Lines Of Quail Research Articles

A generational comparison of some quantitative traits in three Japanese quail lines

A generational comparison of some quantitative traits in three Japanese quail lines

Difference in the rearrangement of quail histone H1 allelic variants during divergent selection for reduction of body mass coupled to the food withdraw.

Difference in the rearrangement of quail histone H1 allelic variants during divergent selection for reduction of body mass coupled to the food withdraw.

Evaluation of three growth curves models in two lines of Japanese quail in a selection experiment.

Evaluation of three growth curves models in two lines of Japanese quail in a selection experiment.

Avian bioresources for developmental biology: Chicken and quail resources in the United Kingdom, France, and Japan.

Avian bioresources for developmental biology: Chicken and quail resources in the United Kingdom, France, and Japan.

Genetic Variances Determine the Egg Productivity in Quail

Abstract Quails are small in size and highly efficient. One hundred and sixty-two birds were obtained, with fifty-four birds from each line, which are white, brown and black. They were randomly distributed among the experimental groups with three replicates for each line. Qualitative tests were conducted on the eggs to determine the internal and external quality of the eggs. Blood tests and DNA extraction were performed. The purity of the DNA ranged from 1.7 to 1.9. Eighteen primers from GenScrip USA were used. The results were obtained, which are the packages of twelve of the primers. The results indicate that there are significant differences in egg weight, egg production percentage, egg mass and feed intake as well as brown quail in containing omega 3, 6 and 9. The significant differences recording in shell weight, egg length, egg width, egg weight, and egg shape indx, quail lines. The percentage of egg yolk and the weight of the yolk were high in the white quail line compared to the brown line and the black line. The highest number of bands recorded among the lines by the primer OPA-19 and OPQ-12, which are 27 bands. The highest percentage of polymorphisms was 20.00, which was recorded by the primer OPA-20 when compared with other primers in the current study. The presence of large differences between the black and white quail lines indicates the existence of good genetic sources and sites for genetic improvement of the quail. It was very clear that there was a large genetic distance between the white quail line and both the brown and black lines. In addition, there is a large genetic affinity between the brown and black lines. The aim of this study is to detect genetic differences and genetic similarities using random amplified polymorphic DNA technology, As well as a comparison between the internal and external characteristics of the eggs of three lines of quail.

Comparison of the Effects of Different Levels of L-Carnitine Supplementation on Growth and Egg Production in Three local Quail Lines Using In Ovo Injection and Dietary Feeding Methods

Two studies were conducted to examine the impact of in-ovo injection and dietary addition of L-carnitine (LC) on the growth and egg laying traits of three lines of local quails: desert, brown, and white. The first experiment involved 480 fertile quail eggs were utilized, on the 14th day of incubation, live embryos inside the eggs were injected in the amniotic fluid with varying doses of L-carnitine (0, 4, 8, and 12 mg dissolved in 100 L of a commercial diluent). In the second experiment, 480 one-day-old, unsexed quail chicks were divided into four experimental treatments included: The first group was given the basal diet (control), while the other groups were provided with the basal diet supplemented with different levels of L-carnitine (150, 350, and 500 mg/kg). The evaluation of statistics indicated that quail lines, in-ovo injection, and dietary supplementation with L-carnitine significantly (p?0.01) influenced all the studied traits, except for the first egg weight. The interaction between quail line and in-ovo injection treatments was only significant at age of maturity. Conversely, the interaction between the quail line and the dietary supplementation had a significant impact on feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and age at maturity. According to the present results, it can be established that both in ovo injection and dietary supplementation of L-carnitine significantly influenced the productive characteristics traits of quails. In particular, the study revealed that a high in- ovo injection dose of 4 mg/100 µL of diluent and a feed supplement at 350 mg/kg feed resulted in improved production efficiency for quail chicks, except for the initial egg weight, there was no statistically significant association between the feed addition and in-ovo injection treatments.

GENETIC PARAMETERS OF GROWTH, CARCASS, AND LAYING TRAITS IN TWO LINES OF UKRAINIAN QUAIL

The estimation of genetic parameters of certain productive characters in different lines of quail is very important to make a breeding schedule for such lines of quail in the future. This study was carried out for three generations to estimate the response to selection, selection deferential, genetic, and phenotypic correlation between studied traits (growth and laying performance) and heritability estimates in two lines of Ukrainian quail (Coturnix coturnix coturnix). A total of 120 Ukrainian quails from ) 500 ( quail birds (base population), were selected as parent generation for both lines and also 120 offspring birds specified for the third generation. The selection was based on body weight which was carried out on the 20th day of age. The results showed that the selection can improve breast weight, leg weight, carcass%, and live body weight in both lines. However, the realized heritability has moderate values for 42-day age body weight for both lines; but the dark line recorded a higher genetic correlation between body weight and weight gain compared to the white line. The highest phenotypic correlation estimates between body weight and egg weight were recorded for the white line; in addition, the same line receded better estimates for the studied genetic parameters in all other studied characteristics. It could be concluded that the selection based on the genetic parameters for growth and laying traits was effective for improving it through the three generations.

Conservation Genetics and Breeding using Molecular Genetic Markers in Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica).

The Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) is a small migratory bird whose main habitats are located in East Asia, Russia, China, Japan, Korea, and India. The Japanese quail was first introduced into the Iraqi research sector in the early 1980s. This investigation aimed to identify the genetic divergence between the available genetic lines of the Japanese quail in Iraq as a first step to conducting further conservation and breeding, benefiting from studying the genetic diversity related to productivity, adaptation, and immune susceptibility. In this study, we harnessed the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol to investigate the genetic structure, diversity, and differentiation of seven distinct genetic lines of these birds with white, brown, wild grey, and yellow plumage guided by 20 molecular genetic markers. Our findings showed a relatively high polymorphism level of these 20 markers, which was adequate for describing genetic variation within and between the quail lines under study. Overall, the pairs of the White male and Brown male, Brown female and Grey male, and Grey female and Grey male lines were the most genetically distant. Conversely, the White male and Grey male lines were the most similar. The genetic differences established between these lines can enable us to suggest recommendations for further conservation genetics and breeding of this species. In particular, we propose that choosing animals (lines) with the greatest genetic distances, i.e., the least genetic similarities, can help preserve the highest genetic variability within the population. This proposed approach mirrors many contemporary conservation strategies, and information derived directly from this study can potentially be used to improve breeder selection regimes for additional conservation initiatives ex situ.

Genetic evaluation for growth performance in Japanese quail line selected for fast growth rate across eight generations

Abstract The world is suffering from a protein shortage due to population growth and increased food demand, increasing the pressure on poultry breeders to boost production. Additionally, Japanese quail (JQ), with their small size, rapid growth, short generational interval, and high egg production, offer a promising solution to address this challenge. A ten-generation study conducted at Fayoum University Poultry Research Center involved 17,806 JQ chicks, which were divided into two lines: one was selected for fast growth rate from 1-21 days (FGR1-21), and the other line was the control line (CL). It aimed to investigate the consequences of selection, evaluate selection effectiveness for increased early growth rate (GR1-21). All studied growth traits were significantly influenced by generation, line, and sex effects, except for body weight at hatch (BW1) and GR1-21, where sex had an insignificant effect. The interaction effect between generation and line significantly affected all studied traits, favoring the FGR1-21 line in the 8th selected generation. The cumulative response based on two different methods was in the desired direction for all studied growth traits, except for BW1. This was based on breeding values. The GR1-21 was found to be positively correlated, either genetically or phenotypically, with all correlated traits except for BW1. All studied growth traits had moderate heritability (h2) estimates ranging from 0.18 to 0.32. It can be concluded that continuous selection for high growth rate has resulted in a well-established paternal line of JQ specialized in meat production, which can be proposed as a sustainable solution to address food security problems.

Examining The impact of Chitosan and Nano-Chitosan Addition on The expression Levels of SOD and CAT Genes in Two Lines of Japanese Quail

HIS research aims to investigate the antioxidative potential of dietary chitosan (CH) and nanochitosan (NCH) supplementation on the gene expression of pivotal antioxidant defense system components, namely SOD (superoxide dismutase) and CAT (catalase) genes. These genes are instrumental in safeguarding cells against the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species. The study extends its scope to evaluating the hepatic and intestinal histology in two distinct lines of Japanese quail. Carried out as a fully randomized design experiment with 10 treatment groups, the research encompassed 840 one-day-old Japanese quails from two distinct lines: Sq, selected for body weight at 30 days after 42 generations of selection, and Jq, a control line without selection. Each line was further divided into five treatment groups, with three replicates per group and 28 unsexed chicks per replicate. The treatment groups included a baseline diet according to NRC (1994) guidelines, two groups supplemented with chitosan (CH) at 50 and 70 mg/kg diet, and two groups supplemented with nano-chitosan (NCH) at 30 and 50 mg/kg diet for both Sq and Jq lines. The study outcomes shed light on the varying concentrations of chitosan (30, 50, and 70 mg/kg) and their impacts on live body weight, CAT and SOD gene expression levels, as well as histopathological changes in the liver and intestine. The findings revealed discernible effects across all tested concentrations, elucidating the multifaceted influence of chitosan and nanochitosan supplementation on the examined parameters.

Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Femurs and Eggshells of Two Selected Japanese Quail Lines Under Quasi-Static and Impact Loading Conditions

Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Femurs and Eggshells of Two Selected Japanese Quail Lines Under Quasi-Static and Impact Loading Conditions

Exploring neuronal markers and early social environment influence in divergent quail lines selected for social motivation

Many species, including humans exhibit a wide range of social behaviors that are crucial for the adaptation and survival of most species. Brain organization and function are shaped by genetic and environmental factors, although their precise contributions have been relatively understudied in the context of artificial selection. We used divergent lines of quail selected on their high versus low level of motivation to approach a group of conspecifics (S + and S-, respectively) to investigate the influence of genetic selection and early social environment on sociability. We observed distinct sex- and brain-region-specific expression patterns of three neuronal markers: mesotocin, and vasotocin, the avian homologues of mammalian oxytocin and vasopressin, as well as aromatase, the enzyme that converts androgens into estrogens. These markers displayed pronounced and neuroanatomically specific differences between S + and S- quail. Additionally, in a second experiment, we assessed the influence of early social environment on social skills in juvenile birds. Mixing S + and S- resulted in more S- males approaching the group without affecting the sociability of S + or other behaviors, suggesting that the early social environment may influence the results of genetic selection. In conclusion, the divergent quail lines offer a valuable model for unraveling the neuronal and behavioral mechanisms underlying social behaviors.

A Lifeact-EGFP quail for studying actin dynamics in vivo

Here, we report the generation of a transgenic Lifeact-EGFP quail line for the investigation of actin organization and dynamics during morphogenesis in vivo. This transgenic avian line allows for the high-resolution visualization of actin structures within the living embryo, from the subcellular filaments that guide cell shape to the supracellular assemblies that coordinate movements across tissues. The unique suitability of avian embryos to live imaging facilitates the investigation of previously intractable processes during embryogenesis. Using high-resolution live imaging approaches, we present the dynamic behaviors and morphologies of cellular protrusions in different tissue contexts. Furthermore, through the integration of live imaging with computational segmentation, we visualize cells undergoing apical constriction and large-scale actin structures such as multicellular rosettes within the neuroepithelium. These findings not only enhance our understanding of tissue morphogenesis but also demonstrate the utility of the Lifeact-EGFP transgenic quail as a new model system for live in vivo investigations of the actin cytoskeleton.

The Impact of Different Plumage Color Selected Quail Lines on Egg Quality and Eggshell Properties

This study aimed to explore how different genotypes influence eggshell traits, egg quality, ultrastructure and nutritional value in egg quails during the egg production phase. Two breeder lines selected for six generations, brown quail and white quail, were subject to analysis, with 90 eggs examined for each genotype. At 42 days of age, 180 eggs were used, 90 from each strain for egg quality, eggshell characteristics and shell microstructure. The results indicated that the breed strain had a significant effect on various parameters, including egg weight, length, width, shape index, albumen height, weight and percentage, yolk height, diameter, index, weight and percentage, yolk-albumen ratio, shell weight and shell percentage. In particular, the white strain eggshell had different ultrastructure flaws than the brown strain. These included late fusion, poor confluence and different striations. Additionally, the egg quail showed a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Different genotypes influence eggshell traits, egg quality and ultrastructure. Understanding these genetic variances can lead to improvements in egg production systems' overall performance and egg quality.

Melanophilin regulates dendritogenesis in melanocytes for feather pigmentation

Limited studies using animal models with a few natural mutations in melanophilin (Mlph) provided partial functions of Mlph in melanosome trafficking. To investigate cellular functions of Mlph, especially ZnF motif of Mlph, we analyzed all three Mlph knockout (KO) quail lines, one and two base pair (bp) deletions as models for total KO, and three bp deletion causing deletion of one Cysteine (C84del) in the ZnF motif. All quail lines had diluted feather pigmentation with impaired dendritogenesis and melanosome transport in melanocytes. In vitro studies revealed capability of binding of the ZnF motif to PIP3, and impairment of PI3P binding and mislocalization of MLPH proteins with ZnF motif mutations. The shortened melanocyte dendrites by the C84del mutation were rescued by introducing WT Mlph in vitro. These results revealed the diluted feather pigmentation by Mlph mutations resulted from congregation of melanosomes in the cell bodies with impairment of the dendritogenesis and the transport of melanosomes to the cell periphery.

EFFICIENCY OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF L-CARNITINE SUPPLEMENTATION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND BLOOD PARAMETERS IN THREE LINES OF KURDISH QUAILS (COTURNIX COTURNIX)

This study was aimed to assess the impact of genetic groups (comprising three distinct lines of Kurdish quails, which are desert, brown, and white), graded levels of L-carnitine and their interaction on the performance of growth traits and blood parameters. For this purpose, the same basic diet was given to 480 Kurdish quail chicks one day old, which was then supplemented for two to seven weeks of age with 0 (control), 150, 350, or 550 mg of L-carnitine per kg of diet. The statistical analysis showed that the lines, L-carnitine supplementation, and their interaction had a significant (p≤0.01) impact on the Kurdish quail's blood parameters, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, body weight, and body weight gain. The desert lines exhibited significantly higher growth performance values in all weeks. Furthermore, supplementation with 350 and 550 mg/kg L-carnitine throughout the experimental period significantly improved these characteristics compared to the control group, with the other experimental treatment (150 mg L-carnitine/kg diet) having the highest values. As well as for the interacted groups, the desert lines with diet of 350 mg/kg L-carnitine had significant influence on body weight, and weight gain. On the other hand, the white lines with a diet of 350 mg/kg L-carnitine showed significantly (P≤0.01) better feed intake and better feed conversion ratio than all other treatments in the same period. It was concluded that L-carnitine supplementation at 350 and 550 mg/kg was sufficient to improve growth characteristics and blood parameters in Kurdish quail lines.

Impact of heat stress on blood physiological parameters, body temperature, respiratory frequency, antioxidant status, carcass quality, production performance, and egg quality of Japanese quails

The study was performed with three experiments. The first experiment studied respiratory rate (RR), body temperature (BT), blood physiological parameters (BPP), serum antioxidant enzyme activities (SAEA), and meat quality of 240 quails under three temperatures (38 °C, 25 °C, and environmental temperature 30 °C) and two bodyweights (heavy and lighter). Heat stress (HS) increased RR and BT of quails but had no effect on BPP; superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was decreased in group 38 °C (P<0.05), and a trend of increasing glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was also observed in group 38 °C (P=0.06); meat quality was not affected by HS except yellow index of meat color was increased (P<0.05). The second experiment was conducted with 168 quails (experiment 1) to record reproductive performance and egg quality. HS negatively affected feed intake, egg weight, egg height, albumen height, yolk weight, yolk color, and Haugh unit (P<0.05). The third experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of HS on growth and reproductive performance, and SAEA of the first generation (G1) from 84 quails (experiment 2). Feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio in the 38 °C H – G1 quail line were not significantly different from other groups. The higher egg weight and egg production were discovered in heat-stressed G1 groups. The lowest value of SOD and GSH-Px was reported in the 38 °C H – G1 quail line but no different in catalase (P>0.05). The 38 °C – G1 quail groups adapted to HS from G0 by expanding feed intake at the growing phase, improving egg weight and egg production, and maintaining the low SAEA.

Principal Component Analysis for the Egg Traits in Three Genetic Lines of Japanese Quail

The current study was carried out at the poultry farms of animal production department, college of agriculture, University of Kirkuk from May 2022 to June 2023. A total of (300) eggs were collecting from three genetic groups of the Japanese quail (brown, grey, and white) to evaluate the external egg traits concerning (Egg weight, Egg length, Egg breadth, Shell thickness). The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) for the three genetic lines (brown, grey, and white) of the Japanese quail were (0.651, 0.728, and 0.667) respectively. The communalities represent estimates of variance in each variable accounted, for the brown genetic group of the three traits length, breadth, and eggshell thickness was (0.990, 0.817, and 0.872) respectively. Three Eigen values were extract for the three genetic lines. We conclude that the principal component analysis of the external egg traits that effected the egg weight in the three genetic lines of the Japanese quail differ among the lines due to the genetic makeup of the lines.

Using Coefficient of Variation to Study the Carcass Traits Uniformity for Three Lines of Japanese Quail

Quail body weight and its traits are important to poultry breeders and processors. Body weight correlated positively and negatively to several linear body measurements. Moreover, body weight affected by several factors such as age, sex, breed, rearing and feeding system, handling and slaughtering conditions. Two hundred ten day old unsexed Japanese quail chicks were obtained from three genetic lines of Japanese quail to study carcass traits uniformity by using coefficient of variation. At 40 days of age the feed was withdrawn for 6h, the birds were weighed individually to obtain live body weight. Thereafter the birds were slaughter by knife and let to bleed for 3 min. After the removal of feathers, the carcasses were dissection manually into various parts (chest, thigh, wings, back, head, nick, feet, heart, liver, and gizzard) and weight in gram by using electronic balance with (0.001) sensitivity. General Linear Model within the statistical program SPSS was used to study the effect of genetic lines and sex on carcass traits. Some traits were non-significant effected between the genetic lines such as in male were (Live body weight, head, nick, heart, liver, gizzard), and in female (live body weight, carcass, chest, wing back, head, feet, heart, liver, gizzard). We conclude that the carcass traits of Japanese quail differ among the three genetic lines (white, brown, and grey). And the high values of coefficient of variation may due to the breeding system of the birds.

A study of egg quality characteristics for two Asiatic (Coturnix japonica) and two European (Coturnix coturnix) quail lines

The present study was carried out at the Dept. of Animal Production, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. A total of 64 female quails from four lines involved two European (White and Dark Ukrainian) and two Asiatic (White and Dark Local) aged 56 days old, were equally distributed into four trial groups containing 16 birds for each. The aim was to investigate both external and internal egg quality characteristics. The following traits were measured; weights, lengths (high) and diameters of egg, yolk, albumen and shell; and the indices of shape, yolk and albumen were computed; also, Haugh units and percentages of yolk, albumen and shell were calculated. The results revealed the significant (p<0.01) superiority of European quails on Asiatic ones in egg quality characteristics; also, the white Ukrainian line appeared a significant difference (p<0.01) compared to the rest lines for egg weight and yolk percentage; however, Haugh units resulted in almost the same values for both European lines which surpassed significantly (p<0.01) both Asiatic ones; the same trend was found for albumen index. Most correlation coefficients between egg quality characteristics were significant (p<0.01), and the highest coefficient was between Haugh units and albumen index (0.89); therefore, the regression analysis derived an effective equation between them for future prediction with a high coefficient of variation (R2= 0.8). In conclusion, Ukrainian-European quail surpassed in its egg quality Asiatic ones, and Haugh units as a major quality indicator can be predicted from the albumen index for quail’s eggs.