Reproductive Performance Of Japanese Quail Research Articles

Effect of Incorporating Soursop (Annona muricata) Leaves Powder on Reproductive Performance of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Introduction: Soursop leaves are rich in various molecules, including total phenols, terpenes, and steroids, which possess a range of pharmacological properties that can be utilized in animal production to enhance both growth and reproduction of animals. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporating soursop (Annona muricata; A. muricata) leaves powder into feed on the reproductive performance of Japanese quail. Materials and methods: A total of 80 Japanese quails (64 females and 16 males) aged two weeks were randomly divided into four experimental groups, labeled T0, T1, T2, and T3, and received feed additives with 0 mg/kg body weight (bw), 250 mg/kg bw, 500 mg/kg bw, and 750 mg/kg bw of powdered soursop leaves, respectively. Additionally, water was provided ad libitum, and the quails' weights were measured every 7 days for a period of 75 days. At the end of the period, 12 female quails from each group were sacrificed after 24 hours fasting period. Blood was collected for hematological (Leukocyte, Erythrocyte, and Platelet indices) and serum biochemical (total serum cholesterol, total proteins, albumin, and globulin, Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Urea, and Creatinine) analysis. The males were also sacrificed to evaluate the spermatozoa characteristics (mobility, concentration, and viability). Results: No statistical significant changes in growth characteristics or hematological parameters were observed. However, biochemical parameters increased significantly with the inclusion of Soursop (A. muricate) in quail feed, including increased total cholesterol, total protein, and globulin levels, and decreased malondialdehyde levels. This effect was most significant at dosage of 500 mg/kg bw. Serum levels of urea, Alanine aminotransferase, and Aspartate aminotransferase were not significantly affected by A. muricata whatever the concentration considered. A significant increase in fast progressive spermatozoa, along with a decrease in immotile spermatozoa, was observed with A. muricate at dosage of 500 mg/kg bw compared to the control. Sperm viability also increased significantly, particularly in live at dosage of 500 mg/kg bw. Significant increase was observed in fertility parameters, including increased fertility rate, hatchability rate of fertile eggs, total hatchability rate, and chick weight, along with decreased embryonic mortality at 500 mg/kg bw treatment compared to the control. Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings indicated that incorporating A. muricata leaf powder at 500 mg/kg bw into quail feed positively influences reproductive cells and boosts fertility growth promoters.

Effects of coenzyme Q10 on reproductive performance of laying Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) under cadmium challenge

Japanese quail is an increasingly important bird of economic importance for commercial egg and meat production, particularly in developing countries. There is a need for research aimed at improving efficiency of these birds during stressful challenges, such as oxidative stress. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a highly functional antioxidant, protects cells against oxidative stress. This study was conducted to determine the effects of CoQ10 on reproductive performance of Japanese quail under cadmium (Cd) challenge. A total of 216 six-wk-old Japanese quail were randomly allocated into 3 groups for an 8 wk experimental trial. The treatments include a negative control (NC): feeding basal diet; a positive control (PC): feeding basal diet and cadmium administration (1 mg/100 g BW, at 10 and 11 wk of age), and (CdQ10): feeding CoQ10 supplemented (900 mg/kg diet) basal diet and Cd administration. At 11 and 13 wk of age, egg production, body weight, mortality, oviduct, and ovarian biometry, were recorded. Histology and histopathology of isthmus and magnum, fertility, hatchability, hatchling quality, and HSP70 mRNA transcript abundance in the utero-vaginal junction (UVJ) were evaluated. Positive control and CdQ10 group had no significant effect on live body weight, stroma weight, follicle size, hatchability, and fertility; however, Cd administration increased (P < 0.01) mortality rate in the PC group compared to the NC and CdQ10 groups. CdQ10 quail produced more eggs and had a higher hatchling quality compared to the PC group (P < 0.01). The thickness and height of isthmus and magnum folds in the CdQ10 group was increased compared to the PC group (P < 0.01) and overall oviduct weight was increased with CoQ10 supplementation (P < 0.01). Compared to PC, the CdQ10 group had a reduction in infiltration of inflammatory cells. Relative abundance of HSP70 mRNA in UVJ was influenced by interactive effect of treatment × time (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of CoQ10 showed beneficial effects on some reproduction characteristics of female Japanese quail under Cd-induced oxidative stress.

The Effect of Adding Different Types of Vegetable Oils and Waste Frying Oil on the Productive and Reproductive Performance of Japanese Quail

The Effect of Adding Different Types of Vegetable Oils and Waste Frying Oil on the Productive and Reproductive Performance of Japanese Quail

Retinal and extra-retinal photoreceptor responses and reproductive performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) following exposure to different photoperiodic regime

Japanese quail is a truly photoperiodic avian species. In general long days are gonado-stimulatory and short days are gonado-inhibitory for this poultry bird. To investigate the correlation of retinal and extra-retinal photoreceptors with different photoperiodic conditions quail were divided into 2 groups and kept under long day (16L: 8D) and short day (8L: 16D) condition separately to develop photosensitivity and scotosensitivity respectively. Transfer of long day quail to intermediate day-length (13.5L: 10.5D) developed photorefractoriness (relative) and prolonged exposure to short photoperiodic conditions led the birds to develop scotorefractoriness. Increased expression of mRNA and immunosignaling of photoreceptors rhodopsin, transducin in eye and hypothalamus while decreased mRNA expression of melatonin receptors (Mel1b, Mel1c) were noted in the eyes of photosensitive (PS) and scotorefractory (SR) quail compared to photorefractory (PR) and scotosensitive (SS) birds respectively. Decreased expression of hypothalamic GnIH and melatonin receptors mRNA was observed in PS and SR birds compared to PR and SS birds respectively. Modulation of retinal and extra retinal photoreceptors leads to increased spermatogenesis as well as mRNA expression of steroidogenic genes and androgen receptor in the testis of sexually active PS and SR quail. These results led us to conclude that gonadal stimulation in PS as well as SR quail is outcome of activated retinal and extra retinal photoreceptors which lowered melatonin receptors and GnIH expression. Contrarily testicular inhibition in PR and SS is the outcome of decreased photoperception. It is suggested that decreased photoperception in SS quail increases after prolong exposure of the short day (in SR) leading to increased activity of HPG axis.

Effect of Essential Fatty Acid Proportion in Feed on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

ABSTRACT This investigation was carried out to determine the effect of Essential Fatty Acids proportion (EFAs [n-6, n-3]) in feed through the mixture of soy, olive, canola or chia oil on EFA profile in eggs as well as productive and reproductive performance of Japanese quail. We used 120 quail from 7 to 22 weeks of age, in 15 cages in groups of 6 females and 2 males assigned according to the completely randomized design to 3 treatments with 5 replicates. The treatments were n-6:n-3 proportions 10:1 (control), 4:1 and 1:1. FA profile in yolk, feed intake, laying rate, egg weight, fertility, hatchability, and embryonic mortality were measured. In the egg yolk, n-6 content was similar in the proportions (p>0.05), while n-3 content increased (p 0.05). In 4:1 and 1:1 proportion laying percentage was greater, but egg weight was lower (p 0.68). Early and total embryonic mortality was lower in 10:1 and 4:1 proportion (p 0.30). The results of the experiment indicate that the mixture of soy, olive, canola or chia oil, to obtain n-6:n-3 proportion of 1:1, 4:1 and 10:1 does not modify feed consumption, laying rate, egg weight, fertility, and hatchability; but, 4:1 and 10:1 proportions favor a lower embryonic mortality.

Effect of Supplementation Different Levels of Vitamin E and Pumpkin Seed Oil to the Diet on Productive, Physiological and Reproductive Performance of Japanese Quail

The principal goal of this study was to evaluate whether dietary vitamin E and pumpkin seed oil would affect the productive, physiological and reproductive performance of Japanese quail by using 120 birds at 22 weeks of age. The birds were randomly distribution into five dietary groups 24 birds each group contain three replicated pens, as follow: First group: kept on basal diet without any addition as control group, second and third groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 150 and 200 mg/ kg vitamin E / kg of diet, fourth and fifth groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 15 and 30 ml/kg pumpkin seed oil /kg of diet respectively. The results showed a significant improvement in egg production (H.D%), egg number, egg weight and egg mass produced for the vitamin E (200mg/ kg of diet) compared with the other groups. Additionally, the results showed that vitamin E (200mg/ kg of diet) significantly increased gonads relative weight , testes development, egg characterizes and serum testosterone, estrogen, FSH and LH hormones compared with other groups. Also , the birds were fed on 15 and 30 ml seed pumpkin oil/ kg of diet were significantly increased in the most parameter compared with control group. It can be concluded that the addition of vitamin E (200 mg/kg of diet) and pumpkin seed oil (30ml of diet), had positive effects on gonads, testicular histology, egg production and serum testosterone, estrogen, FSH and LH hormones concentration.

Effect of Supplementation Different Levels of Vitamin E and Pumpkin Seed Oil to the Diet on Productive, Physiological and Reproductive Performance of Japanese Quail

&#x0D; The principal goal of this study was to evaluate whether dietary vitamin E and pumpkin seed oil would affect the productive, physiological and reproductive performance of Japanese quail by using 120 birds at 22 weeks of age. The birds were randomly distribution into five dietary groups 24 birds each group contain three replicated pens, as follow: First group: kept on basal diet without any addition as control group, second and third groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 150 and 200 mg/ kg vitamin E / kg of diet, fourth and fifth groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 15 and 30 ml/kg pumpkin seed oil /kg of diet respectively. The results showed a significant improvement in egg production (H.D%), egg number, egg weight and egg mass produced for the vitamin E (200mg/ kg of diet) compared with the other groups. Additionally, the results showed that vitamin E (200mg/ kg of diet) significantly increased gonads relative weight , testes development, egg characterizes and serum testosterone, estrogen, FSH and LH hormones compared with other groups. Also , the birds were fed on 15 and 30 ml seed pumpkin oil/ kg of diet were significantly increased in the most parameter compared with control group. It can be concluded that the addition of vitamin E (200 mg/kg of diet) and pumpkin seed oil (30ml of diet), had positive effects on gonads, testicular histology, egg production and serum testosterone, estrogen, FSH and LH hormones concentration.&#x0D;

EFFECT OF DIETARY SUMAC SEED POWDER AS ANTIOXIDANTS AND GROWTH PROMOTER ON EGG PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE AND BLOOD OF JAPANESE QUAIL LAYING

The effect of various levels of sumac seed powder (SSP) as antioxidant and growth promoter on laying performance, egg production, egg quality, some plasma concentration and reproductive performance of Japanese quail was investigated using 180 birds in 9 weeks of age, randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (0.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5% SSP) with 45 birds per treatment and 3 replicates (10 hens and 5 cocks each). The results obtained can be summarized as follows: At the overall periods quail fed 2% SSP recorded significant the highest (p≤0.05) feed consumption compared with 2.5% SSP, while, all levels of SSP recorded the best values of feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. Also, egg production %, egg number, egg weight and egg mass/hen/day for SSP treatments were significantly (p≤0.05)increased than those fed control diet. Sumac seed powder supplements significantly (p≤0.05) increased albumin height, internal quality unit, color yolk, shell% and yolk / albumin ratio. However, albumin% and shell thickness were significantly decreased compared with control group. Also, most levels of SSP had improved the blood hematological parameters such as white blood cells, hemoglobin, red blood cells and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration feeding especial birds fed 1.5 and 2% SSP compared to the control group. The birds fed 1.5% SSP recorded significantly (p≤0.05) the highest value for globulin and improved A/G ratio compared with other treatments. The plasma lipid profile, liver enzymes and total lipid were significantly reduced (p≤0.05) but increased total antioxidant capacity and by supplementation SSP. Reproductive performance significantly (p≤0.05)improved by feeding SSP. In conclusion, the data obtained showed that the diet supplemented with the sumac seed powder (1.5, 2.0 and 2.5%) for Japanese quail laying improved egg performance, egg quality, most of the blood hematological, blood biochemical parameters and reproductive performance.

Effects of Cadmium Administration on Reproductive Performance of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)

The effects of a single dosage of cadmium (Cd) administration on the survival rate, body weight (BW), egg production, egg quality characteristics and hatching outputs in 0, 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3 and 10mg CdCl2/kg BW injected laying quail were studied. It was found that a 10mg Cd injection induced 41.7% mortality. A retainable significant BW loss in the 3mg dosed birds and a decreased egg production in the 1mg and 3mg dosed birds were observed during the first 3 days after injection, and the recovering of the egg production rate was delayed as the doses of Cd injection increased. Cd administration significantly increased the shell membrane weight in 0.1mg and 0.3mg injection, decreased the eggshell thickness in 0.3mg injection, and lowered the fertility rate in 0.3mg injection during the first 3 days of injection. The present study suggests that exposure to Cd, even by a single dosage, can hamper quail reproduction for a very short time, mainly by decreasing egg production and thinning the eggshell.

Effects of Reticuloendotheliosis Virus on the Viability and Reproductive Performance of Japanese Quail

The effects of reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) infection were studied using an experimental model in Japanese quail during 2 consecutive generations. The REV used in this study (APC-566) was isolated from Attwater's prairie chickens (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri). Tumors were induced by APC-566 as early as 6 wk of age. Mortality was significantly higher in groups of quail with a higher frequency of REV infection. Egg production, hatchability, and fertility rates decreased in infected quail as compared with uninfected control quail. The BW of infected quail were significantly reduced at 8 wk of age in the first generation of infected quail (breeders) and at 3 and 6 wk of age in the second generation (quail broilers) compared with uninfected quail.

Effect of feeding time on the reproductive performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Several feeding regimens are applied to improve performance of fertile egg production during times of heat stress. During a period of heat stress (34 to 36 degrees C), two feeding periods were used to measure the impact of feeding time on reproductive performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix cotunix japonica) between 44 and 60 wk of age. Each feeding time treatment had 25 individually caged male and female pairs. Quail were fed ad libitum between 0600 to 1400 or 1400 to 2200 h daily. Results indicated that feeding between 0600 to 1400 h reduced BW, fertility, hatchability, egg production, and egg specific gravity when compared with the effects of feeding between 1400 to 2200 h. Feeding time had no effect on total embryonic mortality, egg weight, or the period between subsequent ovipositions. The different feeding times affected the distribution curve of oviposition over time. An instrument designed to record oviposition time is described. Results showed that selection of the time of day for application of an 8-h restricted feeding regimen affected BW, fertility, hatchability, egg production, egg specific gravity, and oviposition time in Japanese quail.

Effect of acetyl salicylic acid in drinking water on reproductive performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The impact of acetyl salicylic add (ASA) on reproductive performance during periods of heat stress was studied in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). During a season when daily high temperatures averaged between 34 and 40 degrees C, four treatments each containing four replicates of five males and five females were given 0, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 g/L ASA in drinking water from 34 to 45 wk of age. At 39 wk of age control quail were lighter than quail fed ASA. Quail receiving 1.5 g/L ASA exhibited increased fertility, hatchability, and egg production and decreased late dead and total embryonic mortality. Early dead embryos, pips, chick weight, and egg weight were not different among treatments. The lumen of uterovaginal junction sperm host glands (UVJSHG) from control quail was apparently devoid of spermatozoa, whereas quail receiving 1.5 g/L ASA had the greatest apparent accumulation of spermatozoa. Control caudal infundibulum host glands (CPOI) were devoid of spermatozoa in contrast with CPOI from quail receiving ASA. Results show that UVJSHG lumens from quail receiving 1.5 g/L ASA had larger inside diameters than other treatment groups. However, the CPOI inside diameter and the outside diameters of both UVJSHG and CPOI were not affected by ASA. Adding 1.5 g/L ASA to the drinking water of quail under heat stress improved body weight, fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality, egg production, egg specific gravity, and sperm storage capacity.

Reproductive performance of Japanese quail fed tall fescue seed infected with [formula omitted][formula omitted

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of feeding endophyte-infected ( Acremonium coenophialum ) tall fescue seed on the growth and reproductive performance of Japanese quail ( Coturnix coturnix japonica ). One hundred and twenty female and 60 male chicks (5 weeks old) were selected from a larger group of chicks and were randomly allocated to one of three dietary treatments (Diet 1, Diet 2 and Diet 3). Two females and one male were housed in each of 60 battery breeder cages. A quail breeder diet was formulated to contain 45% fescue seed plus corn, soybean meal, vitamins and minerals. The fescue seed used for Diet 1 was 100% endophyte infected, while that used for Diet 2 and Diet 3 was not infected. Birds on Diet 1 and Diet 2 were fed on an ad libitum basis, while the feed intake of birds on Diet 3 was restricted to that of birds on Diet 1. The daily photoperiod of 6 hours was increased to 16 hours by 60 days of age, at which time the hens began to lay eggs. Dietary treatments were started at 35 days of age. Eggs were collected daily, set weekly and incubated through hatching. The results indicated no differences (P>0.05) in average daily gain (ADG) or average daily intake (ADI) among the 3 treatments. There was also no difference (P>0.05) in egg production among the 3 treatments. However, there was a significant reduction (P<0.05) in the percentage of fertility (approximately 10%) and in the percentage of hatchability of the total number of eggs (approximately 12%) between Diet 2 and Diet 3 versus Diet 1. There was no significant difference in the hatchability of fertile eggs. The results suggest, for the first time, that infected fescue seed, as incorporated in the diets of birds in the current experiment had a significant effect (P<0.05) on fertility but not on embryonic development in Japanese quail.

The Influence of Supplemental Corn Oil and Free Fatty Acids on the Reproductive Performance of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary corn oil (CO) and commercial free fatty acids on the fatty acid composition of blood plasma and egg yolk lipids and on the reproductive performance of Japanese quail. When quail were fed a semi-purified low-fat basal mix, the substitution of 3% of CO for corn starch (CS) improved egg weight (11.2 versus 10.8 g), reduced late embryonic mortality (16.7 versus 28.4%), and improved hatchability (75.7 versus 64.1%). Diets in which palmitic acid or oleic acid were substituted on a weight basis for 3% of CS performed as well as those in which CO was used. When linoleic acid replaced 3% of CS, late embryonic mortality was reduced (13.7 versus 28.4%) and hatchability was improved (80.1 versus 64.1%), but fertility was depressed (85.8 versus 93.6%). The substitution of linolenic acid for 3% of CS depressed feed consumption, body weight, and egg weight relative to the low-fat CS diet and did not improve the low 18-day embryonic livability and low hatchability. The fatty acid compositions of plasma and yolk were influenced by the lipid composition of the diets. Quail fed 3% of CO deposited more linoleic acid in the egg than those fed 3% of linoleic acid (15.2 versus 11.7%). Thus, quail fed a simplified basal breeder diet containing .6% of linoleic acid showed decreased embryonic livability and hatchability and these parameters achieved normal levels in response to the substitution of 3% of either CO, palmitic acid, oleic acid, or linoleic acid for CS.

Dietary ferulic acid, biochanin A, and the inhibition of reproductive behavior in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix)

A study was conducted to determine the effects of two dietary compounds, biochanin A and ferulic acid, on the reproductive performance of Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix. These compounds may be present in the diet of wild birds during dry years or at the end of the growing season during normal years. Four treatment groups, each fed a diet supplemented with biochanin A or ferulic acid, and a control group were tested for morphological and behavioral effects before, during and after treatment. Fertility and hatchability data were collected during treatment only. Ferulic acid was shown to inhibit male copulatory behavior during treatment. Biochanin A inhibited male copulatory behavior during and after treatment. Neither drug affected female copulatory behavior though egg-laying was inhibited by the low dose of biochanin A. Ferulic acid significantly reduced the hatchability of eggs. Biochanin A increased the fertility of males and the hatchability of eggs fertilized by them. A correlation between results of this study and natural conditions of reproduction is discussed. It is concluded that both biochanin A and ferulic acid exert inhibiting influences on the reproductive behavior of Coturnix.

The Effect of Ronidazole on Reproductive Performance of Japanese Quail

Several studies have been made to ascertain the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of 1-methyl-2-carbamoyloxymethyl-5-nitroimidazole (ronidazole) against histomoniasis in turkeys (Peterson, 1967, 1968; Whitmore et al., 1968; Shelton and McDougle, 1968). Turkeys fed a diet containing 0.003%, 0.006%, and 0.012% ronidazole from day-old to twenty-five weeks of age were reported to have significantly increased body weight gain (Sullivan et al., 1968). Olson et al. (1970) demonstrated a significant improvement for weight gains of turkey poults from one to four weeks of age at dietary supplementation levels of 0.006% and 0.012% ronidazole. No information is available to indicate the effect of ronidazole on reproductive performance of turkeys or Japanese quail. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ronidazole on egg production, percentage fertility, and percentage hatch of fertile eggs of Japanese quail.PROCEDUREEighty female and forty male Japanese quail were used in this study. The experimental quail…

The Effect of Reserpine on Reproductive Performance of Japanese Quail

SOME of the effects of reserpine on the reproductive performance of several different species within the class Aves have been reported. Hewitt and Reynolds (1957) reported that reserpine depressed fertility, hatchability, and egg production in pheasant breeders. In a study by Gilbreath et al. (1960), it was shown that reserpine delayed sexual maturity in White Leghorn pullets. Khazan et al. (1960) found that testicular atrophy occurred when reserpine was administered to pigeons . Casey et al. (1963) reported that reserpine administered in the diet of turkey breeders reduced fertility. Although both sexes were effected by the drug, Jones et al. (1966) reported that the reduction in fertility in turkey breeders was greater in the female than in the male.The authors of this study were unable to find any published work on the subject of reserpine treatment of Japanese quail. Unpublished data secured at this station indicated that reserpine administered…