Pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) following intravenous and oral administration

1. The pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin were investigated in Japanese quails after a single dose of 10?mg/kg BW, given either intravenously or orally.

2. Following intravenous administration, the mean value of distribution at steady state (Vd_ss), total body clearance (Cl_tot) and mean residence time (MRT) of levofloxacin were 1·25?l/kg, 0·39?l/h/kg and 2·72?h, respectively.

3. Following oral administration of levofloxacin, the peak plasma concentration (C_max) was 3·31?µg/ml and was achieved at a maximum time (T_max) of 2?h. Mean residence time (MRT), mean absorption time (MAT) and bioavailability were 4·26?h, 1·54?h and 69·01%, respectively. In vitro plasma protein binding of levofloxacin was 23·52%.

4. Based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic integration, an oral dose of 10?mg/kg levofloxacin for every 12?h is recommended for a successful clinical effect in quails.     

Hypocholesterolemic effect of karaya saponin in Japanese laying quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The effect of karaya saponin supplementation on the serum and egg yolk cholesterol and fatty acid composition in egg yolk were investigated in Japanese quails. A total of 80 Japanese quails aged 5 weeks were equally divided into four groups of 20. Four levels (0, 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg feed) of karaya saponin were included in the basal diet and experiment was lasted for 6 weeks. The cholesterol fractions in the egg yolk and serum were measured by enzymatic assay, and the fatty acid composition in egg yolk was determined by gas chromatography. The results revealed that the supplementation of 75 mg/kg karaya saponin significantly reduced (p < 0.05) cholesterol and triglycerides concentration in serum and egg yolk. High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was increased, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and the atherogenic index were decreased (p < 0.05) by the dietary supplementations. Hepatic cholesterol was reduced (p < 0.05) by the 25 mg/kg karaya saponin. A higher degree of yolk colour was improved (p < 0.05) when 75 mg/kg saponin was supplemented in the diet. The concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in egg yolk was increased (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner in quails fed the supplemented diet than the control diet. The ratio of PUFA to saturated fatty acids in egg yolk was improved (p < 0.05) by 75 mg/kg feed karaya saponin-supplemented diet. Therefore, the dietary supplementation of 75 mg/kg karaya saponin may be a feasible means of producing quail eggs with lower cholesterol and higher PUFA content for health conscious consumers.     

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic integration of orbifloxacin in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) following oral and intravenous administration

Hawkins, M. G., Taylor, I. T., Byrne, B. A., Armstrong, R. D., Tell, L. A. Pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic integration of orbifloxacin in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) following oral and intravenous administration. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 34 , 350–358. The pharmacokinetics of single‐dose administration of orbifloxacin were determined in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) at dosages of 5 mg/kg intravenous (i.v. n = 12) and 7.5 mg/kg oral (p.o.; n = 5), 10 mg/kg p.o. (n = 5), 15 mg/kg p.o. (n = 12) and 20 mg/kg p.o. (n = 5) via HPLC. Orbifloxacin minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against 22 microbial isolates from various bird species were performed to calculate pharmacodynamic surrogate markers. The concentration–time data were analyzed using a naïve pooled data (NPD) approach and compartmental and noncompartmental methods. Steady‐state volume of distribution (Vd_ss) and total body clearance (Cl) after i.v. administration were estimated to be 1.27 L/kg and 0.60 L/h·kg, respectively. Following 15 and 20 mg/kg p.o. dose, bioavailability was 102% and 117%, respectively. The harmonic mean of the corresponding terminal half‐lives (T_1/2λ_z) across all the dose groups was 1.71 h. The C_max/MIC₉₀ and AUC_0∞24/MIC₉₀ for the 15 and 20 mg/kg p.o. doses were ≥5.22 and ≥8.98, and ≥25.80 and ≥39.37 h, respectively. The results of this study suggest that 20 mg/kg orbifloxacin p.o. would be a rational daily dose to treat susceptible infections in Japanese quail not intended for food consumption. For more sensitive bacterial organisms, 15 mg/kg p.o. may also be effective.     

Pharmacokinetics of thiamphenicol in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) after single intravenous and oral administrations

Thiamphenicol (TP) pharmacokinetics were studied in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) following a single intravenous (IV) and oral (PO) administration at 30 mg/kg BW. Concentrations of TP were determined with HPLC and were analyzed by a noncompartmental method. After IV injection, elimination half-life (t_1/2λz), total body clearance (Cl_tot) volume of distribution at steady state (V_dss), and mean residence time (MRT) of TP were 3.83 hr, 0.19 L/hr/kg, 0.84 L/kg, and 4.37 hr, respectively. After oral administration of TP, the peak plasma concentration (C_max) was 19.81 μg/ml and was obtained at 2.00 hr (t_max) postadministration. Elimination half-life (t_1/2λz) and mean absorption time (MAT) were 4.01 hr and 1.56 hr, respectively. The systemic bioavailability following oral administration of TP was 78.10%. TP therapy with an oral dosage of 30 mg/kg BW is suggested for a beneficial clinical effect in quails.     

Marek's disease in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica): a study of natural cases

Marek's disease was observed in quails. Gross lesions were confined mostly to the spleen and liver. Microscopic lesions were commonly seen in spleen, proventriculus, liver, and duodenum. Skin, peripheral nerves, and other visceral organs were also involved. Of 123 quails examined, 39 had serum antibodies against Marek's disease. These antibodies were detected from 11 to 17 weeks of age; the highest incidence was recorded at 15 weeks. Feather follicular antigen detected in 30 of the 95 quails was comparable to that of chicken. The disease was experimentally reproduced in susceptible quails. Marek's-disease-tumor-associated surface antigens (MATSA) were demonstrated in the peripheral leukocytes and spleen cells of affected quails. The possible source of infection and its epidemiological importance are discussed.     

Secretion of inhibin in female Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) from hatch to sexual maturity

To clarify the cellular source and secretory pattern of inhibin in the Japanese quail during follicular development, the plasma concentrations of immunoreactive (ir) inhibin were measured from 1 to 7 weeks after hatching. Localization of the inhibin/activin alpha, beta A and beta B subunits was investigated by immunohistochemistry. To monitor development of the pituitary and ovarian functions, the plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone concentrations were also measured. Ovarian weight increased gradually until 6 weeks of age and then abruptly increased at 7 weeks of age just at the onset of egg production. Plasma concentrations of LH increased significantly at 6 weeks of age. The plasma concentrations of ir-inhibin and progesterone and the pituitary contents of LH also increased significantly at 7 weeks of age. Immunohistochemically, the inhibin/activin alpha, beta A and beta B subunits were localized in the granulosa cells of all follicles during different stages of development from 1 to 7 weeks after hatching. The inhibin alpha, beta A and beta B subunits were also found in the interstitial cells but not theca cells of all follicles. These results demonstrated that the plasma concentrations of ir-inhibin of the female Japanese quails rose with ovarian development. The immunohistochemical results suggested that granulosa and interstitial cells are the major source of ovarian inhibins in female Japanese quails.     

Immunohistochemical studies on the splenic lobe of the pancreas in young Japanese quails (Coturnix c. japonica)

The splenic lobe (Lobus splenicus) of the pancreas of young meat-type quails (Coturnix c. japonica) was examined by immunohistochemical and light microscopic methods. The endocrine cells are mainly grouped as alpha, beta and mixed islets. A large region consisting of alpha cells is located in the central region of the splenic lobe whereas numerous beta islets are detected in the periphery of the splenic lobe. Alpha islets are in the majority composed of toluidine blue positive A cells and a few toluidine blue negative D and / or avian pancreatic polypeptide (APP) endocrine cells. Beta islets contain only a few toluidine blue negative B and a few D cells. Immunohistochemical staining of the splenic lobe reveal in the centre of beta islets numerous insulin immunoreactive cells and scarcely in alpha islets, exocrine tissue and / or among acinar cells. Somatostatin immune-reactive cells form a circular layer in the periphery of beta islets whereas these cells are uniformly distributed throughout the alpha islet parenchyma and exocrine tissue. In conclusion, the morphology but also the endo- and exocrine functions of the splenic lobe of quails are similar to observations in other avian species such as chicken, duck, goose and pigeon.     

Cellulitis in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

A case of cellulitis was observed in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) reared for commercial meat production. This condition in Japanese quail has not been reported in the literature. This incident was the first, and to date only, occurrence of cellulitis in this processing plant. The cellulitis lesions were localized to the subcutis overlying the breast and inner thigh. Carcasses of processed birds and live birds from the affected farm were presented to the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center, University of Georgia. Escherichia coli was cultured from the lesion. The affected live birds displayed lameness and had osteomyelitis. Pasteurella multocida serotype 3,4 was cultured from the liver and bone marrow of affected birds. Approximately 4.61% of the processed carcasses from the flock were condemned because of cellulitis. This represented a 10fold increase from the typical condemnation rate. Further investigation revealed birds were placed in higher than normal density; therefore, we theorize that the concurrent pasteurellosis and increased placement density resulted in the cellulitis condition.     

Evidence for estrogen receptor expression during medullary bone formation and resorption in estrogen-treated male Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The temporal expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-α and ER-β mRNA was examined in male Japanese quails. Femurs of quails receiving 17β-estradiol underwent RTPCR and histochemical analysis 1 to 15 days after treatment. Untreated quails were used as controls (day 0). Between days 0 and 5, cells lining the bone endosteal surface differentiated into osteoblasts, which in turn formed medullary bone. Expression of ER-α was already observed on day 0 and increased slightly during bone formation whereas ER-β was hardly detected throughout this process. After osteoclasts appeared on the medullary bone surface, this type of bone disappeared from the bone marrow cavity (days 7~15). ER-α expression simultaneously decreased slightly and ER-β levels remained very low. These results suggest that estrogen activity mediated by ER-α not only affects medullary bone formation but also bone resorption.     

Hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate for reduction of aflatoxin in quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the toxic effects of aflatoxin (AF) on growth performance and various processing parameters of quails and to determine the preventive efficacy of hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS). One hundred and eighty 1-d-old quails of both sexes were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups with 5 replicates and 45 birds following weighing.The experimental design consisted of four dietary treatments: 1) control with 0 mg AF/kg of diet and 0% HSCAS; 2) 0.5% HSCAS; 3) 2.5 mg AF/kg of diet; 4) 2.5 mg AF/kg of diet plus 0.5% HSCAS.The chicks were housed in electrically heated battery cages and exposed to light for 24 h from hatching to 3 weeks of age. Quails consumed the diets and water ad libitum. Body weight (BW) was significantly (p < 0.001) increased by addition of HSCAS to AF diet.The lowest BW gains in groups received AF alone was observed at all periods.The reduction in BW gain caused by 2.5 mg AF/kg of diet was significantly (p < 0.001) diminished by the addition of 0.5% HSCAS to the diet.The addition of HSCAS to the AF diet significantly (p < 0.001) protected against decrease of feed intake at all periods with exception of the first period. None of the treatments altered significantly the feed conversion ratio (FCR).The relative weights of the liver, kidney and spleen were increased in the chickens consuming the AF alone diet. However, light microscopic examination demonstrated the addition of HSCAS to quail feed to partially decrease fat deposition caused by the toxin, and besides, electron microscopic examination of indicated a reorganization in the endoplasmic reticulum and increase in the number of ribosomes and polisomes. Furthermore, the decrease in the antibody titre induced by Newcastle vaccine, due to aflatoxins, was relatively prevented. No significant differences were observed for serum total protein, total cholesterol and glucose levels.The results of indicate that HSCAS is effective in preventing the deleterious effects of AF.     

Haematology of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Blood samples from 30 2‐week‐old unsexed chicks, 25 adult males, 30 non‐laying hens and 19 laying hens were examined to characterise haematological norms in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) under various physiological conditions such as age, sex and laying. Young quail had significantly lower erythrocyte counts, packed cell volumes, haemoglobin content, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentrations, numbers of thrombocyte::, percentages of lymphocytes and plasma protein levels than did the adult males and the non‐laying hens. The total leucocyte count of the young birds was not significantly different from that of the males and just different from that of the non‐laying hens. The young birds also showed a higher mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and percentages of heterophils and monocytes in comparison with the adult males and the non‐laying hens. A comparison between males and females showed that males had a higher erythrocyte count, packed cell volume and haemoglobin content and a lower concentration of plasma proteins than the adult females. Excepting for an elevated relative count of eosinophils, no influence attributable to laying was observed.     

Identification of chromosome instability in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

1. A study of the incidence of chromosome instability in the Japanese quail as assessed by sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and fragile site identification in chromosomes was conducted in two parent breeds and their F1 and F2 generations.

2. The mean incidence of SCEs was 6.02 ± 0.45 and the frequency of fragile sites was 1.17 ± 0.79.

3. There were moderately negative correlations of 0.51–0.64 between chromosome instability and fertility in the F1 and 0.10–0.23 in the F2. The hatch of fertilised eggs was negatively correlated with the number of SCE in male (0.31) and female (0.33) F1 and was lower in P (0.18 and 0.19, respectively), whereas the correlations were similar for the number of fragile sites in both generations (0.51–0.62).     

Pasteurella multocida infection in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Three flocks of Japanese quail, approximately 75,000 birds each, experienced acute high mortality beginning at 24 to 28 days of age. Gross lesions were absent or were composed of either multifocal small pale areas on livers and spleens or lungs slightly darker in color than normal. Histopathology revealed multifocal splenic and hepatic necrosis and interstitial pneumonia. Pasteurella multocida, serotype 3,4, was isolated from affected tissues. The quail were successfully treated with chlortetracycline, and the organism was apparently eliminated from the premises by thorough cleaning, disinfection, and insect and rodent control. Experimental studies showed Japanese quail to be highly susceptible to disease caused by the P. multocida isolated from the affected flocks.     

Meat quality traits and muscle characteristicsin high or low fear lines of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) subjected to acute stress

1. The influence of acute stress before slaughter on muscle and meat quality was studied in adult male quail from lines divergently selected for long (LTI) or short (STI) duration of tonic immobility (TI) and from the unselected (C) control line. 2. When subjected to acute stress, birds from the long TI line responded differently to those of the control or the low fear lines. LTI birds exhibited: a higher plasma creatine kinase and a smaller increase in plasma corticosterone levels, a higher pHu and drip loss values for breast meat associated with no differences in L*a*b* colour values; a higher percentage of fast glycolytic myofibres (IIb) and correspondingly (correlate) higher glycolytic (activity) in the pectoralis major (PM) muscle, and consequently lower oxidative enzyme activity in the PM muscle. 3. It is concluded that acute stress affected muscle metabolism differently in the STI, C and LTI lines. Hence, selection for TI, which is correlated with underlying fearfulness, can indirectly lead to differences in meat quality.     

Pharmacokinetics and tissue residue profiles of erythromycin in broiler chickens after different routes of administration

This study investigated the disposition kinetics and plasma availability of erythromycin in broiler chickens after single intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.), subcutaneous (s.c.) and oral administrations (p.o.) of 30 mg kg(-1) b. wt. Tissue residue profiles were also studied after multiple intramuscular, subcutaneous, and oral administration of 30 mg kg(-1) b. wt., twice daily for three consecutive days. Plasma and tissue concentrations of erythromycin were determined using microbiological assay methods with Micrococcus luteus as the test organism. Following intravenous injection, plasma concentration-vs-time curves were best described by a two compartment open model. The decline in plasma drug concentration was bi-exponential with half-lives of (t(1/2alpha)) 0.19 h and (t(1/2beta)) 5.3 h for distribution and elimination phases, respectively. After intramuscular, subcutaneous and oral administration erythromycin at the same dose was detected in plasma at 10 min and reached its minimum level 8 h post-administration. The peak plasma concentration (Cmax) were 5.0, 5.3, and 6.9 microg x ml(-1) and were attained at 1.7, 1.4, and 1.3 h (Tmax), respectively. The elimination half-lives (T(1/2el)) were 3.9, 2.6, and 4.1 h and the mean residence times (MRT) were 3.5, 3.2, and 3.6 h, respectively. The systemic bioavailabilities were 92.5, 68.8, and 109.3%, respectively. In vitro protein binding percent of erythromycin in broiler plasma was ranged from 21 to 31%. The limit of quantification (LOQ) for the assay was 0.03 microg x ml(-1) in plasma and tissues. The tissue level concentrations were highest in the liver, and decreased in the following order: plasma > kidney > lung > muscle and heart. No erythromycin residues were detected in tissues and plasma after 24 h except in liver and kidney where it persisted during 48 h following intramuscular and oral administrations.