Traits In Quail Research Articles

Effect of Photostimulation Age on Egg Quality and Hatching Traits in Japanese Quail

The timing of sexual maturity in birds is crucial for reproductive success and is significantly influenced by light exposure. This study aimed to investigate the effect of age at photostimulation on egg quality and hatching traits in quails. A total of 300 quails (75 males and 225 females) were divided into 15 replicates and randomly assigned to one of three treatments (age at photostimulation: 30, 35, and 40 days). The birds were housed in specially designed cages and received 16 hours of light stimulation at the respective ages. Egg quality and hatching traits were evaluated from the 5th to the 12th week of age. Results showed no significant differences in egg weight, shell thickness, or Haugh unit scores among the different ages of light stimulation. Fertile egg production and hatchability were also not significantly affected by the age of photostimulation. However, significant differences were observed in the occurrence of dead embryos and hatchling weights among the different age groups exposed to light stimulation. Birds stimulated at the 35th day had a lower incidence of dead embryos and higher hatchling weights compared to those stimulated at the 30th and 40th days.

Genome-Wide Association Study Revealed Putative SNPs and Candidate Genes Associated with Growth and Meat Traits in Japanese Quail.

The search for SNPs and candidate genes that determine the manifestation of major selected traits is one crucial objective for genomic selection aimed at increasing poultry production efficiency. Here, we report a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for traits characterizing meat performance in the domestic quail. A total of 146 males from an F2 reference population resulting from crossing a fast (Japanese) and a slow (Texas White) growing breed were examined. Using the genotyping-by-sequencing technique, genomic data were obtained for 115,743 SNPs (92,618 SNPs after quality control) that were employed in this GWAS. The results identified significant SNPs associated with the following traits at 8 weeks of age: body weight (nine SNPs), daily body weight gain (eight SNPs), dressed weight (33 SNPs), and weights of breast (18 SNPs), thigh (eight SNPs), and drumstick (three SNPs). Also, 12 SNPs and five candidate genes (GNAL, DNAJC6, LEPR, SPAG9, and SLC27A4) shared associations with three or more traits. These findings are consistent with the understanding of the genetic complexity of body weight-related traits in quail. The identified SNPs and genes can be used in effective quail breeding as molecular genetic markers for growth and meat characteristics for the purpose of genetic improvement.

Study of correlation coefficients in the productive performance of different groups in feathers color and egg quality characteristics in quail

The study aimed to compare the productive performance and egg characteristics of the different groups with the color of the feathers and to estimate the correlation coefficient between the traits in quail (white, brown, and black). The results of the study showed a significant superiority in live body weight, feed consumption, number of eggs produced, and an improvement in feed conversion efficiency in favor of the 8-week-old brown group compared to the rest of the groups. White and brown outweighed the weight and mass of whites over blacks. As for the qualitative characteristics of the egg, it was noted that the brown and black colors were superior in egg width and shell thickness over the white, a highly significant negative correlation was recorded between the two characteristics of the number of eggs produced/female with the values of feed conversion efficiency -0.92 and the characteristics of egg mass and conversion efficiency diet -0.82. Describe the number of eggs produced, the mass of adult eggs 0.83, the number of eggs produced, the characteristics of egg production, weight of eggs, the mass of eggs 0.21, and the characteristics of the egg mass. And egg production was 0.27 and it had a significant positive correlation between the characteristics of the egg-laying weight and the weight of the egg-laying was 0.73 and the weight of the egg-laying with height. The albedo was 0.69 and the albedo weight and height were. It was 0.72, and there was a highly significant correlation between egg width and height 0.81.

Research Note: Association of LEPR gene polymorphism with growth and carcass traits in Savimalt and French Giant meat-type quails

The leptin receptor (LEPR) gene is a member of the class I cytokine receptor family, which plays an important role in weight regulation, fat accumulation and neuroendocrine function in animals. This study aimed to explore the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the LEPR gene with growth and carcass traits in meat-type quail by PCR amplification and DNA direct sequencing. In this study, genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples of 36 female Savimalt (SV) quails and 49 female French Giant (FG) quails. Growth traits (measured at 3 or 5 wk) and carcass traits (measured at 5 wk) were used for LEPR gene association analysis. The results showed the existence of 9 SNPs (T81C, G90T, C187A, A191G, A219G, G258A, C286T, G346A, and G373A) of the LEPR gene in the 2 quail strains. The statistical analyses indicated that these SNPs of LEPR gene was significantly associated with shank circumference (SC), shank length (SL), breastbone length (BBL), heart rate (HR), and whole net carcass rate (WNCR) of FG (P < 0.05); chest width (CW), body length (BL), leg muscle rate (LMR), whole net carcass rate (WNCR), and heart rate (HR) of SV (P < 0.05). While haplotypes showed significant effect on SL, BBL, heart weight (HW), WNCR, and HR of FG (P < 0.05). Therefore, the LEPR gene may serve as a molecular genetic marker for improving growth and carcass traits in quails.

Research Note: Association of VIPR-1 gene polymorphism with growth traits in meat type Japanese quail (Coturnix Japonica)

This study aimed to analyze the polymorphism of the vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor-1 (VIPR-1) gene and its association with growth traits in quail using the PCR-RFLP and sequencing techniques. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples of 36 female Savimalt (SV) quails and 49 female French Giant (FG) quails. Growth traits were measured and used for VIPR-1 gene analysis, as body weight (BW), tibia length (TL), chest width (CW), chest depth (CD), sternum length (SL), body length (BL), and tibia circumference (TC). The results showed that 2 SNPs (BsrD I and HpyCH4 IV) were detected in exon 4 to 5 and exon 6 to 7 of the VIPR-1 gene, respectively. The results of association showed that the BsrD I site was not significantly associated with growth traits at 3 or 5 wk of age in the SV strain (P < 0.05), while the BsrD I site was significantly associated with BL at 3 or 5 wk of age in FG (P < 0.05). The HpyCH4 IV site was significantly associated with TL, CW, CD, SL, and BL at 3 wk of age in the SV strain (P < 0.05), while the HpyCH4 IV site was significantly correlated with BW, CW, SL, and BL at 5 wk of age in SV (P < 0.05). The HpyCH4 IV site was significantly associated with TL and TC at 3 wk of age in FG (P < 0.05), while the HpyCH4 IV site was significantly associated with TC at 5 wk of age in FG (P < 0.05). Four haplotype combinations based on 2 SNPs showed significantly association with BW, CW, CD, SL, BL, and TC at 3 or 5 wk of age in SV (P < 0.05). There was not significant association between 3 haplotype combinations with growth trait at 3 or 5 wk of age in FG (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the VIPR-1 gene could be used as a molecular genetic marker to improve growth traits in quail.

Effect of different levels of Labazyme supplementation on production and biochemical traits in quail

The study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of Labazyme (a multi-enzyme with probiotics) on production and biochemical traits in quail. A total of 180 quail were housed in 12 pens; each group was randomly allocated to four replicates (15 hens/replication); Group 1 was designated as the control, Groups 2 and 3 were supplemented with Labazyme at 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, respectively. The addition of Labazyme to the diet substantially increased quail production compared to the control group, and there was a substantial difference in feed intake and improved feed conversion efficiency, with the Labazyme groups generally superior to the control group. The groups did not differ substantially in egg quality parameters. The economic analysis indicated that Labazyme groups were substantially different to the control group. Globulin, total protein, and alkaline phosphatase were substantially reduced, whereas lipid profiles were reduced in Labazyme groups compared to the control. The glutathione level was increased and a decrease in malondialdehyde levels was observed in all groups. In addition, there were no substantial differences in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in either group. Labazyme can be used in quail feed as a feed additive to improve egg production and reduce lipid profiles.

Research Note: Polymorphisms of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone gene and their association with growth traits in quail (Coturnix Coturnix)

This study aimed to identify polymorphisms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) gene and their association with growth traits in quail by PCR and direct sequencing. Genomic DNA was extracted from quail blood samples of 36 from Savimalt (SV) and 49 from French Giant (FG). Growth traits were measured and used for candidate gene analysis, as body weight (BW), shank length (SL), chest width (CW), chest depth (CD), breastbone length (BBL), body length (BL), and shank circumference (SC). The results showed that a total of 20 SNPs were detected in GnRH gene, whereas 8 SNPs were significantly associated with growth traits (P < 0.05). The T215C, G279A, C458T, A520G, and C547G were significantly associated with SL at 3 wk of age in the FG strain, whereas A583T was significantly related to BBL and BL, and C591T was significantly related to SL, BBL, and BL, whereas A592G was significantly correlated with SL, CW, CD, BBL, and BL (P < 0.05). The 8 SNPs were significantly related to CW, CD, and BBL at 3 wk of age in the SV strain, whereas A583T, C591T, and A592G were significantly associated with BW (P < 0.05). The G279A showed significant correlations with SL at 5 wk of age in FG, whereas A583T showed significant associations with SC in FG, and C591T was significantly associated with BW and SC in FG, whereas A592T was significantly related to BW, SL, and CD in FG (P < 0.05). The T215C, G279A, C458T, A520G, and C547G were significantly correlated with BW, CW, BBL, and BL at 5 wk of age in SV, whereas A583T, C591T, and A592G were significantly related to BW, SL, CW, BBL, and BL (P < 0.05). Haplotypes based on 8 SNPs showed significant correlation with BW, SL, CW, CD, BBL, BL, and SC in FG (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the GnRH gene could be used as a molecular genetic marker to provide theoretical foundation to improve growth traits in quail.

Using a linear-threshold model to investigate the genetic relationship between survival and productive traits in Japanese quail

The main goal of breeding programmes is to maximise the genetic improvement of the economic traits of farm animals. Beside the economic traits, the birds’ survival has directly influenced on the economic gain. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the genetic relationship between survival and productive traits in Japanese quail. A total of 1854 records were collected during four generations from 2017 to 2019 in Khorasan Razavi Agricultural Research and Training Centre (KRARTC). Data were used to estimate the genetic correlations among quail survival (S) with egg weight (EW) and body weight gain (BWG) traits. Linear-threshold model was used to estimate (co)variance components, and genetic parameters of traits via the Gibbs sampling method. The heritability of EW was 0.04, and the heritability estimates for survival at different ages ranged from 0.138 to 0.399 in joint analysis with EW. The highest negative genetic correlation between EW and S0–14 (i.e. survival up to 14 d) was obtained as −0.704. The highest and lowest heritability of weight gain traits for BWG0–7 and BWG7–14 were 0.583 and 0.116, respectively. The analyses of BWG traits with survival at different ages revealed that the genetic correlations ranged from 0.015 (between BWG0–7 and S0–14) to 0.638 (between BWG0–7 and S0–7). This study showed that the genetic selection for survival at different ages could be effective. On the other hand, selection for BWG0–7 could also indirectly improve the survival in quails because of the positive and high genetic correlation between BWG0–7 with S0–7. Highlights Genetic improvement of production traits in quail may lead to reduced survival in quail. Studies regarding on the survival of quail were yet not carried out. Heritability of the survival at different ages showed that genetic selection for this trait could improve the survival. Survival at different ages had a negative genetic correlation with egg weight (EW), and body weight gain (BWG) traits after 21 d of old.

Production performance and heritability value of different traits of quail under intensive rearing conditions

A study was conducted to know the production performance and heritability value of the different traits of Japanese quail. A total of 72 quails were reared in an intensive condition in each parent and offspring generation. The number of eggs produced by the quails was counted from the onset of laying up to 10 weeks and live weight was measured weekly up to 12 weeks of age of the quails. A total of 200 eggs from each generation of the quails were collected at 14-18 weeks of age to assess the external and internal characteristics of the eggs. The heritability value of the traits was estimated using the parent-offspring regression method. The egg production per quail per day of parent and offspring generation from the onset of laying to 10 weeks was 0.60 and 0.61, respectively, and up to a year of egg production a quail laid about 219 to 224 eggs. The average live weight in the parent and the offspring generations up to 12 weeks of age was 132.10 g ± 23.129 and 130.02 g ± 21.546, respectively. The live weight gains of the quails showed an increasing trend with age both in the parent and the offspring generations with a weekly growth rate of 16.95 g and 17.19 g up to 12 weeks of age and after 12 weeks the growth was retarded. Both the external and internal characteristics of the eggs of the quails were numerically higher in the parent generation than in the offspring generation. The heritability value of all traits showed positive except yolk width. It was also found that the heritability value of live weight was higher than the other traits. The results indicated that the traits can be included in the selection index to improve quail production

Assessment of lipid profile and carcass traits in quail, fed on diet with incorporation of peppermint leaf powder at various levels

Assessment of lipid profile and carcass traits in quail, fed on diet with incorporation of peppermint leaf powder at various levels

Correlation Analysis of Exon 4 of Estrogen Receptor Gene with Growth Traits of Quail (Coturnix coturnix)

Correlation Analysis of Exon 4 of Estrogen Receptor Gene with Growth Traits of Quail (Coturnix coturnix)

Association Analysis between Polymorphism of GnRH-1 Genes and Carcass Traits of Quail (Coturnix coturnix)

Background: GnRH-1 mainly exists in hypothalamus and it is vital to gonad development and sexual maturity of animals. This study mainly analyzed the association between GnRH-1 polymorphism and carcass traits of quails, Research conclusions can provide references for breeding of new species of quail.Methods: From 2018 to 2019, 31 female samples of Chinese Yellow quail, beijingbai quail and Korean quail were collected in Luolong District, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China.SNP mutation sites of GnRH-1 gene were investigated in China yellow quail, Beijing white quail and Korean quail through PCR amplification and DNA sequencing technologys. Moreover, correlation analysis between polymorphism sites of GnRH-1 gene and carcass traits of quail was performed. Result: According to research results, a total of 14 SNP mutation sites of GnRH-1 were detected in China yellow quail, Beijing white quail and Korean quail, which were C71T, C108T, C168T, C178T, A184G, C206T, A209C, C215T, A252G, A279T, C281T, C293G, C339T and C458T. For A209C and C281T, only 2 genotypes were detected in China yellow quail and Beijing white quail, while for the remaining 12 SNP mutation sites, 3 genotypes were detected in three quail species. Correlation analysis showed that A209C, A279T, C281T and C339T were significantly correlated with liver weight (P less than 0.05), A209C, C281T and C339T were significantly correlated with dressing percentage (P less than 0.05), C215T and A279T were significantly correlated with breast muscle weight(whole) (P less than 0.05), A209C was significantly correlated with body weight, dressed carcass weight and whole net carcass weight (P less than 0.05).

Genetic Evaluation of Egg Production Curve Parameters and Their Association with Some Economical Traits in Quail

Genetic Evaluation of Egg Production Curve Parameters and Their Association with Some Economical Traits in Quail

Effect of Thymus and Anis and Mixture on some Physiological and Productive Traits of Quail

Effect of Thymus and Anis and Mixture on some Physiological and Productive Traits of Quail

A medium density genetic map and QTL for behavioral and production traits in Japanese quail.

BackgroundBehavioral traits such as sociability, emotional reactivity and aggressiveness are major factors in animal adaptation to breeding conditions. In order to investigate the genetic control of these traits as well as their relationships with production traits, a study was undertaken on a large second generation cross (F2) between two lines of Japanese Quail divergently selected on their social reinstatement behavior. All the birds were measured for several social behaviors (social reinstatement, response to social isolation, sexual motivation, aggression), behaviors measuring the emotional reactivity of the birds (reaction to an unknown object, tonic immobility reaction), and production traits (body weight and egg production).ResultsWe report the results of the first genome-wide QTL detection based on a medium density SNP panel obtained from whole genome sequencing of a pool of individuals from each divergent line. A genetic map was constructed using 2145 markers among which 1479 could be positioned on 28 different linkage groups. The sex-averaged linkage map spanned a total of 3057 cM with an average marker spacing of 2.1 cM. With the exception of a few regions, the marker order was the same in Japanese Quail and the chicken, which confirmed a well conserved synteny between the two species. The linkage analyses performed using QTLMAP software revealed a total of 45 QTLs related either to behavioral (23) or production (22) traits. The most numerous QTLs (15) concerned social motivation traits. Interestingly, our results pinpointed putative pleiotropic regions which controlled emotional reactivity and body-weight of birds (on CJA5 and CJA8) or their social motivation and the onset of egg laying (on CJA19).ConclusionThis study identified several QTL regions for social and emotional behaviors in the Quail. Further research will be needed to refine the QTL and confirm or refute the role of candidate genes, which were suggested by bioinformatics analysis. It can be hoped that the identification of genes and polymorphisms related to behavioral traits in the quail will have further applications for other poultry species (especially the chicken) and will contribute to solving animal welfare issues in poultry production.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-014-1210-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A first‐generation microsatellite linkage map of the Japanese quail

A linkage map of the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) genome was constructed based upon segregation analysis of 72 microsatellite loci in 433 F(2) progeny of 10 half-sib families obtained from a cross between two quail lines of different genetic origins. One line was selected for long duration of tonic immobility, a behavioural trait related to fearfulness, while the other was selected based on early egg production. Fifty-eight of the markers were resolved into 12 autosomal linkage groups and a Z chromosome-specific linkage group, while the remaining 14 markers were unlinked. The linkage groups range from 8 cM (two markers) to 206 cM (16 markers) and cover a total map distance of 576 cM with an average spacing of 10 cM between loci. Through comparative mapping with chicken (Gallus gallus) using orthologous markers, we were able to assign linkage groups CJA01, CJA02, CJA05, CJA06, CJA14 and CJA27 to chromosomes. This map, which is the first in quail based solely on microsatellites, is a major step towards the development of a quality molecular genetic map for this valuable species. It will provide an important framework for further genetic mapping and the identification of quantitative trait loci controlling egg production and fear-related behavioural traits in quail.