White Quail Research Articles

Heritability and Genetic Correlations of Carcass and Meat Quality Traits in White and Brown Strains of Japanese Quail

Successful breeding programs for Japanese quails rely on accurately estimating genetic parameters linked to economically important traits such as body weight, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. The objective of the present study was to evaluate body weight (BW) characteristics, carcass attributes, and their genetic correlations with select meat quality traits in two strains of Japanese quail (white and brown). A total of 530 quail chicks, with 265 from each strain, were included in the analysis. At six weeks of age, the quails were slaughtered, and carcass traits as well as amino acid profiles were measured. For BW traits, the heritability (h2) estimates ranged from 0.27 at d 1 to 0.36 at d 42. The h2 estimated for carcass traits ranged from 0.19 for liver weight, to 0.42 for carcass yield (CY). The h2 estimated for drip loss (DL) of meat quality was 0.21, and the h2 estimate was 0.35 for the meat's ultimate Ph (Phu). White quail quails recorded the heaviest weight of all carcass traits. Also, white quails had the highest water-holding capacity (WHC), yellowness (b*), and lightness (L*) with the lowest level of DL, cooking losses (CL), and redness (a*) in muscles compared with brown quails. A high genetic correlation of 0.32 was noted between CW carcass weight (CW) and b*. For the pHU, a negative correlation of -0.11 was exhibited with BW. In contrast, L* appeared to have a positive but smaller relationship with CW and CY. High negative correlations were noted for b* with BW and CY -0.24 and -0.27, respectively. The CW showed a moderate relationship (0.19) with CL. In conclusion, the current study revealed that the white quail strain had high BW, as well as the finest carcass traits and meat quality. Therefore, white plumage Japanese quail might be preferred as a meat-producing strain. Keywords: Amino acid, Carcass, Genetic correlation, Meat quality, Heritability, Quail

Does the marketing age impact growth performance, carcass traits, economic feasibility and hemato-biochemical properties of genetically-modified quails?

The meat of the quail is one of the most delicious types, as it is rich in minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin K, which is useful in treating nervous diseases. In the present investigation, based on their live body weight, 270 genetically-enhanced white quail chicks of mixed sex were randomly assigned to three groups, each with 90 chicks. The first group's birds were slaughtered at 28 days of age. The birds in the second group were slaughtered at 31 days, and the birds in the third group were slaughtered at 34 days. Results showed no significant difference between the various groups in the overall mortality rate index at the end of each fattening stage (P > 0.05). There were substantial variations (P ≤ 0.05) in the average live weight index between the first and both groups at each group's marketing age. With increasing marketing age, body weight increases. Quail chicks raised for 34 days received the lowest EPEF (28.90 points), followed by those raised for 31 days and 28 days, which received 33.37 and 37.32 points, respectively. The economic feasibility of the three groups, no significant differences in the profit index were observed at the age of 28 days. Compared to the marketing age of the other two groups, it was noted that the profit index decreased as the birds advanced in age. Delaying marketing to 31 days leads to a decrease in profit by 5.7%, and delaying marketing to 34 days reduces the profit index to 26.36% compared to marketing at 28 days. For blood haematology parameters, a significant increase in the studied indicators with the age of the birds was observed through the study of blood indicators. Still, it did not reach the significance level. It could be concluded that 28 days is the ideal marketing age for the enhanced white quails, as it yielded the highest economic return and the best performance.

ВЛИЯНИЕ СКАРМЛИВАНИЯ ПОЛИФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНЫХ КОРМОВЫХ ДОБАВОК НА ЗООТЕХНИЧЕСКИЕ ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ ВЫРАЩИВАНИЯ МЯСНЫХ ПЕРЕПЕЛОВ

The scientific experiment results have been provided in the paper on multifunctional feed additives using in diets of meat Texas white quails. These additives using in complete quail growing diets has been established to promote their body weight increasing by 1.7 to 2.9% in comparison to control. But average daily weight increasing has been fixed to be 10.8 to 12.0% in the period from 15th to 28th days. Feed additives using in experimental period has promoted average daily feed consumption lowering by 5.1 and 5.5% and feed cost for 1 kg of live weight decreasing by 7.3 and 9.4% in comparison with control.

Using the Principal Component Analysis of Body Weight in Three Genetic Groups of Japanese Quail

The total number of (189) three genetic quail chicks (White = 54, brown = 64, and gray = 71) were used to identify the components effecting body weight Using the principal component analysis. Means, standard errors, and standard deviation of body weight and the cuts parts were calculated using the descriptive statistic of SPSS/PASW statistics for Windows version 19. One-way analysis of variance was used to test the effect of genetic line on the traits. The results of the statistical analysis indicated that the highest Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy for three lines of Japanese quail recorded to the brown quail, and also brown quail given higher and significant superiority of most parts of carcass and internal viscera which included weights of chest (g), thigh (g), back (g), neck (g), and wing (g) compared with white and grey quails. The first principal component (PC1), second (PC2) and three (PC3) were higher from white quail with Eigen values compared with brown and grey quails. Higher percentage of carcass component for white quail recorded to wings while for brown and grey quail recorded to chest part. We concluded from this study that the three principal components that extracted from White, Brown and Grey can be used for genetic improvement body weight, and also to predicting the best carcass parts weight while we can be used brown Japanese quail as a broiler due to its high carcass parts weight compared white and gray Japanese quail.

Genetic Polymorphism of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Gene (ESRα) and Its Effect on Production and Biochemical Traits of White Quails

This study was conducted in the poultry field of Animal Production Department - College of Agriculture - University of Kirkuk for the period from 28/3/2022 to 15/1/2023, to determine the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of alpha estrogen receptor gene (ESRα) and evaluation of some productive and biochemical traits of white Japanese quail, One-day-old quails were obtained from Animal Production Department - College of Agriculture, and they were reared for 35 days until reaching age of sexual maturity. Then they were randomly distributed to 30 families, with male and female for each family. The birds were fed on a diet with 20% crude protein and 2850 k.cal/kg metabolism energy of feed. At the end of the experiment, the female of each family was slaughtered and DNA was extracted from liver by using kit to determine the polymorphism of the length restriction fragment (RFLP) for estrogen receptor alpha gene (ESRα) and evaluation of some productive and biochemical traits by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology and the use of the restriction enzyme (EcoRI) and electrophoresis to determine the length of bundles of ESRα gene. The results of the study showed that the CC genotype resulting from the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of estrogen receptor alpha (ESRα) gene had a significant effect on egg production of white Japanese quail compared with CT and TT genotypes, and CC and TT genotypes were superior to CT genotypes in estrogen level, while CC and CT genotypes were superior to the TT genotype in glucose level in blood serum of female white Japanese quail. The study recommended to selection CC and TT genotypes of estrogen receptor alpha (ESRα) gene because it is positively and significantly associated with egg production of white Japanese quail.

The Relationship Between Plumage Color, Genetic Group and Their Interaction on Quail’s Performance

The goal of this study is to identified the relationship between plumage color (white and brown), genetic group (Ukrainian and local) and their interaction on quail’s performance during their growth (1-6 weeks) and production (up to 8 weeks) periods. The study was conducted at Nineveh Research Department/Agricultural Research Office. The results for the growth period demonstrated that the Ukrainian quail was superior to the local quail for each of the characteristics of body weight, weight gain, feed consumption and Feed conversion ratio. The FC and FCR both increased significantly for the brown quail over the white quail for all weeks of the experiment, while the weekly weight gain fluctuated between the two colors. The brown quail also had a significant increase in body weight over the white quail. For the majority of the experiment’s weeks, the brown and white Ukrainian quail outperformed the brown and white local birds in most of the qualities being studied. During the production period, the Ukrainian quail’s FCR (g feed / g egg mass) and age at first egg’s lay were significantly lower than those of the local quail, The Ukrainian quail significantly outweighed the local quail in terms of the hen weight at first egg, first egg weight, the number, and weight of eggs produced during 8 weeks, eggs mass, eggs number/ female, hatching %, fertility %, and the hatching from the fertility %. The characteristics above did not appear to be affected by the white or brown plumage color, in comparison to local white and brown quail, the age at first egg and the FCR (g feed/g egg mass) were significantly lower in Ukrainian white and brown quail. Except for egg weight and food consumption /bird, all of the aforementioned variables were significantly higher in the Ukrainian white and brown quails than in the local white and brown quails.

Heritability and Genetic Correlation Between Productive and Biochemical Traits of White Japanese Quail

Studying heritability and genetic correlation between traits is important to improvement genetic programs and indirect selection, for that, this study was conducted in the poultry field of Animal Production department - College of Agriculture - University of Kirkuk for the period from 28/3/2022 to 15/1/2023, to study heritability and genetic correlation between production and biochemical traits of white Japanese quail. One day hatched white quail chicks were obtained from College of Agriculture - University of Kirkuk, and reared for 35 days until reaching sexual maturity. Then chicks were randomly distributed to 30 families, with a male and a female for each family for two generations. Simple correlation between productive traits and blood biochemical were estimated, and heritability using full sibs method by variance between dam and total variances. The results of the study showed that there was a highly and significant genetic correlation between estrogen hormone in blood serum, egg production and egg mass, while a negative and highly significant genetic correlation was found between estrogen hormone and feed conversion ratio. Heritability values for productive and blood biochemical traits ranged from 0.22 to 0.42 and they considered within mediate heritability. The study recommended to use of selection programs and indirect genetic improvement based on some blood biochemical values (estrogens, total protein and glucose) due to their positive and significant association with productive traits of white Japanese quail.

Association analysis of PMEL gene expression and single nucleotide polymorphism with plumage color in quail

To explore the relationship between PMEL gene and quail plumage color, to provide a reference for subsequent quail plumage color breeding. In this experiment, RT-qPCR technology was used to analyze the relative mRNA expression levels of Korean quail (maroon) and Beijing white quail embryos at different developmental stages. Two SNPs in PMEL gene were screened based on the RNA-Seq data of skin tissues of Korean quail and Beijing white quail during embryonic stage. The KASP technology was used for genotyping in the resource population and correlation analysis was carried out with the plumage color traits of quail. Finally, the bioinformatics technology was used to predict the effects of these two SNPs on the structure and function of the encoded protein. The results showed that the expression levels of PMEL gene during the embryonic development of Beijing white quail were extremely significantly higher than that of Korean quail (p < 0.01). The frequency distribution of the three genotypes (AA, AB, and BB) of the Beijing white quail at the c. 1030C > T and c. 1374A > G mutation sites were extremely significantly different from that of the Korean quail (p < 0.01). And there was a significant correlation between the c. 1374A > G mutation site with white plumage phenotype. Bioinformatics analysis showed that SNP1 (c. c1030t) located in exon 6 was a harmful mutation site, and SNP2 (c. a1374g) located in exon 7 was a neutral mutation site. Protein conservation prediction showed that the coding protein P344S site caused by SNP1 (c. c1030t) site and the coding protein I458M site caused by SNP2 (c. g2129a) site were non-conservative sites. The results of this experiment showed that the PMEL gene was associated with the plumage color traits of quail and could be used as a candidate gene for studying the plumage color of quail.

The comparison of two different plumage-color lines of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) disclosed a significant effect in increasing abdominal fat contents with increasing age

This study aimed to investigate the characteristic differences between the white and brown-feathered Japanese quails, by evaluating the carcass traits and egg fat content, blood parameters, and intestinal histopathological features. A total of 1200 1-day-old Japanese quail chicks of two varieties (brown and white-feathered) were used in this study. Live body weight and feed intake were reordered every week. At the 4th week of age, 80 birds from each variety were slaughtered and carcass quality measurements and histopathological changes were recorded. After 6 weeks of age, eggs were collected, and egg quality was assessed. The results revealed that white-feathered quails had significantly heavier body weights and higher growth rates. At 4 weeks of age, females of the white-feather quail had significantly heavier slaughter, after de-feathering, and carcass weights. Remarkable variations between the studied quail varieties, with significant dominance of females in both varieties, at the level of water holding capacity, pH, and meat tenderness ascertained an obvious superiority of white-feathered quails compared to brown ones and indicated the higher tendency of the white quails for meat production. These results were linked with significant changes in biochemical profiles including lipids biomarkers, total protein, and Ca and phosphorus levels along with variations in the intestinal morphometry. It can be concluded that white-feathered quails had, in general, higher values of productivity compared with the brown-feathered ones during growing and laying periods.

Morphometric parameters of eggs from breeds quail for meat

The paper shows the results of assessing eggs quality by morphometric and morphological indicators from meat-type quails, identifying significant differences in the quality indicators of the egg, which are responsible for the incubation and commercial qualities of the egg. In total, 360 eggs from 50 females were tested from Pharaoh and Texas White quails per month. Eggs for this study were collected from the age of 90 days. The shelf life of quail eggs was no more than 2 days from the moment of laying; the storage temperature was not higher than 15 ? at an average air humidity was 75%. The collection of morphological parameters (weight of the whole egg and its components) and biophysical parameters (elastic deformation of the egg, strength and thickness of the shell) was carried out on a highly sensitive analyzer Stable Micro Systems, Ohaus laboratory electronic scales and using a caliper. During the analysis of the eggs, significant differences in the morphological parameters of the eggs were established. The Texas White quail was superior to the Pharaoh quail and had at 2% more elongated shape (at the egg index). In both meat breeds shell thickness was 0.27 mm an average, howewer the difference was found in the shell thickness without an under shell membrane, namely the true shell. From the Texas quail it was 1.12 times thinner than from the Pharaoh quail. The color of the yolk in Texas white quails was more yellow, under the same conditions of keeping and feeding. The quality of protein in quails of both genotypes in our study was high, which indicates their suitability for incubation, and corresponds to good commercial qualities. However, it should be noted that the Pharaoh breed was inferior in HU by 3.78%, in IQU by 4.19%, and the protein index was 1.28 times less than that of the Texas quail.

Effect of Different Levels of Metabolizing Energy on Productive Performance of Two Grower Quail Strains.

Two strains of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica), including 250 birds of desert and 250 birds of white color, all one day old and unsexed, were divided into five treatment groups with 50 replicates in each group. These treatments included five levels of metabolism energy (ME) levels, including 2700, 2800, 2900, 3000, and 3100 Kcal/Kg diet. The study included one stage from day 1 to day 42 of birds' age. The results confirmed a statistically significant difference (P≤0.05) caused by ME levels in the body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (feed [g] weight gain [g]), water consumption, water conversion ratio (ml weight gain [g]), protein conversion ratio (protein [g] weight gain [g]), energy conversion ratio (Kcal weight gain [g]), carcass weight, in addition to albumin and triglyceride. Therefore, the results showed significant effects (P≤0.05) of ME levels and the interaction on feed consumption, protein consumption, edible giblet percentage, tenderness, and juiciness. Significant differences (P≤0.05) were also caused by ME levels in the total cholesterol. In addition, significant differences (P≤0.05) have been found in the interaction on mortality percentage. Net return (Iraqi Dinar/live weight [Kg]) for desert quail was better than that for the white quail (2900 Kcal/Kg diet), and the interaction effect was stronger on the desert strain with 2900 Kcal than the white strain.

Association analysis of melanophilin (MLPH) gene expression and polymorphism with plumage color in quail.

We explore the relationship between the melanophilin (MLPH) gene and quail plumage color and provide a reference for subsequent quail plumage color breeding. In this experiment, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) technology was used to analyze the relative mRNA expression levels of Korean quail (maroon) and Beijing white quail embryos at different developmental stages. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MLPH gene were screened based on the RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) data of skin tissues of Korean quail and Beijing white quail during the embryonic stage. Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) technology was used for genotyping in the resource population, and correlation analysis was carried out with the plumage color traits of quail. Finally, bioinformatics was used to predict the effects of these two SNPs on the structure and function of the encoded protein. The results showed that the expression level of the MLPH gene during embryonic development of Beijing white quail was significantly higher than that of Korean quail ( ). The frequency distribution of the three genotypes (CC, CA and AA) of the Beijing white quail at the c.1807C A mutation site was significantly different from that of the Korean quail ( ). The frequency distribution of the three genotypes (GG, GA and AA) of the Beijing white quail at the c.2129G A mutation site was significantly different from that of the Korean quail ( ). And there was a significant correlation between the c.1807C A mutation site and the white plumage phenotype. Bioinformatics showed that SNP1 (c.1807C A) was a neutral mutation and that SNP2 (c.2129G A) was a deleterious mutation. The prediction of protein conservation showed that the mutation sites of coding proteins R603S and G710D caused by SNP1 (c.1807C A) and SNP2 (c.2129G A) were highly conserved.

Effect of Non-genetic Factors on Growth and Production Traits in Two Strains of Japanese Quails

Background: The growth of birds is a function of both genetics and environment involving change leading into improvement in weight, shape, size, volume, etc. Study of important non-genetic factors is important in view of formulating future selection and breeding strategies in different poultry species. Methods: The present study was done on 1246 numbers of Japanese Quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) of two strains i.e., black and white distributed in three generations during 2020-21. The fixed effects of gender, season of hatch, strain and generations on various fortnightly body weights (FNBW), average daily weight gain (ADWG), relative growth rate (RGR) and some production traits were studied. Result: Significant (p≤0.01) differences in black and white strain as well as male and female quails for hatch weights were observed. The maximum ADG was during 4th to 6th wk whereas the RGR was highest during first fortnight (hatch-2nd wk). Significantly (p≤0.01) higher average egg weights (AEW) were observed in white quails. Part egg production (PEP) and AEWs were higher during summer and winter hatches, respectively. The present investigation elucidates the significance of different non-genetic factors on important growth and production performances for further selection in quails.

Research Note: Association of IGF-1R gene polymorphism with egg quality and carcass traits of quail (Coturnix japonica)

Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) gene is the main effector of insulin-like growth factor (IGF), which plays an important role in growth, development and reproduction of the animal organism. This study aimed to investigate the association of IGF-1R gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with egg quality and carcass traits of quail by direct sequencing. In this study, genomic DNA was extracted from quail blood samples of 46 Chinese yellow (CY) quail, 49 Beijing white (BW) quail and 48 Korean (KO) quail strains. Egg quality and carcass traits were measured and used for IGF-1R gene analysis in 3 quail strains. The results showed that 2 SNPs (A57G and A72T) of the IGF-1R gene were detected in 3 quail strains. The A57G was significantly associated with yolk width (YWI) in BW strain (P < 0.05). Whereas A72T was significantly associated with egg shell thickness (EST) in BW strain (P < 0.05), and significantly associated with egg weight (EW), egg long (EL), and egg short (ES) in KO strain (P < 0.05). Haplotypes based on 2 SNPs showed significant effect on EST in 3 quail strains (P < 0.05), it also has a significant effect on EW in KO strain (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, A72T was significantly associated with liver weight (LW) and dressing percentage (DP) in 3 strains (P < 0.05). Haplotypes showed significant effect on LW (P < 0.05). Therefore, the IGF-1R gene may be a molecular genetic marker to improve egg quality and carcass traits in quails.

Identification of Polymorphisms in the HERC2-OCA2 Gene Locus and their Association with Feather Color in Quail.

Mutations in the HERC2 and OCA2 genes have the potential to affect pigment deposition and alter feather color in birds. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated HERC2-OCA2 gene locus polymorphisms in Korean and Beijing white quails using RNA-Seq and KASP technology. The expression levels of HERC2 and OCA2 mRNA in skin tissues were analyzed using RT-qPCR. Ten single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified by RNA-Seq, of which three (n.117627564T>A, n.117674275T>G, n.117686226A>C) exhibited significant association with feather color in quail. The expression of OCA2 mRNA was significantly lower in the skin of Beijing white quails than that in the skin of Korean quails. These results suggested that variants in HERC2-OCA2 intergenic region could influence the expression of OCA2, which may underlie diluted feather color in the Beijing white quail.

Growing and laying performance of two different-plumage color Japanese quail varieties supplemented with corn silk in their diet

The current study aimed to investigate the dietary supplementation effect of corn silk (CS) on performance and blood chemistry of brown and white-feathered quails during the grower and layer periods. Japanese quails of brown and white-feathered color (180 birds/variety at 2 wks old) were randomly allotted into three groups with 3 replicates each (n=20 birds/replicate). Corn silk powder (CS) was supplemented to the basal diet at 0, 1, and 2% of the diet for each quail variety for 1-month growing period, then continued for another 6-wk laying period to assess the egg production and egg quality characteristics. CS supplementation at 1% and 2% for brown and white-feathered quails respectively improved their growth performance (body weight and weight gain), carcass yield, and intestinal villi length with increasing feed consumption but without changes in feed conversion ratio. In both quail varieties, CS addition had a hypolipidemic effect, confirmed by lowering serum triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHO), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) while increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations (P < 0.05) with a clear response observed in white quails than the brown ones. Besides, CS supplementation increased (P=0.002) hen day egg production in brown feathered quails, while reducing it in the white-feathered quails compared with the CS-free diet. The increased egg production was not significantly (P > 0.05) correlated with lower content of TG and CHO, while significantly increased the antioxidant content in both quail varieties (P < 0.05). Moreover, CS dietary supplementation significantly enhanced (P=0.003) the yolk color, especially in brown-feathered quail. In conclusion, CS can be safely supplemented to the Japanese quail diet (1% and 2% for brown-feathered and white-feathered quails respectively) to improve growth performance, and egg quality characteristics.

Genetic parameters of weekly egg production using random regression models in two strains of Japanese quails.

The main objective of the present study was to detect the most appropriate random regression model for estimating the genetic parameters of weekly egg production. Two strains of Japanese quails including wild and white quails and pure and cross mating methods were considered. The egg collection started at the seventh week of age and lasted for 7weeks. A random regression model using Legendre polynomial was used to analyze the weekly egg records. The model with Legendre polynomial of order 1 for the additive genetic and order 3 for permanent environmental effect was chosen as the appropriate model, based on Bayesian information criterion (BIC) and Akaike information criterion (AIC). The heritability estimates for weekly egg production were low (ranging from 0.06 to 0.09). Furthermore, the ratios of permanent environmental variance to the phenotypic variance were almost moderate, varying from 0.18 to 0.44. Genetic and phenotypic correlations between weekly egg records ranged from 0.65 to 0.93 and from 0.27 to 0.67, respectively. These results indicated that the selection based on the early egg numbers could effectively improve egg production in later periods. Furthermore, the efficiency of egg production can be enhanced with a combination of breeding programs and management strategies.

Performance, Blood Lipid Profile, and the Expression of Growth Hormone Receptor (GHR) and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) Genes in Purebred and Crossbred Quail Lines.

Simple SummaryPoultry breeding programs are established to ameliorate the genetic potential of domestic birds through a selection process and crossbreeding programs. In this context, crossbreeding has been considered as an essential tool to produce favorable genotypes, which are affected by different genetic resources and non-genetic factors. Thus, the aim was to evaluate the impact of crossing white and brown quail lines on growth performance, carcass traits, and the relative expression of growth-related genes. The crossbred WBQ quail line (male white × female brown) exhibited a significantly greater dressing percentage and better feed conversion ratio (FCR), as well as higher mRNA expression of growth hormone receptor (GHR) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) genes.The aim was to evaluate the performance, blood lipid profile, and the relative expression of growth-related genes in purebred white and brown quail lines and their crossbred lines. A total of 240 one-day-old Japanese quail chicks of white and brown line, their crossbred line (WBQ: male white × female brown), and reciprocal crossbred line (BWQ: male brown × female white) were divided into four equal groups (60 birds each). The white quail line showed significantly higher final body weight, daily gain, and feed intake compared with the other quail lines (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, both crossbred quail lines (WBQ and BWQ) showed significantly lower FCR compared with both purebred quail lines (p = 0.001). Both crossbred quail lines showed greater dressing percentages compared with both purebred quail lines (p = 0.038). The brown quail line showed significantly (p = 0.05) higher levels of serum triglycerides and VLDL compared with the white and BWQ lines. The WBQ crossbred line exhibited significantly higher mRNA expression of GHR and IGF-1 genes compared with other quail lines (p < 0.001). Both crossbred lines (WBQ and BWQ) exhibited negative heterosis percentages for body weight (−4.39 and −3.90%, respectively) and feed intake (−10.87 and −14.59%, respectively). Meanwhile, heterosis percentages for FCR (−6.46 and −9.25%, respectively) and dressing percentage (7.54 and 6.38%, respectively) were improved in both crossbred lines. The WBQ line showed high heterosis percentages for the expression of GHR and IGF-1 genes (52.28 and 88.81%, respectively). In conclusion, the WBQ line exhibited significantly greater dressing percentage and better FCR, as well as higher mRNA expression of GHR and IGF-1 genes. These results may be helpful to improve breeding programs and to develop commercial lines of meat-type Japanese quail.

Beyaz ve Kahverengi Varyetelerine Göre Japon Bıldırcın’larının (Coturnix coturnix japonica) Canlı Ağırlık ve Zoometrik Yapılarının Belirlenmesi

This study was carried out to determine some zoometric measurements and body weights in two different varieties of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica), white and brown. For this purpose, live weights and variables of twelve different body measurements were evaluated in 30 white and brown varieties (15 males, 15 females), a total of 60 six-week-old quails housed under the same nutritional and environmental conditions. Although higher values were obtained in terms of average body weights at six weeks of age compared to many of the literature reports, there was no difference in terms of the two-color varieties compared in this study, while females were found to be significantly heavier than males. While white quails had higher values than brown ones in terms of head width, beak width, beak length, sternum length, tarsus length and wing length, females had higher values in live weight, body length, chest circumference and tarsus diameter variables according to gender. Positive correlations were found between body weights of six-week-old Japanese quails and the variables of skull length, body length, sternum length, middle finger length, wing length, chest circumference and tarsus diameter. Considering the fact that the consumption of quail will increase for the spread of quail breeding, it can be recommended to carry out more comprehensive studies on the factors that will enable people to prefer quail in nutrition.

Response of two strains of growing Japanese quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica) to diet containing pomegranate peel powder.

Four hundred and eighty 1-day-old Japanese quail chicks from white and brown strains, 240 birds from each strain, were divided into 4 treatment groups with 6 replicates each (10 birds/replicate). Both strains of quail were fed diets containing 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% pomegranate peel (PP) powder for a period of 42days. Results revealed that the final body weight (BW), total feed intake (TFI), body weight gain (BWG), gizzard percentage, and eviscerated carcass weight of white growing quails were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the brown strain. Quail group fed with 6% PP powder had the highest (P < 0.001) average final BW and BWG (P < 0.001). The dietary PP powder at different levels significantly (P = 0.032) decreased TFI, but had no significant effect on carcass traits except for the liver percentage. Quails fed diet 3% and 9% PP powder had significant (P < 0.001) increased count of immune cells, and improved antioxidant potency. White quails fed diet 3% and 6% PP powder had greater expression of hepatic GHR gene. The expression of hepatic IGF-1 gene was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for brown quails fed diet 6% and 9% PP powder. White quails recorded the highest value of total return (TR). Quails fed diet 6% and 9% PP powder significantly (P < 0.001) recorded higher net return (NR) values. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of PP powder at levels up to 9% for Japanese quail strains improved the growth performance, increased antioxidant properties, enhanced hepatic gene expression, and did not show any adverse influence on carcass quality and blood indices of Japanese quail. Moreover, it increased the NR.