Influence of various dietary protein levels on carcase composition in the male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

1. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of various dietary protein concentrations on the carcase composition of male Japanese quail.

2. Six diets varying in protein from 160 to 300 g/kg and containing approximately 11–72 MJ/kg ME were fed for 5 weeks and analysed for dry matter, protein, fat and ash.

3. Treatments affected carcase weight, dry matter, protein, ether extract and ash

4. The water content of the carcases decreased with increasing dietary protein concentrations, while the carcase protein content increased with higher dietary protein. The carcases with the highest fat content were obtained from quail receiving the low protein diet.     

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.     

Increased lipid peroxidation occurs during development in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) embryos

1. The growth of the avian embryo is paralleled by an exponential increase in the rate of whole-embryonic oxygen consumption, which potentially increases oxidative damage.

2. Age-related patterns of tissue lipid peroxidation were characterised in brain, liver and heart tissue of developing Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) embryos between 9 and 15 d of age, over which embryo mass increased by a factor of 6. Lipid peroxidation was quantified in each tissue by spectrophotometric measurement of malondialdehyde using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay.

3. In all tissues, lipid peroxidation increased greatly as development proceeded. Concentrations of malondialdehyde increased in parallel with the cumulative amount of oxygen consumed by the developing embryo consistent with the hypothesis that oxidative stress results from the production of free radicals due to oxidative metabolism.

4. This study describes in vivo oxidative stress in developing avian embryos and suggests that rates of embryonic growth, oxidative metabolism and oxidative damage likely vary in parallel.

     

Analysis of 46-kDa protein in the perivitelline membrane of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

The extracellular matrix surrounding the oocyte before ovulation is called the perivitelline membrane (PL) in avian species. The PL is constructed with two major glycoproteins, ZPC and ZP1, which are synthesized in the ovarian granulosa cells and the liver, respectively. Although the properties of the major components in the PL have been examined, knowledge about the nature of its minor constituents is lacking. In this study we focused on PL protein, which migrates at 46‐kDa in the gel of SDS‐PAGE. N‐terminal sequence analysis demonstrated that the 46‐kDa protein is the C‐terminal fragment of ZP1. Analysis of lysylendopeptidase digests or cyanogens bromide‐degraded fragments of ZP1 confirmed this postulate. Western blot analysis using antiserum against 46‐kDa protein indicated the absence of 46‐kDa protein in the serum. Moreover, small immunoreactive bands, thought to be cleaved fragments of ZP1, were detected in the PL lysate by western blot analysis using antiserum against the N‐terminal peptide of ZP1. These results indicated that the N‐terminal proteolytic processing of ZP1 might take place after the arrival of ZP1 at the ovary, and the resulting product, 46‐kDa protein, is incorporated into the PL.     

Effects of probiotic Bacillus cereus toyoi on abdominal fat accumulation in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Effects of a commercial probiotic, Bacillus cereus toyoi on abdominal fat accumulation in the Japanese quail fed either a commercial control diet (crude protein (CP), 23.5%; metabolizable energy (ME), 11.7MJ/kg) or a high‐energy diet (CP, 23.0%; ME, 13.8MJ/kg) were investigated. Four‐week‐old male birds (n = 108) were divided into four diet groups: control diet, control with probiotic, high‐energy diet and high‐energy diet with probiotic. At 8 weeks and 12 weeks of age (4 and 8 weeks of probiotic supplementation period, respectively), abdominal fat, muscles and the liver were weighed. The weight of total fat and protein in the muscles and liver were also determined. A rectal temperature was recorded weekly. Bodyweight and feed intake in both diets were not affected by probiotic supplementation. At 8 weeks of age, birds fed the control diet with probiotic had significantly less abdominal fat than those fed without the probiotic, and a similar tendency was seen for both diet groups at 12 weeks of age. The decrease in abdominal fat coincided with an increase in rectal temperature. These results suggest that greater metabolizable energy was consumed through elevation of heat production by supplementation of B. cereus toyoi, with hardly any energy stored as body fat. Probiotic supplementation appears to induce greater muscle weight, higher protein and lower lipid content in muscles by 8 weeks of age, and lower lipid content in muscles and greater liver weight by 12 weeks of age, in the Japanese quail.     

Effects of poppy seed meal on egg production and hatching results in quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

This study was carried out to determine the effects of poppy seed meal (PSM) on the egg production and hatching of quail. Two experiments were undertaken. In the first experiment, 240 quail, reared under the same conditions, were divided into four groups of 60 birds each (which were, in turn, subdivided into four subgroups of 15 each for experimental replicates). The first, second, and third experimental groups were fed ratios containing 5%, 15%, and 25% PSM, respectively, over 12 weeks. The control group received no PSM. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum and artificial light was provided for 16 h a day. During the first experiment, egg production, egg weight, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured. In the second experiment, 240 female and 48 male quail were divided into four groups, as in the preceding experiment, and the birds were housed in cages at a ratio of one male to five females. The diets and their presentation to the quails were the same as in the preceding experiment. The results of the two experiments showed that the addition of PSM to the feed ratios increased egg production, feed consumption, and feed conversion per kg of eggs and per dozen eggs. However, PSM addition at all percentages significantly reduced (P<0.001) hatchability, mainly because of increased infertility and embryonic deaths.     

Characterization of the cathelicidin cluster in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

The Japanese quail has several advantages as a low‐fat meat bird with high immunity against diseases. Cathelicidins (CATHs) are antimicrobial peptides that play an important role in innate immunity. The aim of this study was to characterize the CATH cluster in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). The Japanese quail CATH (CjCATH) cluster, contains four CATH genes, as in the chicken. The coding sequences of CjCATHs exhibited >85.3% identity to chicken CATHs. The predicted amino acid sequences of the four CjCATH genes contained the cathelin‐like domain characteristic of CATH proteins. Polymorphisms were detected in the open reading frames (ORFs) of all CjCATH sequences. Two amino acid substitutions were observed in the antimicrobial region of the mature peptide of CjCATH2, and predicted to influence peptide function. CjCATH1 is expressed in lung, heart, bone marrow and bursa of Fabricius (BF). CjCATH2 is expressed in bone marrow. CjCATH3 is expressed in lung, heart, bone marrow, BF, tongue and duodenum. CjCATHB1 is expressed in bone marrow and BF. This study is the first to characterize CATH genes in the Japanese quail, and identifies novel antimicrobial peptide sequences belonging to the cathelicidin family, which may play a role in immunity in this species.     

Ultrastructural study of ochratoxicosis in quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Ultrathin sections of liver and kidney from 11-week-old quail fed, from day-old, ochratoxin A (OA) (mixed in the diet at levels of 4 and 8 ppm) were examined in the electron microscope. Pathological changes in the kidneys were limited to the proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) and glomeruli. In the PCTs, abnormal mitochondria and excessive numbers of lipid droplets were the principal findings with glomeruli showing thickened basement membranes. Swollen mitochondria and variable glycogen deposition were the chief features present in the livers. It is suggested that OA is more hepatotoxic in quail than in broilers, as well as being nephrotoxic.     

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).     

The timing of oviposition and ovulation in the quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

An extensive series of experiments was performed to assess the common Coturnix quail as a laboratory bird for research on ovulation. The results indicate that the timing of the sequential events of ovulation, egg formation and lay in Coturnix is sufficiently constant to permit access to the physiological processes which determine ovulation and to provide convenient means for assessment of results. Special problems of method and limitations in the use of the quail are discussed. Differences in the timing of sequential ovulations in chickens and Coturnix are described. It is concluded that Coturnix will be a valuable subject for comparative studies on ovulation in birds.     

Histological and histochemical studies on the oviduct microcirculation of the laying Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

The health of oviduct circulation is very important for normal egg production. The present work describes the histology and histochemistry of vessels of different types on the oviduct of quail. Arteria, venae and lymphatics of the oviduct were described clearly. In addition, special vascular elements were observed presenting circular, longitudinal and oblique smooth muscle fibres on the blood vessel wall. Glomus cells were observed at typical glomus vessels, atypical glomus vessels and on the wall of some of arteria and arteriolae. Also, spirally oriented blood vessels were observed. Dark brown pigment was detected in the wall of arteria, venae, lymphatics and the special types of blood vessels.     

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.     

Experimental studies on Marek's disease in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Day-old quails experimentally infected with Marek's disease (MD) virus of quail origin developed lymphoid tumors. The severity of the disease increased considerably with serial passage. Tumor transplants could be made with cells derived from gross tumors in skeletal muscles, spleen cells, and blood from MD-affected quails. After five to six serial transplants, the tumor could not be transplanted further. Marek's disease tumor-associated surface antigen (MATSA) was demonstrated in lymphoid cells of spleen and peripheral blood lymphocytes of MD-affected quails. The MATSA of quail differed from the MATSA of chicken. Chickens were susceptible to MD virus isolated and propagated in quails.     

Duration and recovery of fertility in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Duration and recovery of fertility were investigated in the course of a long‐term project concerning inbreeding depression of fitness and other traits in Japanese quail. In two trials pair matings were made in the four possible combinations between mature random bred (R) and inbred (I) males and females.

Analysis of both trials was limited to (i) birds that were fertile in at least one previous hatch and (ii) matings that produced at least one fertile egg on or after the second day following removal of males. With these restrictions differences between mating types were not statistically significant. R×R matings had a longer duration and a faster recovery of fertility than the other mating types. Slower recovery of fertility in matings involving inbred birds may in part be due to reduced mating frequency, especially of inbred males.

Mean duration of fertility in all data analysed was 6.3 days after removal of males from pair cages. Upon remating the first fertile egg was laid after an average of 3.5 days. Ageing effects of sperm significantly decreased hatchability of fertile eggs.

Comparison with other species of birds shows the mean duration of fertility in Japanese quail to be about as short as that of ducks and geese, and about one‐half and one‐fourth as long as that of chickens and turkeys, respectively.     

Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural characterization of the ovarian surface epithelium of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Contrary to humans, most ovarian tumors in other species do not arise from the ovarian surface epithelium but are of follicular‐, stromal‐ or germ‐cell origin. One of the few species where ovarian cancer arises from the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) is chicken (Gallus domesticus). Little is known about the morphology of the OSE in other avian species. In our study we analyzed the OSE morphology of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) using ultrastructural and histochemical techniques. Carbohydrate residues have been studied by using a panel of fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled lectins. Japanese quails are commonly used animal models in biomedical research as their housing is comparatively inexpensive and they show a short generation interval. Our ultrastructural and histochemical results demonstrate that the quail ovarian surface epithelium shows characteristic features which resemble the epithelia of both chicken and human. Additionally, the ovarian surface epithelium of the Japanese quail contains cytokeratin as well as vimentin intermediate filaments in their cytoplasm. Therewith and among other parts the quail OSE shows many characteristic features also seen in those of humans, which may qualify quail's ovary as a potential animal model for human ovarian carcinomas.