Quail Production Research Articles

Injection of Lentivirus into Stage-X Blastoderm for the Production of Transgenic Quail

This protocol describes how to generate transgenic quail by injecting a lentiviral vector into freshly laid Japanese quail eggs at stage X. The lentivirus infects primordial germ cells originating in the area pellucida.

Study about the evolution of productive performances of the "Balotesti" mix quail population during 35 weeks of egg production.

Japanese quail housing for eggs and meat quail production had an upward trend during the last decades because quail’s eggs and meat are well known for their qualities (high and well-balanced nutritive value, special taste), and also because herbal medicine is recommending the consumption of these products in a dietetic manner and with well-known therapeutically effects. The purpose of this research was to settle the productive performances at the egg-meat Balotesti quail population during the 35 weeks of egg production. The productive performances were studied at the 600 quails from the mix Balotesti quail population. After the completion of the research, it has been established that the average of egg production percent during the 35 weeks of egg production is 69.86±1.03%, while the average of feed consumption during the 35 weeks of egg production was of 34.44±0.52g per head/day.

Generation of transgenic quail through germ cell‐mediated germline transmission

Here, we describe the production of transgenic quail via a germline transmission system using postmigratory gonadal primordial germ cells (gPGCs). gPGCs retrieved from the embryonic gonads of 5-day-old birds were transduced with a lentiviral vector and subsequently transferred into recipient embryos. Testcross and genetic analyses revealed that among three germline chimeric G0 quail, one male produced transgenic offspring; of 310 hatchlings from the transgenic germline chimera, 24 were identified as donor-derived offspring, and 6 were transgenic (6/310, 1.9%). Conventional transgenesis using stage X blastodermal embryos was also conducted, but the efficiency of transgenesis was similar between the two systems (<1.6 vs. 1.9% for the conventional and gPGC-mediated systems, respectively). However, substantial advantages can be gained from gPGC-mediated method in that it enables an induced germline modification, whereas direct retroviral transfer to stage X embryos causes mosaic integration. The use of gonadal PGCs for transgenesis may lead to the production of bioreactors.

Effect of rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) on Japanese quail growth, egg production and plasma metabolites

1. Birds have been proposed as a suitable model for studies on ageing because of their long life in comparison with similar-sized mammals. However, some weak fliers, such as Galliformes, are the exception to this rule. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of the treatment with rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis), a natural source of flavonoid antioxidants and compounds with phyto-oestrogenic activity, on postnatal development and egg production of aged Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). 2. Substitution of drinking water with traditional rooibos tea or diet supplementation with ground rooibos tea affected body weight of Japanese quail up to 100 d of age. The body weight of males drinking rooibos tea or eating rooibos-supplemented food decreased significantly. There was a trend toward increased body weight of tea drinking females and a significant increase in the body weight of hens fed the rooibos-supplemented diet. Although rooibos treatment did not significantly increase egg production in young hens, the decrease in egg production of rooibos-treated aged hens (360 d of age) was significantly reduced, regardless of the egg production levels (high—80%; low—20%) before the treatment. 3. The results suggest that treatment with rooibos tea positively affected body weight and egg production in quail hens and prolonged the productive period of aged animals. Further studies would be needed to address the question whether these effects are due to the antioxidant or phyto-oestrogenic activities of rooibos.

Efeito do horário de fornecimento de rações contendo diferentes níveis de cálcio sobre o desempenho produtivo e qualidade de ovos de codornas japonesas (Coturnix japonica) em final de produção

It was aimed to determine the best schedule of supply and the better calcium level, aiming to optimize the quality and production of quail’s egg. 360 Japanese quails (54 weeks old) were used. The quails were divided in three treatments T1, 3.75% of Ca in the morning (0800 until 1600 hours) e 1.25% of Ca on afternoon (1600 until 0800 hours); T2, 2.5% of Ca in the morning e 2.5 of Ca in the afternoon e T3, 1.25 of Ca in the morning end 3.75% of Ca in the afternoon with six replicates each. The diets were formulated to contain 20% of protein, 2,900 kcal ME/kg and 2.5% of calcium. The average egg weight (g), egg production (%), egg mass (g/quail/day), diet consumption (g), feed conversion for dozen, feed conversion per kilogram of produced eggs, specific gravity, yolk index, Haugh Units, shell thickness and shell percentage, were not affected by schedule or calcium supplementation. It was concluded that the variation of calcium supplementation during the considered period did not alter the performance and the egg quality. Key-words: Calcium, quails, schedule, production of eggs, quality of eggs.

Production of quail (Coturnix japonica) germline chimeras derived from in vitro‐cultured gonadal primordial germ cells

A previous report from our laboratory documented successful production of quail (Coturnix japonica) germline chimeras by transfer of gonadal primordial germ cells (gPGCs). Subsequently, this study was designed to evaluate whether gPGCs can be maintained in vitro for extended period, and furthermore, these cultured PGCs can induce germline transmission after transfer into recipient embryos. In experiment 1, gonadal cells from the two strains (wild-type plumage (WP) and black (D) quail) were cultured in vitro for 10 days. Using antibody QCR1, we detected a continuous, significant (P = 0.0002) increase in the number of WP, but not D, PGCs. QCR1-positive WP colonies began to form after 7 days in culture. On Day 10 of culture, 803 WP PGCs were present as a result of a continuous increase, whereas no D PGC colonies could be detected and the D gonadal stroma cells were rolled up. Differences in the PGCs or the gonadal stroma cells of the two different strains might account for these differences. In experiment 2, WP PGC colonies were maintained in vitro up to Day 20 of culture, and 10- or 20-day-cultured PGCs were microinjected into dorsal aortas of 181 recipient D embryos. Thirty-five (19.3%) of the transplanted embryos hatched after incubation, and 25 (71.4%) of the hatchlings reached sexual maturity. Testcrossing of the sexually mature hatchlings resulted in three (10 days, 33.3%) and eight (20 days, 50.0%) germline chimeras respectively. This report is the first to describe successful production of germline chimera by transfer of in vitro-cultured gPGCs in quail.

Beak trimming methods and their effect on the performance and egg quality of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) during lay

INTRODUCTIONA total number of 720 Japanese quail females, reared under identicalmanagement conditions, and receiving feed and water ad libitum, wasused. Quails were housed and reared from 1-35 days of age in litterpens in a rearing house, and then were transferred to a quail layerhouse. This study aimed at verifying if different beak trimming methodcould optimize egg production and quality by reducing stress andcannibalism among birds. A completely randomized experimental designwas used, with six treatments in a 2x3 factorial arrangement, with twobeak trimming ages (14 and 21 days) and three beak trimming variants(non-trimmed, 1/3 of the beak trimmed, or ½ of the beak trimmed),with 6 replicates of 20 birds each. Performance was evaluated by feedintake, percentage of lay, egg mass, feed conversion ratio per dozeneggs and per kg eggs, and mortality. Performance was influenced bybeak trimming variant, with the best results obtained by birds with intactbeaks and those with 1/3 of the beak trimmed. Better specific gravity wasobserved in quails submitted to beak trimming at 21 days of age, whereasthe other egg quality parameters did not present significant results. Basedon the results obtained in the present study, it is recommended to submitquails to beak trimming either at 14 or 21 days of age.INTRODUCTIONThe expansion of quail production in Brazil, currently established atindustrial level, must be highlighted due to the generation of jobs, theuse of small areas, the need of low investments, the fast return oninvestments, as well as a animal protein source.Beak trimming is considered as necessary as a routine managementpractice in commercial layer production, aiming at the prevention ofcannibalism and at reducing social stress. According to Cloutier et al.(2000), beak trimming is the main method used to prevent featherpecking and cannibalism in the poultry industry. However, its use is stillcontroversial in quail production. Beak trimming is condemned byenvironmentalists, which perceive it as a painful mutilation. In addition,feed intake is impaired during the days immediately after beak trimming(Gentle, 1986).On the other hand, producers consider this practice an essentialprocedure in young birds, in order to reduce feather pecking andcannibalism later, thereby improving performance, and positivelycontributing to bird welfare.According to Hughes & Gentle (1995), beak trimming is indicating insome cases, such as environmental factors (light intensity, environmentaltemperature, type of poultry house), social factors (flock size and density),and genetic lines (more or less aggressive birds). Cunningham (1992)adds that, although beak trimming is usually considered as a stressful

Effect of Dietary Calcium Sources and Levels on Egg Production and Egg Shell Quality of Japanese Quail

The research was conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Mymensingh to evaluate the effect of different levels and sources of calcium on egg production and egg shell quality of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) up to 23 weeks of age. For that purpose a total number of 108 Japanese quails aged 20 week were fed on diets containing different levels (2.5%, 2.75% and 3.0%) of dietary calcium from different sources eg. Oyster shell, limestone and Calcium premix. They were placed in the experimental cages. Six birds were considered for a replication of each treatment. The birds were reared in clean laying cages an open sided house. The experimental quails were exposed to identical care and management throughout the experimental period. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. Eggs were collected twice daily at morning and evening. The number of eggs laid by birds in each replication was recorded daily. The external quality of collected eggs were measured weekly from each treatment and level randomly. No significant difference (p>0.05) in egg weight, shell weight, shell percentage, except egg production and shell thickness was noted due to variation of different levels and calcium sources. But as the birds were getting older calcium premix produced better shell quality than oyster shell and limestone. It was concluded that any of these calcium sources can be considered for laying Japanese quail but calcium premix produces better shell quality at later age. This result also suggested that a level of 2.5% calcium increases egg weight and shell thickness, while 2.75% increases body weight and shell weight and 3% increases egg production and shell percentage.

Effect of dietary Vitamin E on the cloacal gland, foam and semen characteristics of male Japanese quail

This experiment was to investigate the effects of increasing the level of dietary Vitamin E (Vit. E) on cloacal gland size, foam production and semen characteristics of male Japanese quail ( Coturnix coturnix Japonica). One hundred and eighty male Japanese quail chicks (day old) were randomly distributed to three dietary treatments for a period of 25 weeks. Each treatment comprised of three replicates each containing 20 chicks. The basal diet contained 15 IU Vit. E/kg and the two experimental diets were supplemented with 150 and 300 IU Vit. E/kg (diets T 2 and T 3, respectively). DL α-tocopherol acetate was used as the source of Vit. E. All chicks were provided feed and water ad libitum. Foam characteristics, in terms of frequency of foam discharge (24 h), cloacal gland index and foam weight were significantly higher ( P < 0.05) in T 2 group. Body weight, testes weight (left and right) and plasma testosterone concentrations did not differ significantly. Semen characteristics (semen volume, sperm motility, % live sperm, % hatchability and sperm concentrations) did not differ significantly ( P > 0.05). Percentages of abnormal and dead spermatozoa were significantly ( P < 0.05) lower and fertility was higher ( P < 0.05) in the T 2 group. From this study, it can be concluded that moderate supplementation of dietary Vit. E may be beneficial for foam production, cloacal gland and improve the semen characteristics in male Japanese quail.

Effect of Feeding Time on Laying and Reproductive Performance of Pharaoh Quail (Coturnix coturnix Pharaoh) Housed in Different Cage Systems

A total of 120 male and 240 female quail (Coturnix coturnix Pharaoh) were used to determine the effect of feeding time on laying and reproductive performance of Pharaoh quail. They were fed ad libitum between 09:00 to 17:00 or full day, daily. Each female-male pair was housed in multiple-bird cages and colony cages. Initial and final body weight, quail-day egg production, feed consumption per egg and mortality were measured to determine laying performance of breeders. A total of 960 eggs were used to determine reproductive performance of quail in each treatment group. Eggs were incubated in a commercial setter and hatcher in standard conditions. Embryonic mortality, apparent fertility, hatchability of total and fertile eggs were calculated to determine the reproductive performance. Results indicated that feeding between 09:00 to 17:00 h reduced final body weight and egg production (p<0.001, p<0.001). Whereas, limited time of feeding improved hatchability of total (p<0.001) and fertile eggs (p<0.001) and reduced embryonic mortality (p<0.001) when compared with the effects of feeding full day. It was found that there were no significant differences for the egg production of quail housed in different cage systems. Quail caged in multiple-bird cages consumed less feed (p<0.01) compared to quail housed in colony cages. There were significant differences for the mortality (p<0.05), hatchability of total (p<0.001) and fertile eggs (p<0.001), and embryonic mortality (p<0.001) during the incubation due to main effect of cage systems. There were significant cage systems×feeding time interactions for hatchability of total and fertile eggs and embryonic mortality (p<0.001). As a conclusion; feeding from 09:00 to 17:00 reduced laying performance of quail and improved the reproductive traits compared to full day feeding of quail breeders. But, further investigations are needed to determine the optimum length of feeding time and egg production of breeders in quail fed limited time must be evaluated in comparison with its beneficial or detrimental effects. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2006. Vol 19, No. 1 : 67-71)

Microsatellite mapping of QTL affecting growth, feed consumption, egg production, tonic immobility and body temperature of Japanese quail.

BackgroundThe Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) is both an animal model in biology and a commercial bird for egg and meat production. Modern research developments with this bird, however, have been slowed down by the limited information that is available on the genetics of the Japanese quail. Recently, quail genetic maps with microsatellites and AFLP have been produced which open the way to comparative works with the chicken (Gallus gallus), and to QTL detection for a variety of traits. The purpose of this work was to detect for the first time QTL for commercial traits and for more basic characters in an F2 experiment with 434 female quail, and to compare the nature and the position of the detected QTL with those from the first chicken genome scans carried out during the last few years.ResultsGenome-wide significant or suggestive QTL were found for clutch length, body weight and feed intake on CJA01, age at first egg and egg number on CJA06, and eggshell weight and residual feed intake on CJA20, with possible pleiotropy for the QTL affecting body weight and feed intake, and egg number and age at first egg. A suggestive QTL was found for tonic immobility on CJA01, and chromosome-wide significant QTL for body temperature were detected on CJA01 and CJA03. Other chromosome-wide significant QTL were found on CJA02, CJA05, CJA09 and CJA14. Parent-of-origin effects were found for QTL for body weight and feed intake on CJA01.ConclusionDespite its limited length, the first quail microsatellite map was useful to detect new QTL for rarely reported traits, like residual feed intake, and to help establish some correspondence between the QTL for feed intake, body weight and tonic immobility detected in the present work and those reported on GGA01 in the chicken. Further comparative work is now possible in order to better estimate and understand the genetic similarities and differences of these two Phasianidae species.

The future of Japanese quail for research and production

Japanese quail research measured by the number of published papers has gradually diminished over the past 10 years, and the trend appears to be due to the decrease of works using Japanese quail as an animal model or for biological studies. The flow of avian science-related papers on quail published in international journals remains about constant and low over the same period as the number of teams or laboratories with a quail research programme are few. On the other hand, commercial production of Japanese quail for eggs and meat is difficult to track precisely, and it is quite unequal across countries and continents, with increasing production in a few places, like Brazil. The futures of quail research and of quail production are not independent, however, and better links between both activities are needed to promote relevant research, explore new avenues of quail production, and help maintain this bird as an essential animal model.

Production of quail ( Coturnix japonica) germline chimeras by transfer of gonadal primordial germ cells into recipient embryos

The possibility of producing quail germline chimeras by the transfer of gonadal primordial germ cells (gPGCs) into recipient embryos was investigated. Japanese quail of the black (D: homozygous for the autosomal incomplete dominant gene D) and wild-type plumage (WP: d + / d + ) strains were used as donors and recipients, respectively. Gonadal cells were retrieved from the gonads of 5-day-old D embryos, and gPGCs were enriched by magnetism-activated cell sorting. Fresh (noncultured) gPGCs or those isolated after culture for 3 days with gonadal stromal cells present in the mixed cell population were introduced into the dorsal aorta of 2-day-old recipient WP embryos. Hatchability of the recipient embryos was 23.7% (31/131) and 34.4% (31/90) for those transfused with cultured or noncultured gPGCs, respectively. Of the hatched quail, 28 acquired sexual maturity; among these animals, 7.1% (1/14) and 21.4% (3/14) of those that received cultured or noncultured gPGCs, respectively, were proved to be germline chimeras. The percentage of germline transmission to the donor-derived gametes in the chimeras that received cultured and noncultured gPGCs were 1.9 and 2.2–4.7%, respectively. In conclusion, quail gPGCs retrieved from 5-day-old embryos were thus transmitted in the germline after their transfer to quail embryos of a different strain. This property of the gPGCs was not adversely affected by culture for up to 3 days.

Airborne Microorganisms During the Commercial Production and Processing of Japanese Quail

Total aerobic bacteria, molds/yeasts, E. coli and Enterobacteriaceae in the air during the commercial production and processing of Japanese quail were enumerated at twelve different sites. Production-related sampling sites included the breeder and grow-out houses along with the hatchery setter, hatcher, egg room and chick room. Processing-related sampling sites included the hanging/stunning area, scalding/defeathering room, evisceration line, chiller exit, further processing area and shipping room. Sampling site had a significant effect on the log counts for total aerobic bacteria, molds/yeasts, E. coli and 10 Enterobacteriaceae and (P < 0.0001). Moreover, significant correlation was found between airborne bacteria counts and both environmental temperature and humidity (P < 0.05). During production, highest counts for total aerobic bacteria (8.1 log cfu/ml air), molds/yeasts (3.6 log cfu/ml air), E. coli (1.9 log cfu/ml air) and 10 10 10 Enterobacteriaceae (2.3 log cfu/ml air) occurred in the grow-out house. Lowest production-related counts 10 for total aerobic bacteria (3.5 log cfu/ml air), molds/yeasts (2.5 log cfu/ml air) and Enterobacteriaceae (2.0 10 10 log cfu/ml air) occurred in the chick room at the hatchery. At the processing facility, highest counts for total 10 aerobic bacteria (6.8 log cfu/ml air), E. coli (1.4 log cfu/ml air) and Enterobacteriaceae (1.5 log cfu/ml air) 10 10 10 occurred in the areas where quail are hung/stunned and scalded/defeathered. E. coli was not found at any of the sampling sites in the hatchery (setter, hatcher, egg room, chick room) or at the chiller exit, further processing area or shipping room at the processing facility. Data gathered during this study may be useful in identifying the sources and levels of airborne contaminates in commercial production and processing of quail so that effective intervention practices may be established or strengthened.

Effects of poppy seed meal on egg production and hatching results in quail ( Coturnix coturnix japonica)

This study was carried out to determine the effects of poppy seed meal (PSM) on the egg production and hatching of quail. Two experiments were undertaken. In the first experiment, 240 quail, reared under the same conditions, were divided into four groups of 60 birds each (which were, in turn, subdivided into four subgroups of 15 each for experimental replicates). The first, second, and third experimental groups were fed ratios containing 5%, 15%, and 25% PSM, respectively, over 12 weeks. The control group received no PSM. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum and artificial light was provided for 16 h a day. During the first experiment, egg production, egg weight, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured. In the second experiment, 240 female and 48 male quail were divided into four groups, as in the preceding experiment, and the birds were housed in cages at a ratio of one male to five females. The diets and their presentation to the quails were the same as in the preceding experiment. The results of the two experiments showed that the addition of PSM to the feed ratios increased egg production, feed consumption, and feed conversion per kg of eggs and per dozen eggs. However, PSM addition at all percentages significantly reduced ( P<0.001) hatchability, mainly because of increased infertility and embryonic deaths.

Heat Loads on Reproducing Bobwhites in the Semiarid Subtropics

The cause-effect process leading to boom-bust population behavior in quails of the semiarid subtropics remains obscure. We challenged the heat hypothesis, which states that heat loads explain variation in quail production among years. Comparison of the 1997 and 1998 breeding seasons in southern Texas revealed the quantity of thermally tolerable space in time (operative temperature ≤39°C) declined and the intensity of thermal conditions increased. This change was associated with an 86.4 ± 5.43% decrease in the calling activity of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) males. We observed heat loads for extended periods within days and breeding seasons and over extensive areas that were sufficient to kill embryos in eggs, chicks, and adults, cause premature incubation and staggered hatching; reduce the length of the laying season and thus inhibit renesting and multiple-brooding; and cause males and females to go out of reproductive condition. Our results supported a necessary condition for the heat hypothesis, namely that thermal conditions severe enough to inhibit quail reproduction occur over extensive areas and times in the semiarid subtropics.

Associated effects of the roux plumage color mutation on growth, carcass traits, egg production, and reproduction of Japanese quail

After two generations of introgression of the sex-linked recessive roux color mutation into a commercial broiler Japanese quail line with wild-type plumage, growth, carcass, egg laying, and reproduction of birds were evaluated and compared for all types of birds produced (considering sex, line, and plumage). Usual sex differences were obtained for BW, with larger values in females and 5% sexual dimorphism. Weights were larger also in the pure commercial line, which had a higher hatching rate (HR) than the introgressed birds at 17 to 19 wk of age. Roux plumage was significantly associated with 3% lower BW and 30% less abdominal fat (AF) pad. Egg production was not influenced by the roux mutation, but egg weight (EW) was 2% lower. Characteristics associated with the roux gene are similar to those reported for the albino mutation, except for AF, which was not tested in albino quail. The similarity of the pleiotropic effects might result from some modification that the two mutations induce in an early step of a metabolic pathway involved both in coloration and in growth. From a practical breeding standpoint, the roux gene appears to be a interesting candidate gene for auto-sexing in quail production.

The Effect of Multiple-Brooding on Age Ratios of Quail

Multiple-brooding in quail was once thought to occur rarely, if at all, and interpretations of recruitment were based on the assumption of single-brooding. Recent research on northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) indicates double- and triple-brooding occur in widely separated geographic areas. We developed time-free and time-based models of multiple-brooding to explore the role of this behavior in recruitment as indexed by autumn age ratios. Using empirical data on northern bobwhites, we found second and third broods contribute little to age ratios under a typical probability of nest success (0.3). Production is similar whether a hen quits laying after the first successful attempt, given 3 attempts, or whether a hen uses all 3 attempts. The time-based models suggest hatching phenologies obtained by backdating from wing molt may be biased (peak hatch is earlier than predicted by backdating). Management goals for high quail production should be to maximize the proportion of hens that lay, the probability of nest success, and the number of days in the laying season.

Production of Germline Chimeric Quail by Transfer of Gonadal Primordial Germ Cells Preserved in Liquid Nitrogen.

In previous studies, primordial germ cells (PGCs) of the chicken were successfully stored in liquid nitrogen, and viable progenies were obtained after transfer of the frozenthawed PGCs into recipient embryos. This study was performed in order to examine whether PGCs of the Japanese quail could be preserved under conditions similar to those for the cryopreservation of chicken PGCs. First, quail PGCs purified from embryonic blood were stored in liquid nitrogen for one to two weeks. The viability of the frozenthawed PGCs was 85% on average, indicating that the PGCs were successfully preserved. Then, gonadal PGCs enriched from the gonadal anlage of wild-type and F1 (AMRP×SBPN) quail embryos at 5 days of incubation were stored in liquid nitrogen for up to 5 months, and tranferred to quail embryos of the other strain. Upon mating with F1 (AMRP×SBPN) quail, progenies derived from the donor PGCs were obtained from two out of 12 manipulated quail. The proportion of donor derived progenies in these two germline chimeric quail was 2.4% and 2.5%. These results indicated that the quail gonadal PGCs stored in liquid nitrogen retained the ability to differentiate into functional gametes, and that the genetic resources of the quail could be conserved by cryopreserving their PGCs.

The quail industry of Estonia

The first quail chicks imported into Estonia were hatched in 1967 and the first quail farm was built in 1976. Commercial quail production began in 1980 and 10 years later annual egg production had reached 7.1 million and annual production of meat birds was about 10 tonnes. The development of quail farming in Estonia has depended on several factors, particularly the development through selection of improved egg-meat strains and successful research into incubation, brooding, nutrition and the husbandry and management of both broiler and egg production stocks. Current levels of performance under commercial conditions are for egg production of up to 86% or 315 (per bird housed) from 35 to 400 days of age. Average feed consumption levels as low as 2.62 kg/kg egg mass are achieved. Estonian broiler quail males average about 140 g and females 150 g live weight at 35 days and are considerably heavier than the original Japanese stock. Average feed conversion (males and females) is as low as 2.83 kg/kg live weight.