Quail In Group Research Articles

Impact of dietary supplementation of Rhamnus prinoides leaf extract on the growth performance, nutrient retention and intestinal microbial count of “japanese quails”

This research was carried out to investigate the impact of dietary supplementation of Rhamnus prinoides leaf extract (RPL) on the growth performance, nutrient retention and intestinal microbial count of “japanese quails”. 300-2 weeks old “japanese quails” were allocated sixty birds per group and group treatment had four replicates (15 quails per replicate). Corn-soya meal (basal diet) was formulated according to the nutritional needs of birds (NRC, 1994). Quails in group 1(G1) was fed basal diet with no R. prinoides leaf extract, G2, G3, G4 and G5 were fed basal diet with 0.2 mL, 0.4 mL, 0.6 mL and 0.8 mL respectively. Result on the bioactive components in RPL revealed the presence of 15 bioactive compounds with pharmacological properties. Outcome on average daily weight gain showed that G3 (3.20 g), G4 (3.23 g) and G5 (3.24 g) were higher (P < 0.05) relative to G2 (3.06 g) and G1 (2.21 g). These groups also had a better feed conversion ratio (G3, G4 and G5). Average daily feed intake which varied from 703.81-708.33 g were not significantly (P > 0.05) different among the group. Mortality was recorded only among quails in group 1 (2.0%) (P < 0.05). Dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and nitrogen free extracts which varied from 70.12-86.57%, 58.70-68.91% and 50.62-66.05% were higher (P < 0.05) in G3, G4 and G5, intermediate in G2 and lowest in G1. Conversely, crude fibre values were higher in G1 relative to the other groups. Population of Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp. and Staphylococcus sp. count in the gut were lower in G2, G3, G4 and G5 relative to G1 while Lactobacillus sp. count were lowest in G1 (P < 0.05). It was concluded that RPL can be feed to quails up to 0.8 mL/L without causing any negative effect on the growth performance and health status of birds.

Dietary supplementation with mushroom powder (Agaricus bisporus) on performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and bone biomechanical properties of quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

This study was performed to determine the effect of mushroom powder (MP) (Agaricus bisporus) supplementation on growing Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). A total of 300 unsexed 1-day-old Japanese quails with similar body weights (8.38 ± 0.2 g) were randomly assigned to five treatment groups with six replications. Additions of 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, or 1.00% of MP to the basal diet were used to develop the treatment groups. Quails were fed ad libitum for 42 days. At the end of the experiment, 12 quails from each experimental unit were euthanised to determine performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and bone biochemical properties. Results showed that all dietary MP did not negatively affect any performance parameters (P > 0.05), while by the third week of life, there was an increase (P < 0.05) in body weight and body weight gain in the quails of the 0.75% MP group compared to the control group. Nevertheless, these differences disappeared at the end of the trial (P > 0.05). No differences were observed (P > 0.05) for any of the studied carcass traits, except for the pancreas weight which decreased (P < 0.05) with the addition of high MP (1.00%). Regarding meat quality, all color parameters were affected on the fifth day of sampling (P < 0.05) but not on the first day (P > 0.05). It was detected that the breast of the quails in group 0.75% MP had the highest L* value and the lowest a* value. While the breast of the 1.00% MP group had the highest b value and the lowest pH value. Dietary MP enhanced oxidative stability, reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) value in the breast compared to the control at both sampling points (P < 0.01), being more noted on the fifth day of sampling. Bone biomechanical properties (in terms of shear force or shear stress) were improved (P < 0.01) with the dietary addition of MP at 0.75% compared to the control. It can be suggested that MP is a secure ingredient in animal feed without negatively affecting performance parameters, carcass traits, or meat quality. Therefore, including an interval of 0.50–0.75% of MP in the diet of growing quails could be a suitable strategy to improve certain parameters such as the meat’s oxidative stability and the bone’s biomechanical parameters. Moreover, the efficacy of MP on performance development would be greater during the first weeks of the quails’ life due to their intestinal conditions at this stage.

Predatory Birds Fauna of Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal) (Acrididae: Orthoptera) in Barmer, Rajasthan (India)

This field study was conducted on birds as natural predators of desert locust, S. gregaria and recorded to be the indicator along the movement of hoppers during the occurrence. Eight birds were observed to prey on different stages of locust. Indian myna, common crow, spotted babbler in flocks, desert lark, variable wheatear in small groups and rock bush quail in group were observed to pick and feed on locust. However, Gouriya and Bagula in folks were observed to prey on I to II and III to IV instars hoppers but folks of both seen near villages. The congregation of any one or combination of species of the eight identified bird species can be used as the ‘indicators’ of presence of desert locust hoppers for survey by locust surveyors and to strategize further management practices.

Influence of probiоtic additive “Evitalia” on growth and blood indices of quails

The results of the studies on the determination of the optimal dose of the probiotic additive “Evitalia” (PAE) for the quails of the Texas breed have been presented in the article. The experiments were conducted on the quails aged 1–35 days. The object of the research was the probiotic additive “Evitalia” that consisted of eight components (the strains of lactic acidmicroorganisms, macro- and microelements). The subject of the investigation was the influence of PAE on the growth, preservation, the morphological composition and biochemical indices of blood. The studies were carried out in the following conditions of microclimate and sanitary regime: the air temperature in the pens-cages was 16–18 ºC in the autumn and winter period that was 5–7 ºC lower than it was provided by the standard; in spring the temperature was 23–15 ºС that was lower than it was provided by the standard (29–35 ºС). The concentration of carbon dioxide ranged within 0.20–0.25 % (2.0–2.5 l/m3), ammonia – 12–13.4 mg/m3, the general contamination of the air by microflora was 50–60 thousand KOE/m3. The experiments were conducted on the four groups of quails, 60 quails in each group. The quails of the control group were fed by water without PAE, the probiotic at the dose of 7 mg/500 ml of water was given to the quails of the experimental group 1 (E-1), 9 mg of probiotic/500 ml water received the birds of the experimental group 2 (E-2) and the quails of the experimental group 3 (E-3) were given the probiotic at the dose of 11 mg/500 ml water. The positive influence of the probiotic additive “Evitalia” on the growth and the body live weight gain of the quails was observedin the experimental groups as compared to the quails of the control group. The trustworthy increase in the growth and live weight gain of the quails was detected on the 7-, 14-, 21-, 35-day of their life (Р &lt; 0.05), especially in the quails that received PAE at the dose of 9 mg (E-2). The quails of the experimental group 2 exceeded the others by the average daily live weight gains. The growth intensity of the quails in the experimental group 2 was 6.43 % higher than that of the control one, higher by 3.47 % and 5.57 % than in the experimental groups 1 and 3, respectively. The preservation of the quails in the control group was lower by 4.8 – 5.1 % as compared to the quails in the experimental groups. By the data on the growth of the body live weight, the composition and biochemical indices of blood of the quails it can be concluded that the optimal dose of the probioticadditive “Evitalia” is 9 mg/500 ml water that activates hematopoesis and stimulates the growth and development of quails.

ИНТЕНСИВНОСТЬ РОСТА И РАЗВИТИЯ ПЕРЕПЕЛОВ ПРИ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИИ НАНО-СТРУКТУРНОГО ПРЕПАРАТА

The article is devoted to the study of the intensity of growth and development of quails us-ing a nanostructured preparation. The object of the study was the Texas white quail (n = 45), at the age of 10 days, which were divided into 1 control and 4 experimental groups. Birds from the exper-imental groups were given a complex preparation in various doses and forms to the main diet, con-sisting of compound feed DK-52. It was found that birds are intensively gaining live weight in the first 28 days of feeding. The average daily gains in live weight increased in quails from group 1 by 8.3 %, group 2 – 12.9 %, group 3 – 3.8 % and group 4 – 24.9 % compared with birds of the control group. Starting from the 35th day, there is a decrease in the average daily gain. The best results for both 28 and 56 days were shown by quails in group 4, which received a complex preparation at a dose of 1 % of the diet weight.

Veterinary and sanitary characteristics of quail meat by feeding nanocrystalline cerium dioxide

The unresolved problem of quail is feed stress and high sensitivity of poultry of this species to feed quality. To eliminate such consequences it is possible with the use of various biologically active feed additives. However, their introduction into the diet automatically raises questions about the quality and safety of the products for the consumer. The purpose of the research is to conduct a veterinary and sanitary assessment of the quality of quail meat for feeding NDC. The purpose of the research is to conduct a veterinary and sanitary assessment of the quality of quail meat for feeding NDC. The object of study were the quails of the Pharaoh breed, at the age of 24 were divided into two groups: experimental and control 30 heads each. The birds were kept in cages with free access to food and water. Quails of the experimental group were added to drinking water feed additive "Nanocerium" at a dose of 8.6 mg per liter of drinking water. Nanocerium feed additive is an aqueous dispersion of NDC with average nanoparticle sizes of 2–7 nm. Antemortem examination of quails of both groups revealed a satisfactory clinical condition of birds. The average weight of the gut carcass of quails of the experimental group was higher by 8.3% compared to the control. Examination of 20 carcasses of quails showed that they can be classified as first class. According to organoleptic parameters, quail meat is of good quality in veterinary and sanitary terms. Microbiological studies of quail meat indicate no effect of NDC in the applied doses on its bacterial contamination. Chemical parameters of meat (pH, aminoammonia nitrogen, volatile fatty acids during storage in the refrigerator) (5 days, t = 4–5 ° C) tended to increase and were within the normal range for fresh product. Tissue in quails of both groups was not detected. The biological value of quail meat in both groups was identical and no toxicity. Tasting evaluation of the broth and meat showed that NDC did not affect the studied taste. The obtained results show that the quails that received the feed additive "Nanocerium" with water according to the indicators of veterinary and sanitary examination are of good quality, which allows to use it in human food without restrictions. Key words: poultry, nanocerium, organoleptic evaluation, microbial contamination, biological value, tasting evaluation.

Molecular and pathogenicity of infectious bronchitis virus (Gammacoronavirus) in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) infection is highly infectious respiratory disease in poultry industry with significant economic importance. The prevalence of IBV in quail industry in Malaysia was not well documented; therefore, its actual role in the epidemiology of the disease is relatively unknown. This study was to determine the susceptibility of Japanese quail, as one of the species in commercial poultry industry, toward IBV. In addition, it will also give a potential impact on the overall health management in the quail industry even though it had been established that quail are resistant to diseases affecting poultry. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, it is the first experimental study on IBV inoculation in quail. In this experimental study, 20 quails were divided into 4 groups (n = 5 for group A, B, and C, n = 5 for control group). The quails in group A, B, and C were infected via intraocular and intranasal routes with 0.2 mL of 10 × 5 EID50 of the virus. Clinical signs, gross lesions, positive detection of virus, and trachea histopathological scoring were used to assess the susceptibility of these Japanese quails. The results have indicated mild ruffled feathers and watery feces in these inoculated birds. Trachea, lung, and kidney were subjected to one-step reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for virus detection. The virus was found from trachea and lung samples, whereas it was absent from all kidney samples. Only 3 quails were found with gross lesions. There was a significant difference of tracheal lesion by 0.009 ± 0.845 (P < 0.05) within the treatment groups. In summary, Japanese quails might be susceptible to IBV.

Effects of cadmium and zinc on the activity of chymotrypsin and trypsin in droppings of Japanese quails

The aim of the study was to observe the effect of Cd on the activity of chymotrypsin (ACHT) and trypsin (AT) in droppings of Japanese quails. The birds (24) were divided into four groups of six subjects each. The animals in group 1 received 0.12 mg Cd/d in drinking water, whereas those in group 2 were given 4 mg Zn/d. The quails in group 3 were supplied a combination of 0.12 mg Cd/day and 4 mg Zn/d. The quails in group 4 were not given any supplements, acting as controls. ACHT and AT were determined after 35 and 58d of supplementation. The addition of Cd in drinking water resulted in inhibition of ACHT and AT (p < 0.001) in group G1 in comparison to the control. Zinc showed a positive effect (p < 0.001) on the increase of ACHT and AT in groups 2 and 3. The significantly higher (p < 0.001) ACHT and AT were observed in group G3 with addition of Cd and Zn than in group G1 with addition of Cd. Our results indicated that long‐term supplementation of Zn can have a positive effect on ACHT and AT in droppings of Japanese quails.

Effects of cadmium and zinc on the quality of quail's eggs

We report the effects of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) on the quality of Japanese quail's eggs. For this study, 60 birds were divided into 3 groups of 20 subjects each. The animals in group 1 received 4 mg Zn/d, whereas those in group 2 were given a combination of 4 mg Zn/d and 0.12 mg Cd/d. The quails in group 3 were not given any supplements, acting as controls. The distribution of Cd and Zn in the eggs, the eggs' mass, and the strength and thickness of the shells were determined after 35 and 58 d of supplementation. Zinc showed a positive effect on the mass of eggs and accumulated mainly in the egg white. The content of Cd was significantly lower in the egg yolk of birds in group 1 (p<0.001), whereas those in group 2 had decreased eggshell thickness and strength in comparison to groups 1 and 3 (p<0.001). These results suggest that the adverse effects of Cd on the quality parameters of eggs from commercially important bird species can be, at least in part, counteracted by Zn supplementation.

Carry over (transfer) of feed‐borne acrylamide into eggs, muscle, serum, and faeces – a pilot study with Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Two groups of 10 quails each were fed for 30 days on a diet containing either 663 microg feed-borne acrylamide (AA)/kg feed (group B) or 2472 microg AA/kg feed (group C) respectively. The concentrations of AA present in excreta and eggs were compared with those measured in eggs and excreta obtained from a control group (group A) fed on a diet low in AA (<10 microg/kg). The results clearly showed that the eggs of quails in group C contained approximately 53-112 microg AA/kg based on dry weight, while eggs collected from group A did not contain AA (limit of detection in eggs 3.5 microg/kg). Nearly 5% of the AA fed was recovered in the excreta. The AA concentrations in liver, muscle and serum were detectable, but below the limit of quantitation.

Evaluation of a Collagen Patch as a Method of Enhancing Ventriculotomy Healing in Japanese Quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica)

Objective— To assess the ability of a porcine submucosal collagen patch to enhance ventriculotomy healing in quail.Study Design— Histologic assessment of wound repair after ventriculotomy.Animal Population— Eighteen adult Japanese quail.Methods— All quail had a ventriculotomy through the caudoventral thin muscle. The quail were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: group I (n = 9) had routine closure and group II (n = 9) had routine closure and the application of a porcine submucosal collagen patch over the serosal surface of the ventricular suture line. Three quail from each group underwent necropsy at 7, 14, and 21 days after surgery and healing of the ventriculotomy site was evaluated by microscopy.Results— Ventricular mucosal epithelium was completely healed at 21 days postoperatively. Time to restoration of the ventricular submucosal integrity was variable in both groups. There was evidence of a gross or microscopic perforation in 4 quail in group II, which was statistically significant (P= .041). Quail with perforations had significantly elevated numbers of ventricular serosal lymphoid aggregates compared with those without perforations (P= .029). There were no other significant temporal differences between group I and group II for mortality or histopathologic grading of wound healing.Conclusions— A porcine collagen patch did not enhance ventriculotomy wound healing. Subjectively, the collagen patch might have contributed to perforation by the generation of a lymphocytic xenograft rejection response.Clinical Relevance— Ventriculotomy can be safely performed using routine closure methods in healthy birds.

Experimental Toxoplasmosis in Japanese Quail

Twenty-four 5-month-old battery-hatched Japanese quail were inoculated orally with 10(5) (ME 49 strain, group A, 6 birds), 10(3) (ME 49 strain, group B, 6 birds), 10(5) (GT-1 strain, group C, 6 birds), and 10(3) (GT-1 strain, group D, 6 birds) Toxoplasma gondii oocysts. All birds in group C died or were euthanized within 8 days after inoculation (DAI). Five of the 6 birds in group D died or were euthanized 8, 9, 15, 19, and 23 DAI. One of the 6 quail in group A died 9 DAI, and 1 of the 6 birds in group D died 16 DAI. The 11 quail (1 from group D and 10 from groups A and B) were euthanized 63 DAI; T. gondii was isolated by bioassays in mice from the brains of 10, hearts of 10, and skeletal muscles of all 11 quail. Quail that survived marked small intestinal and splenic toxoplasmosis lived long enough to develop severe protozoal pneumonia, myocarditis, or meningoencephalitis. The quail that survived only to be examined at 63 DAI had moderate multifocal nonpurulent encephalitis and myositis and had a hypertrophic spleen that contained hemosiderin-laden macrophages. Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were found in the sera of all quail examined 63 DAI. Antibody titers to T. gondii in the modified agglutination test were higher than in the indirect hemagglutination and latex agglutination tests. Antibodies were not detected in quail sera examined by the Sabin-Feldman dye test.

Experimental Toxoplasmosis in Bobwhite Quail (Colinus virginianus)

Twenty-four 3-5-mo-old battery-hatched bobwhite quail were inoculated orally with 10(5) (ME 49 strain, group A, 6 birds), 10(4) (ME 49 strain, group B, 6 birds), 10(5) (GT-1 strain, group C, 6 birds), and 10(4) (GT-1 strain, group D, 6 birds) Toxoplasma gondii oocysts. One quail in group B died 18 days after inoculation (DAI) due to undetermined etiology. Two quail from group C and 1 quail from group D given GT-1 oocysts died of acute toxoplasmosis 6, 7, and 8 DAI, respectively; numerous T. gondii tachyzoites were found in lesions in visceral tissues. The surviving quail in group A and B were killed 106 DAI and those in groups C and D were killed 60 DAI. Toxoplasma gondii was isolated from pooled tissues of 4 of 5 quail in group B. Brains, hearts, and skeletal muscles from quail in groups A, C, and D were bioassayed individually in mice; T. gondii was isolated from the brains of all 6, hearts of 3, and skeletal muscles of 2 of the 6 quail in group A; from the brains of all 4, hearts of 1, and skeletal muscles of 2 of the 4 quail in group C; and from the brains of all 5, hearts of 1, and skeletal muscles of 3 of the 5 quail in group D. Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were found in sera of all 20 quail killed 60 or 106 DAI. Antibody titers detected in the modified agglutination test using whole tachyzoites were higher than in latex agglutination and indirect hemagglutination tests that used soluble antigens. Antibodies were not detected in a 1:4 dilution of 19 of 20 quail sera in the Sabin-Feldman dye test.

Effects of fish oil on arteriosclerosis in the Japanese quail.

The effects of fish oil on the development of arteriosclerosis were assessed using a special susceptible strain (SEA) of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Sixty four quail were randomly divided into two groups and placed on isocaloric and approximately isocholesterolic (2% by weight) diets. Group A (control) was supplemented with 10% beef tallow oil, while group B received 10% Menhaden fish oil. The birds were sacrificed at 10 weeks (early) and 15-16 weeks (late). Based on semiquantitative histological grading of the arteriosclerotic lesions in the proximal aorta and brachiocephalic arteries, a score from 1 (no lesion) to 5 (severe, diffuse lesions) was assigned. A total of 57 quail were evaluated (seven died prior to scheduled sacrifice). At the early period, the mean arteriosclerosis scores for group A (n = 8) and group B (n = 8) were 3.3 (SD 1.0) and 1.9(1.0) respectively (p less than 0.017); 63% of the quail in group A and 13% of those in group B had a score greater than or equal to 3 (p less than 0.25, NS). At the late period, the scores for group A (n = 20) and group B (n = 21) were 3.8(0.6) and 2.6(0.9), respectively (p less than 0.001); 95% of the birds in group A and 43% of those in group B had a score greater than or equal to 3 (p less than 0.005). Histopathological examination of the arteriosclerotic lesions revealed disruption of the innermost elastic lamina, increased proteoglycan deposition in the medial interlamellar spaces, and the distinct involvement of macrophage like cells. Compared to human disease, arteriosclerosis in the quail is marked by distinct similarities, as well as differences. The SEA strain of Japanese quail appears to be a practical model for the study of arteriosclerosis; fish oil reduces the severity of disease in these birds when fed a high cholesterol diet.