by Northern blot analysis. In addition, both avian galanin and its messenger RNA in the neurons were highly expressed in mature birds, unlike in immature birds. These results suggest that lumbosacral sympathetic ganglionic neurons innervating the uterine muscle produce avian galanin in mature birds. Because this peptide acts directly on the uterus to evoke oviposition through a mechanism of the induction of vigorous uterine contraction, galaninergic innervation of the uterine oviduct may be essential for avian oviposition.

Effect of guar gum and tocotrienols on cholesterol metabolism on the Japanese quail

The effects of dietary fibre (α-cellulose or guar gum) and tocotrienols from palm oil were studied in young and mature Japanese quail. The diets were based on ingredients of vegetable origin with equal amounts of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. In young quail, dietary guar gum plus tocotrienols was effective in reducing plasma cholesterol and liver size in comparison to quail fed α-cellulose. Tocotrienol had no effect on cholesterol metabolism when included in the α-cellulose treatment. In mature quail tocotrienols were not effective in reducing blood cholesterol. Neither guar gum nor tocotrienol altered the propensity of Japanese quail to develop atherosclerosis in the aortic arch. The Reflotron proved to be a good instrument for providing quick and reproducible results for blood cholesterol and the results are comparable to those obtained from analyses with an enzymatic kit. The small quantity (30 μl) of blood required for the Reflotron enables serial samples to be taken from small animals.

Metabolism of Narasin in Chickens and Japanese Quail

Thirty mature chicken hens and 60 mature Japanese quail hens were used to compare pathways of narasin excretion. Carbon-14-labeled narasin was injected into chickens (.7 μCi) and quail (.113 μCi) via cardiac puncture. Blood, sampled at varying times thereafter, and eggs and excreta collected daily for 28 days, were analyzed for 14 C. Groups of six chickens and 12 quail were killed prior to [14 C]narasin injection and on Days 1, 7, 14, and 28 postinfection to obtain tissue samples for 14 C analysis. Blood rapidly cleared the label in both species. Less than 1% of the dose of [14 C]narasin remained in blood plasma after3 h postinjection in both chickens and quail. Label excretion peaked on Day 1 in both species, and most of the 14 C was cleared via the excreta (76.7 and 93.6% of the dose for quail and chickens, respectively). Label appeared in the excreta more rapidly and cleared more quickly in quail than in chickens. After 24 h, 68 and 49% of the dose of [14 C] narasin appeared in the excreta of quail and chickens, respectively. More label was recovered in the eggs of quail (4.18% of the dose) than in the eggs of chickens (1.32% of the dose). Liver, heart, fat, and ovarian tissues contained traces of radioactivity 1 day postinjection in both species. Muscle and kidney did not contain detectable amounts of label. By Day 7, all tissue had cleared 14 C beyond detectable limits. The results indicate that chickens and quail metabolize [14 C]narasin via similar pathways and that excretion in quail may be more rapid than in chickens.

Metabolism of Decoquinate in Chickens and Japanese Quail

Thirty mature chicken hens and 40 mature Japanese quail hens were used in an experiment to compare pathways of decoquinate (DQ) excretion. Labelled DQ was injected into chickens (.5 μCi via wing vein puncture) and quail (.25 μCi via cardiac puncture) on Day 0. Blood was sampled at 0, 1.5, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 48 h postinjectdon. Eggs and excreta of chickens and quail were collected for 28 and 14 days, respectively, and analyzed for 14 C. Six chickens and eight quail were sacrificed prior to 14 C-DQ injection and also on Days 1, 7, 14, and 34 or 32 postinjection. Samples of liver, heart, kidney, bile, skin, fat, and muscle were analyzed for 14 C.Blood rapidly cleared 14 C in both species, and the half-time of 14 C excretion via excreta was more rapid in quail (.37 day) than in chickens (.92 day). Little 14 C was found in the eggs of quail (.32% of dose) and chickens (.17% of dose). Quail appeared to excrete peak amounts of detectable 14 C 1 day earlier (Day 4) than chickens (Day 5). Liver contained the greatest concentration of 14 C on Day 1 in both species. By the end of the experiment, less than 1% of the dose remained in liver or other organs. Results indicate that chickens and quail metabolize 14 C-DQ at comparable rates and by similar pathways.

Effects of Supplementary Vitamin D3 on Egg Production of Two Strains of Japanese Quail and Growth of Their Progeny

Two strains (University of Saskatchewan, white egg and wild type) of mature Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica), following a 4-week depletion period, were fed one of four diets varying in supplementary vitamin D3: a) no supplementary vitamin D3, b) National Research Council (NRC, 1977) recommended level of 1,200 IU vitamin D3/kg feed, c) 10 times, NRC levels, and d) 100 times NRC levels for 4 weeks. Egg production, egg weight, number of soft-shelled eggs, body weight, and feed consumption were not affected by vitamin D3 treatment. Hatchability of the white egg strain was not affected by vitamin D3 treatment. Hatchability in the wild type strain was reduced in those birds consuming diets unsupplemented with vitamin D3 although not significantly. Tibia ash was not affected by vitamin D3 treatment.Progeny from hens receiving no supplemental vitamin D3 were smaller throughout a 5-week growth period; however, feed consumption and percentage tibia ash content were similar to those of progeny from the other treatments. Progeny fed 480 IU vitamin D3/kg feed were larger, had higher tibia ash, and similar feed consumption compared with those fed a diet with no added vitamin D3.

Hexachlorobenzene‐induced porphyria in Japanese quail: Changes in microsomal enzymes

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was administered orally (500 mg/kg d) for 1, 2, 5, or 10d) to sexually mature Japanese quail to compare altered hepatic porphyrin levels with changes that occur in hepatic xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes. Porphyrin levels rapidly increased following the administration of HCB (three times control levels after a single dose of HCB), and birds began to develop porphyria (i.e., porphyrin levels were at least 10 times higher than controls) following 5 d of treatment. Following 10 d of HCB treatment, 3 of 4 treated quail were porphyric. Coincident with the HCB-induced disruption of the heme biosynthetic pathway were increases in various hepatic constituents. Changes included elevation of microsomal protein concentrations and increases in the specific content of cytochrome P-450, in the activities of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), biphenyl hydroxylase (BPH), ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), and ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase (ECOD), and in cytosolic and microsomal glutathione S-transferase (GSH-t) levels. In addition, the lambda max of the CO versus CO-reduced absorption spectra of hepatic microsomes from HCB-dosed birds showed a hypsochromic shift of 450 to 448 nm. The activity of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase was increased following 10 d of HCB, and the activity of epoxide hydrolase was increased following 5 d of HCB. Most of these changes occurred with a single HCB treatment, and no further alterations developed in the nature of the response with repetitive dosing. Only weight loss, increased cytochrome P-450 content, and increases in GSH-t activity occurred simultaneously with the induction of porphyria.

Sites and action spectra for encephalic photoreception in the Japanese quail.

Sexually mature Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica, were transferred to short environmental photoperiod for 20 days, during which they received encephalic illumination via surgically implanted optic fibers. White light delivered to discrete sites in the basal hypothalamus induced photogonadal response for testicular maintenance. There was also a strong positive response to monochromatic red, green, or blue light delivered to these areas, and this response was of equal magnitude regardless of wavelength. Illumination of sites in the median eminence and pars nervosa was also effective in inducing photogonadal response. White light delivered to the optic chiasma was effective, whereas green or blue light to this structure had no effect. Illumination of the preoptic hypothalamus or the dorsal cortex was also without effect. Our data indicate that there are photoreceptive sites in and near the basal hypothalamus that, when illuminated directly, are capable of responding to a broad range of visible wavelengths.

Serum T 3 and T 4 concentrations of Japanese quail treated with thyrotropin-releasing hormone

Using commercial radioimmunoassay kits, the following concentrations of T 3 and T 4 in sera from mature Japanese quail were determined. Males ( n = 52); T 3, 1.11 ± 0.08 (SEM) ng/ml; T 4, 12.1 ± 0.94 ng/ml. Females ( n = 13); T 3, 1.19 ± 0.10 ng/ml; T 4, 12.5 ± 2.1 ng/ml. For 20-μg doses of synthetic thyrotropin-releasing hormone, maximum concentrations for T 3 (3.3-fold control) and T 4 (1.6-fold control) occurred 60 min after intramuscular injection. For a 60-min response period, T 3 and T 4 concentrations increased directly as the logarithm of micrograms of thyrotropin-releasing hormone injected for a dose range of 3 to 600 μg of TRH/quail.

Effect of Choline Deficiency on Utilization of Labeled Precursors of Choline and Turnover of Choline in the Liver of Mature Japanese Quail

Studies were conducted to determine the effect of choline deficiency on utilization of various labeled precursors of choline and rate of choline biosynthesis in mature Japanese quail. A deficiency of dietary choline did not change the in vivo incorporation of 14C-label from (1,2-14C) ETHANOLAMINE, N, N-dimethyl (1,2-14C) ethanolamine, and L-(methyl-14C) methionine into liver phosphatidylcholine (PC) or total phospholipids. Incorporation of radioactivity from (14C) serine into liver PC was increased, but the difference was not significant (PGREATER THAN3.35). In vitro studies confirmed these observations as there were no differences in liver microsomal methyltransferase activities, expressed as the incorporation of methyl-14C from labeled S-adenosylmethionine into microsomal PC from quail fed a purified diet with with or without choline. Rats appeared to incorporate an increased amount of 14C into PC when fed a diet devoid of choline, but the differences were not significant. There were differences in methyltransferase activities among species, and quail had the lowest activity. A slower turnover of choline was found in quail liver (t1/2=7.5 hours) as compared with that of hen liver (t1/2=2.0 hours). The methyltransferase responsible for the first methylation of phosphatidyl-ethanolamine from quail liver appears to differ from most other biosynthetic enzymes in that it occurs in liver and catalyzes the reaction at a slow rate but cannot adapt to exogenous choline supply to meet the requirements for normal bodily functions in quail.