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Dietary supplementation with plant-based products may arise as part of an alternative strategy to using antibiotics as growth promoters in the poultry industry. Garlic powder (GP) possesses antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The aim was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of GP on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of the Japanese quail. A total of 240, day-old mixed gender Japanese quail were assigned to 4 treatment groups, each group being replicated 4 times and containing 15 birds in each replication. Birds were provided with either a basal diet (control) or basal diet supplemented with 0.5%, 1% and 2% GP for 5 wk. At slaughter age, birds fed 1% GP had higher (P < 0.05) live weight and body weight gain when compared to the control. Supplementation with different levels of GP had no influence (P > 0.05) on feed intake, feed conversion ratio except 3rd wk, carcass traits and abdominal fat. Thiobarbituric acid, peroxide and pH values in breast meat of birds receiving GP (1% or 2%) after storage (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 d) were lower (P < 0.05) than the birds in control. Furthermore, total psychrophilic bacteria count was lower in breast meat of birds supplemented with GP at any dose compared to the birds of control. Sensory characteristics such as color, aroma, juiciness and tenderness were observed significantly better (P < 0.05) in GP supplemented groups especially when fed 1% GP. In conclusion, supplementing the diet with 1% to 2% GP demonstrated growth-promoting effects and positively impacted meat quality, including sensory characteristics.

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BACKGROUND: Plasma-activated water (PAW) is an innovative promising technology which could be applied to improve poultry health. The current study investigated the effects of drinking water supply with PAW on quail behaviour, performance, biochemical parameters, carcass quality, intestinal microbial populations, and internal organs histopathology. A total of 54 twenty-one-day-old Japanese quail chicks were randomly allotted to three treatments provided with PAW at doses 0, 1 ml (PAW-1), and 2 ml (PAW-2) per one litter drinking water. Each treatment contained 6 replicates (3 birds/ cage; one male and two females). RESULTS: The results clarified that there were no significant (P > 0.05) changes in behaviour, and performance. For the biochemical indicators, the PAW-1 group showed significantly higher serum H2O2, total protein and globulin levels compared with the other groups (P = 0.015, < 0.001, and 0.019; respectively). PAW groups had significantly lower serum creatinine and urea levels than the control (P = 0.003). For the carcass quality, the internal organs relative weight between different treatments was not changed. In contrast, there was a significant increase in the meat colour, taste, and overall acceptance scores in PAW groups compared with the control one (P = 0.013, 0.001, and < 0.001; respectively). For the intestinal microbial population, lactobacilli count was significantly higher in PAW-2 compared with the control group (P = 0.014), while there were no changes in the total bacterial count between different treatment groups. Moreover, mild histological changes were recorded in the intestine, liver, and spleen of PAW groups especially PAW-2 compared with the control one. CONCLUSIONS: PAW offered benefits, such as reducing creatine and urea levels, improving meat characteristics, and increasing lactobacilli count, all of which are crucial for sustainable quail farming. Therefore, further research is needed.

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The purpose of this experiment was to investigate how various fiber sources impact the performance, microbial population, and intestinal histology of Japanese quail that was performed in a completely randomized design for 42 days. The dietary treatments involved a fiber-free corn-soybean meal-based diet (control, CTL), and CTL with added levels of sunflower hulls (SFH) and sugar beet pulp (SBP) (20 and 40 g kg-1). Body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) were recorded weekly. Carcass characteristics, cecal microbial population, blood variables and intestinal histology were measured on the 42 day of age. Adding 40 g kg-1 of SBP led to a significant decrease in body weight gain and an increase in the feed conversion ratio of birds from 1 to 21 days (P < 0.05). The relative weight of the gastrointestinal tract and gizzard increased significantly in birds that consumed SFH. Blood triglyceride concentration decreased with the inclusion of fiber in the diet. However, there was a notable increase in blood cholesterol concentration in the birds that were fed SBP (20 and 40 g kg-1) in comparison to those fed SFH (P < 0.05). The population of E. Coli in the cecum increased significantly in the birds that were fed 4 g kg-1 of SBP as opposed to those fed 20 and 40 g kg-1 of SFH (P < 0.05). The villus height of the jejunum in birds that were fed 20 g kg-1 and 40 g kg-1 of SFH demonstrated a significant increase in comparison to the other treatments (P < 0.05). In general, the findings of this research indicated that the inclusion of 40 g kg-1 of SBP in the diet had a negative impact on performance and other physiological parameters. However, the use of SFH and 20 g kg-1 of SBP yielded similar results to birds in the CTL, and in some cases, even better outcomes.

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Gnetum gnemon L. is an evergreen tree that belongs to the Gnetaceae family and is commonly used as a vegetable and medicinal plant among indigenous people. The key goal of this study was to assess the antibacterial efficacy of ethanolic G. gnemon leaf extract (EGLE) against six food-borne pathogens. The antimicrobial activity of EGLE was evaluated using multiple methods, including the well diffusion assay (WDA), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and time-kill assay. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to identify active volatile compounds responsible for EGLE's antibacterial activities. Total plate count (TPC) was conducted to measure microbial populations and evaluate the efficacy of EGLE as a natural preservative in raw quail eggs. 100 g of dried and powdered sample yielded an average of 11.58 ± 0.38 % post-extraction. The inhibition zone in WDA ranged from 11.00 ± 0.57-13.50 ± 0.58 mm, MIC ranged from 6.25 to 50.00 mg/mL, and MBC values were between 12.5 and >50 mg/mL. Results from the time-kill study showed that at 4 × MIC Bacillus pumilus and B. megaterium were completely killed in 1 h incubation time and other bacteria were killed within 2-4 h. Findings from TPC demonstrated that at the highest tested concentration of EGLE, there was no significant bacterial growth for a 30-day observation period. Thereby, suggesting that it had the potential to function as a natural preservative for raw quail eggs. EGLE may be a viable alternative to synthetic preservatives in combating food-borne pathogens.

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BACKGROUND: Avian species have played a pivotal role in developmental hematopoiesis research, leading to numerous critical discoveries. Avian influenza, particularly the H5N1 strain, poses a significant threat to poultry and has zoonotic potential for humans. Infections often result in abnormal hematologic profiles, highlighting the complex interplay between avian diseases and hematopoiesis. Many avian diseases can suppress immune cells in the bone marrow (BM), impacting immune responses. Studying hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in avian BM is crucial for understanding these processes and developing effective vaccines and protection strategies for both avian and human health. METHODS: This study adapted methods from mouse studies to isolate avian HSCs as Lineage-negative (Lin-) cells. These isolated cells were further identified as Lin-Sca1+c-Kit+ (LSK) and were found to be more prevalent than in control groups. RT-PCR analyses were conducted, showing that genes like MEIS1 and TSC1 were upregulated, while SIRT1, FOXO1, and AHR were downregulated in these stem cells. Screening for LSK markers revealed ten unique surface antigens in the Sca1+c-Kit+ cell populations, including highly enriched antigens such as CD178, CD227, and CD184. Additionally, studies on quail HSCs demonstrated that similar labeling techniques were effective in quail BM. RESULTS: The research demonstrated that the identification of avian HSC-specific surface antigens provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of avian influenza and other diseases, enhancing our understanding of how these diseases suppress HSC function. Notably, the upregulation of MEIS1 and TSC1 genes in LSK cells underscores their critical roles in regulating hematopoietic processes. Conversely, the downregulation of SIRT1, FOXO1, and AHR genes provides important clues about their roles in differentiation and immune response mechanisms. DISCUSSION: The findings of this study deepen our understanding of the effects of avian diseases on the immune system by identifying surface markers specific to avian HSCs. The suppression of HSC function by pathogens such as influenza highlights the importance of understanding these cells in developing targeted vaccines. These results represent a significant step towards improving global health security by mitigating risks associated with avian pathogens.

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Introduction: Japanese quail are of significant economic value, providing protein nutrition to humans through their reproductive activity; however, sexual dimorphism in this species remains relatively unexplored compared with other model species. Method: A total of 114 RNA sequencing datasets (18 and 96 samples for quail and chicken, respectively) were collected from existing studies to gain a comprehensive understanding of sexual dimorphism in quail. Cross-species integrated analyses were performed with transcriptome data from evolutionarily close chickens to identify sex-biased genes in the embryonic, adult brain, and gonadal tissues. Results: Our findings indicate that the expression patterns of genes involved in sex-determination mechanisms during embryonic development, as well as those of most sex-biased genes in the adult brain and gonads, are identical between quails and chickens. Similar to most birds with a ZW sex determination system, quails lacked global dosage compensation for the Z chromosome, resulting in directional outcomes that supported the hypothesis that sex is determined by the individual dosage of Z-chromosomal genes, including long non-coding RNAs located in the male hypermethylated region. Furthermore, genes, such as WNT4 and VIP, reversed their sex-biased patterns at different points in embryonic development and/or in different adult tissues, suggesting a potential hurdle in breeding and transgenic experiments involving avian sex-related traits. Discussion: The findings of this study are expected to enhance our understanding of sexual dimorphism in birds and subsequently facilitate insights into the field of breeding and transgenesis of sex-related traits that economically benefit humans.

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Background and Aim: There is a limited amount of research conducted on quail breeding domestically and internationally, particularly at the molecular level. This study aimed to detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) genes across two quail varieties and their hybrids correlate these genetic factors with body weight (BW) and growth rate at 0 and 6 weeks, and assess crossing effects. Materials and Methods: White and Japanese quail were crossed. Simultaneously producing pure varieties and crosses (genotypes) was achieved through this breeding strategy. Fifty females from each genotype were randomly selected for blood sampling. Genomic DNA was extracted and amplified from the blood using the DNeasy blood kit (Qiagen, Germany). Nucleotide polymorphism between quail genotypes was determined through DNA sequencing. Results: Two types of alleles (A and B) for the GH gene in quails showed significant genotypic differences (AA, BB, and AB). The quail carried a mutated IGF-1 gene. For growth traits, substantial positive heterosis was detected. Conclusion: The genotype AA had the highest BW and weight gain. The white variety can act as a sire, and both white and Japanese varieties can function as dams to improve growth traits. The growth characteristics of the hybrids surpassed those of the original varieties.

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Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) from family Euphorbiaceae is a plant has leaves similar to papaya leaves but with dark green leaf color. This plant contains phytochemical compounds such as alkaloid, flavonoid, triterpenoids, glycoside, and tannin that can function as antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. Chaya leaf infusion are processed into infusion before given to the quails through drinking water, this method is used to obtain the phytochemical compounds contained in chaya leaves. This study aimed to evaluate chaya leaf infusion (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) as a phytogenic source on the productivity and egg quality of japanese laying quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) aged 17-20 weeks. Chaya leaf infusion is given through drinking water and is expected to increase the productivity and quality of quail egg. The variables observed consisted of productivity (water intake, feed intake, egg weigh, QDP, egg mass, FCR, mortality) and egg quality (yolk, albumen, shell weight and percentage, egg index, yolk index, albumen index, shell thickness, yolk color, and haugh unit). This study was analyzed using the T test with 2 treatments and 4 replications: T0 = drinking water without any additives and T1 = drinking water with a concentration 10% of chaya leaf infusion. The results showed that chaya leaf infusion had a significant effect (P≤0.05) on quail day production, egg mass, albumen index, and yolk color. Besides that, supplementation chaya leaf infusion significantly reduces (P<0.05) feed convertion ratio. So that the use of 10% chaya leaf infusion in drinking water by giving it 2 times a week can increase the productivity and egg quality of laying quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) 17-20 weeks old.

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OPN5 is one of the main deep brain photoreceptors (DBPs), converting photoperiodic information into neuroendocrine signals to regulate reproduction in birds. This study investigated the mechanism of OPN5-mediated photoperiodic regulation of reproduction by active immunization against OPN5. 96 female quail were divided into OPN5-immunized and control group under the same photoperiod: 16 L:8 D (d 1 to d 35), 8 L:16 D (d 36 to d 70) and 12 L:12 D (d 71 to d 126). OPN5-immunized group was conducted with OPN5 protein vaccination and control group was given a blank vaccine. Samples were collected on d 1, d 30, d 60, and d 126. Results showed switching photoperiod to 8 L:16 D decreased the laying rate, GSI%, numbers of YFs and WFs, serum levels of PRL, P4 and E2, and pituitary PRL and TSHß protein expressions in both groups (P < 0.05). Whereas the OPN5-immunized group exhibited higher laying rates than the control group (P < 0.05). The control group showed reduced GnRHR and TSHß gene expressions in the pituitary and increased GnIH and DIO3 transcript and/or protein abundance in the hypothalamus. (P < 0.05). The OPN5-immunized group had lower DIO3 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. (P < 0.05). Switching photoperiod from 8 L:16 D to 12 L:12 D increased the laying rates, GSI%, numbers of YFs and WFs, serum levels of PRL, and PRL protein expression in both groups (P < 0.05), and the responses were more pronounced in OPN5-immunized group (P < 0.05). In contrast to the control group, quail with OPN5-immunization had higher OPN5 and DIO2 transcript and/or protein levels but lower DIO3 expressions in the hypothalamus along the transition photoperiods (P < 0.05). The results revealed that OPN5 responds to photoperiod transition, and its activation mediates related signaling to up-regulate TSH-DIO2/DIO3 pathway and VIP-PRL secretion to prime quail reproductive functions.

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DEAD-box RNA helicase 4 (DDX4) is posited to be a key maternal germ cell factor regulating avian germ cell formation. We herein showed that the DDX4 gene product of zygotic genome activation associated with the nuclear localization of the cyclin D1 protein in presumptive primordial germ cells (PGCs) plays an essential role in the proliferation of PGCs using a CRISPR/Cas9 system approach combined with in vitro fertilization techniques in Japanese quail. A proteome analysis also revealed molecular-based differences in the features of early male and female PGCs.

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Antibiotic overuse in poultry feeds has disastrous implications; consequently, long-term alternatives must be developed. As a result, the current study aims to assess the impact of Aspergillus niger filtrate (ANF) high in organic acids grown on agro-industrial residue of faba bean (AIRFB) on quail diet, as well as their influence on bird productivity, digestion, carcass yield, blood chemistry, and intestinal microbiota. A total of 240 Japanese quails (aged 7 d) were used in this study, divided equally among 5 experimental groups with 48 quails each. Group 1 (G1) received a basal diet without any ANF, group 2 (G2) received a basal diet supplemented with 0.5 mL ANF/kg diet, group 3 (G3) received a basal diet supplemented with 1.0 mL ANF/kg diet, group 4 (G4) received a basal diet supplemented with 1.5 mL ANF/kg diet, and group 5 (G5) received a basal diet supplemented with 2 mL ANF/kg diet. The performance parameters were monitored at 1 to 3, 3 to 5, and 1 to 5 wk. Adding ANF increased body weight at 3 and 5 wk, as well as body weight gain at 1 to 3, 3 to 5, and 1 to 5 wk, compared to the control diet. The ANF fed quails had the highest feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. The addition of ANF to the quail diet had no effect on the weight of the carcass, gizzard, heart, liver, giblets, or dressing; however, it did lower triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein while increasing high-density lipoprotein levels. The quail groups that received ANF had enhanced immunological indices such as IgG, IgM, IgA, and lysozymes. It also increased the levels of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant contents, as well as catalase, and digestive enzymes such as protease, amylase, and lipase. However, it lowered the blood MDA levels compared to control. It has been demonstrated that the total gut microbiota, Escherichia coli, total coliforms, and the population of Salmonella are all reduced in ANF-fed quails. Histological examination of ANF quails' liver and intestinal sections revealed normal hepatic parenchyma, typical leaf-like intestinal villi, and comparatively short and frequently free lumina. In conclusion, Japanese quail showed improvements in performance, digestive enzymes, antioxidant indices, immunity, and capacity to reduce intestinal pathogenic bacteria after consuming diet supplemented with ANF.

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Spermatogenesis in eukaryotes is a process that occurs within a very narrow temperature threshold, typically not exceeding 36 °C. SPO11 was isolated from the temperature-sensitive mutant receptor of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is thought to be the only protein that functions during meiosis. This suggested that SPO11 may be the key protein that influenced the temperature of spermatogenesis not exceeding 36 °C. Elevated temperatures typically damage the spermatogenic cells. Birds have a core body temperature of 41-42 °C, and their testis are located inside their bodies, providing an alternative perspective to investigate the potential impact of temperature threshold on spermatogenesis. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether elevated ambient temperatures affect spermatogenesis in birds and whether SPO11 is the key gene affecting the temperature threshold for spermatogenesis. STRA8, SCP3, SPO11, γ-H2AX, and RAD51 were all crucial components in the process of meiotic initiation, synapsis, DNA double-strand break (DSB) induction, homologous chromosome crossover recombination, and repair of DSB. In this study, 39-day-old Japanese quail were subjected to heat stress (HS) at 38 °C for 8 h per day for 3 (3d HS) and 13 (13d HS) consecutive days and analyzed the expression of meiotic signaling molecules (STRA8, SCP3, SPO11, γ-H2AX, and RAD51) using molecular biology techniques, including Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western Blot (WB), and Real-time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). We found that spermatogenesis was normal in both groups exposed to HS. Meiotic signaling molecules were expressed normally in the 3d HS group. All detected signaling molecules were normally expressed in the 13d HS group, except for SPO11, which showed a significant increase in expression, indicating that SPO11 was temperature-sensitive. We examined the localized expression of each meiotic signaling molecule in quail testis, explored the temperature sensitivity of SPO11, and determined that quail testis can undergo normal spermatogenesis at ambient temperatures exceeding 36 °C. This study concluded that SPO11 is not the key protein influencing spermatogenesis in birds. These findings enhance our understanding of avian spermatogenesis.

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Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a mycotoxin affecting animal health through the food chain and has been closely associated with several diseases such as pulmonary edema in pigs and diarrhea in poultry. FB1 is mainly metabolized in the liver. Although a few studies have shown that FB1 causes liver damage, the molecular mechanism of liver damage is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the role of liver damage, nuclear xenobiotic receptor (NXR) response and cytochrome P450 (CYP450)-mediated defense response during FB1 exposure. A total of 120 young quails were equally divided into two groups (control and FB1 groups). The quails in the control group were fed on a normal diet, while those in the FB1 group were fed on a quail diet containing 30 mg/kg for 42 days. Histopathological and ultrastructural changes in the liver, biochemical parameters, inflammatory factors, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) factors, NXR response and CYP450 cluster system and other related genes were examined at 14 days, 28 days and 42 days. The results showed that FB1 exposure impaired the metabolic function and caused liver injury. FB1 caused ER stress and decreased adenosine triphosphatease activity, induced the expression of inflammation-related genes such as interleukin 6 and nuclear factor kappa-B, and promoted inflammation. In addition, FB1 disrupted the expression of multiple CYP450 isoforms by activating nuclear xenobiotic receptors (NXRs). The present study confirms that FB1 exposure disturbs the homeostasis of cytochrome P450 systems (CYP450s) in quail liver by activating NXR responses and thereby causing liver damage. This study's findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of FB1-induced hepatotoxicity.

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Prenatal maternal stress (PMS) is known to shape the phenotype of the first generation offspring (F1) but according to some studies, it could also shape the phenotype of the offspring of the following generations. We previously showed in the Japanese quail that PMS increased the emotional reactivity of F1 offspring in relation to (i) a variation in the levels of some histone post-translational modification (H3K27me3) in their brains and (ii) a modulation of the hormonal composition of the eggs from which they hatched. Here, we wondered whether PMS could also influence the behaviour of the second (F2) and third (F3) generation offspring due to the persistence of the specific marks we identified. Using a principal component analysis, we found that PMS influenced F2 and F3 quail profiles with subtle differences between generations. It increased F2 neophobia, F3 fearfulness and F3 neophobia but only in females. Interestingly, we did not find any variations in the level of histone post-translational modification in F3 brains and we observed inconsistent modulations of androstenedione levels in F1 and F2 eggs. Although they may vary over generations, our results demonstrate that PMS can have phenotypical effects into the third generation.

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During storage, irreversible changes occur in eggs, resulting in a decline in their quality, predominantly affecting the albumen. Ovomucoid, a major protein found in egg white, belongs to the Kazal-type serine proteinase inhibitors and serves to protect the embryo from microorganisms. Notably, in chicken eggs, it is a significant allergen. There is a possibility that its polymorphism also influences the quality and stability of table eggs. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the potential effect of polymorphism in the ovomucoid gene and protein on quality changes during the storage of eggs derived from 2 strains of Japanese quail, encompassing various utility types. Eggs from selected females of laying and meat-type breeds were stored for 14 wk, with egg quality traits assessed 10 times during this duration. DNA was isolated from each female, and sequencing was conducted on all exons of the ovomucoid gene. In total, 5 SNPs were identified in exons and adjacent intronic sequences, with SNP1 (13:12355585), SNP4 (13:12356594), and SNP5 (13:12358538) leading to amino acid substitutions in the ovomucoid protein. Notably, all SNPs except SNP5 were identified in the ovomucoid gene of Japanese quail for the first time. The results demonstrated that in the F33 strain, SNP1, SNP3, and SNP4 exhibited significant associations with egg weight, whereas in the S22 strain, SNP5 significantly affected yolk color and various eggshell quality traits, including eggshell weight, eggshell thickness, and breaking strength, throughout the storage period. Furthermore, a haplotype block containing 2 SNPs (3 and 4) was identified, exhibiting 2 distinct haplotypes that significantly affected egg weight, eggshell weight, and breaking strength at various storage time points during egg quality analyses. These findings provide novel insights into the genetic basis of egg quality during storage and have the potential to be integrated into breeding programs for these strains.

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The study aimed to assess the effects of different dietary Silybum marianum (SM, milk thistle) powder levels on growth performance, productivity, immunity, small intestine, haemato-biochemical parameters, meat quality, and egg and carcass characteristics of laying quails. The experimental subjects consisted of one hundred and eight 43-day-old quails divided into 3 treatments (0, 0.75, and 1.50% SM) with 4 replicates each. The egg characteristics and growth performance of the quails were evaluated. Quails were euthanized for evaluation of carcasses, microbiota, and sensory characteristics of meat. Blood samples were analyzed for haematology and biochemical profile. SM at 0.75% and 1.50% significantly (P < 0.05) increased feed intake, enhanced egg characteristics (number, weight, width, length, volume, weight of egg yolk, and eggshell thickness), jejunum and ileum length, spleen weight, lactobacillus population, sensory characteristics of meat, red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin, erythrocytic indices, concentration of albumin, globulin and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). SM at 0.75% and 1.50% decreased (P < 0.05) carcass weight (abdominal fat, heart, neck, and pancreas), feed conversion ratio (FCR) based on eggs produced, percentages of heterophils and lymphocytes, concentration of lactate dehydrogenase, population of coliforms clostridia, and Escherichia coli. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatine kinase were not significantly (P > 0.05) altered by 0.75% and 1.50% SM. SM at both levels (0.75% and 1.50%) may improve growth, egg characteristics, immune response, intestinal morphology and microbiota, meat quality and erythropoiesis, and also lead to decreased cholesterol in laying quails. Economics can be improved, too. The authors recommend adding 1.0% of SM to quail diet.

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1. This study was conducted to assess the effects of different dietary omega 6:3 ratios fed to male and female Japanese quail breeders on incubation performance, chick quality and progeny performance.2. A completely randomised design was used, with five diets containing different ratios of vegetable oils rich in linoleic acid (LA from soybean oil) or α-linolenic acid (ALA from linseed oil) with LA/ALA ratios of 13.75:1, 10.69:1, 7.63:1, 4.57:1 and 1.48:1 with 12 cage replicates containing six birds each.3. There was a quadratic effect of the LA/ALA ratio on total hatchability (p < 0.011), fertile hatchability (p = 0.046) and total mortality (p = 0.046). There was no effect on fertility (p > 0.05). The LA/ALA ratios of 1.48 and 13.75 fed to both hens and cockerels or hens resulted in greater fertility, as measured by the number of days after copulation during which fertile eggs were laid and the number of points of hydrolysis on the perivitelline membrane. A decreasing linear effect (p < 0.0001) was observed on chick length and an increasing linear effect on body weight at 1 day of age. There were no effects on progeny performance.4. The LA/ALA ratio affected yolk mineral matter (p = 0.009), crude protein (p = 0.091), chick mineral matter (p < 0.038) and ether extract (p < 0.0001) contents. Maternal diet affected the fatty acid profile of egg yolk and chick liver, indicating that dietary contents were transferred to eggs and chicks.5. Fertile egg production increased with lower LA/ALA ratios. Therefore, linseed oil can be used together with soybean oil to formulate diets for female Japanese quail obtain LA/ALA ratios between 4:1 and 10:1.

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Background and Aim: In avian and other species, mucins (MUCs) play a crucial role in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and constitute a large group of O-glycosylated glycoproteins, are glycoconjugate proteins. MUCs present in two forms: (1) membrane-attached on cell surfaces to repel external threats and (2) detachable, gel-forming proteins in the soluble form. In quail GIT, the specific types of MUCs that are expressed remain largely unknown. We investigated the expression of MUC1 and MUC4 MUCs in the GIT of Iraqi common quails and conducted network and structural analyses of all known MUC types across quail breeds. Materials and Methods: Histological and gene expression analyses of MUC1 and MUC4 were conducted using fresh small intestine and large intestine samples from 10 quails. Using the STRING Database, Chimera software, and PrankWeb-ligand binding site prediction tool, network and structural analyses of all reported types of quail MUCs were conducted. Results: Most intestinal MUCs in quails were acidic, with few neutral MUCs detectable through Alcian blue and periodic acid-schiff stains. Acidic MUCs were more expressed in the duodenum, ileum, cecum, and colon, whereas neutral MUCs were more expressed in the jejunum. MUC1 and MUC4 messenger RNA expression was significantly higher in the jejunum and colon than in the duodenum and ileum. The analysis of the network revealed that MUC 1, 15, 16, and 24 formed homologous networks, while MUC 2, 4, 5, and 6 formed heterologous networks. Specific MUC combinations, including MUC5A-MUC6, MUC5A-MUC5B, and MUC5B-MUC6, show higher intermolecular hydrogen bond formation affinity. MUC15, MUC16, and MUC24 showed minimal interaction with other MUC types. Among the analyzed MUCs, MUC5B, and MUC6 had the highest probability for binding, while MUC2, MUC4, and MUC5A showed lower probabilities despite greater numbers of binding sites. Conclusion: This study's results offer significant insights into quails' MUCs' composition, expression, network interactions, and binding sites, advancing knowledge of MUC-related processes in gastrointestinal physiology and their potential connection to gastrointestinal diseases.

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In avian species, male fertility significantly impacts reproductive success. This study investigates the relationship between proctodeal gland size in male Japanese quails and sperm function, as well as female fertility duration. Six hundred adult Japanese quails were selected and housed in individual cages. Males (n = 300) were divided into 6 groups (50/group) based on the size of their proctodeal glands. Females (n = 300) were randomly assigned to corresponding groups. After acclimatization, sperm kinematics and the frequency and weight of foam discharge were evaluated. Males were paired with females for 24 h, and eggs were collected for 20 d postcopulation. Eggs were incubated to assess fertility duration. Fresh eggs (n = 20/group/d) were used to assess sperm penetration into the perivitelline membrane on the 2nd, 9th, and 16th d postinsemination. Plasma testosterone levels and the testes' relative weight were determined. The results indicated a significant increase (p < 0.0001) in sperm concentration, total and progressive motility, and nearly all sperm kinematic parameters such as VSL, VCL, VAP, LIN, WOB, and STR values as the size of the proctodeal gland increased. Quails copulated with males having a small and average proctodeal gland area (<400 mm2) laid fertile eggs for a shorter period and had significantly fewer sperm penetration holes than those mated with males having a larger proctodeal gland area (>400 mm2). The proctodeal gland size was positively correlated with testicular weight, plasma testosterone concentrations, and sperm kinetic variables. The results indicate that the size of the proctodeal gland in males can be used to predict sperm function and the duration of fertility in Japanese quail.

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This investigation aimed to evaluate the impact of immersion (IM) riboflavin treatment on the hatchability, production efficiency, and carcass characteristics of Japanese quail eggs. A total of 260 eggs of Japanese quail birds were used for hatching and were randomly divided into 4 treatments with 5 replicates (13 eggs/replicate) in a fully randomized design. Hatching eggs were immersed in riboflavin for 2 min before incubation. The experiment treatments were designed as follows: G1 control group with no treatment, G2 treated with 3 g/L vit. B2 (IM), G3 treated with 4 g/L vit. B2 (IM) and G4 were treated with 5 g/L vit. B2 (IM). After hatching, 128 Japanese quail chicks, aged 7 d, were randomly grouped into 4 treatment groups, with 32 birds in each group. When quails were given vitamin B2 via immersion, they demonstrated significant enhancements in live body weight, body weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio at different stages compared to the control group. Compared to control and other groups, the carcass parameters of Japanese quails given a 4 g/L immersion solution showed a significant improvement (P < 0.05). Hatchability and fertility (%) were considerably raised by Vit.B2 treatments of 3, 4, and 5g; the group immersed in 5 g/L had the highest percentages compared to the other groups. Furthermore, treated chickens with all concentrations of vitamin B2 had significantly higher blood indices than the controls. During the exploratory phase (1-6 wk) of age, the highest returns were reported in G4 treated with 5g/L vit. B2 (IM). Treating Japanese quail eggs with different dosages of vitamin B2 by immersion may be recommended to improve their productive and reproductive performance, blood indices, carcass traits, and economic efficiency.

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