Showing papers on "Coturnix published in 2014"

Glucocorticoid metabolism in the in ovo environment modulates exposure to maternal corticosterone in Japanese quail embryos (Coturnix japonica)

Abstract: Maternal effects have gained attention as a method by which mothers may alter the physiological condition and phenotype of their offspring based upon current environmental conditions. The physiological and phenotypic outcomes of glucocorticoid-mediated maternal effects have been extensively studied in a variety of vertebrates; however, the underlying mechanism is currently unclear. Here, we injected tritiated corticosterone into the yolks of freshly laid Japanese quail eggs (Coturnix japonica) and traced its movement and metabolism through the in ovo development period. We found that corticosterone was extensively conjugated throughout the egg by the end of development, and while minimal corticosterone was detected within the embryo during development, accumulation of a conjugated metabolite in the embryo started to occur on day 6 of development. Because no movement and metabolism of corticosterone occurred in infertile eggs, our findings suggest that embryos are not passive recipients of maternal steroids, but instead appear to possess extensive metabolic capabilities, which may modulate their exposure to maternal steroids.

Post-testicular sperm maturation and identification of an epididymal protein in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Abstract: The role of the avian epididymis in post-testicular development and capacitation was examined to assess whether avian spermatozoa undergo any processes similar to those characteristic of mammalian sperm development. We found no evidence of a need for quail sperm to undergo capacitation and 90% of testicular sperm could bind to a perivitelline membrane and acrosome react. However, computer-assisted sperm analysis showed that 20% of testicular sperm from the quail were capable of movement and only about 12% of the motile sperm would have a curvilinear velocity greater than the mean for sperm from the distal epididymis. Nevertheless, epididymal transit was associated with increases in mean sperm velocity and the proportion of motile sperm. Together, these findings explain why earlier workers have achieved some fertilizations following inseminations of testicular spermatozoa and also demonstrate the need for some epididymal maturation of avian spermatozoa. Analysis of the electrophoretic profile of quail epididymal luminal proteins revealed that only one major protein (∼16 kDa) is secreted by the epididymis and it was virtually the only protein secreted by the ipsilateral epididymis following unilateral orchidectomy. Mass spectrometry showed that this protein is hemoglobin; this finding was confirmed using anti-hemoglobin antibodies. It is suggested that hemoglobin may support sperm metabolism in the quail epididymis, aid in motility, and/or serve as an antioxidant.

Quail Farming: An Introduction

Abstract: Cite This Article as: Mishra Priti and Shukla Satish (2014) Quail Farming: An Introduction, Int. J. of Life Sciences, 2(2): 190-193. The quail also known as Bater in hindi terminology. It is a small medium size game bird related with pheasant family. In India two species occurs namely Black breasted quail found in jungle (Coturnix Coromandelica) and other one Brown color Japanese quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica), which is bred for meat or the one used for commercial quail production. A broiler (meat purpose) quail can be sold at 5 weeks. Quails start laying eggs at about 6 weeks to continue to give high egg production up to 24 weeks of age. Adult Japanese quail weigh up to 250 gm and lays 250 eggs a year. The meat is used as ready to cook meat, pickled meat & tandoori quail. From the quails egg can make different recipes like Boiled egg and egg pickles The egg size is about 10 g. It requires smaller house for rearing. About 10 quails require space is equal to require space for one chicken.

SEXUAL DIMORPHISM ON CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF JAPANESE QUAIL (Coturnix coturnix japonica) REARED IN DERIVED SAVANNA ZONE OF NIGERIA

Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the sexual dimorphism on carcass characteristics of Japanese quail (Coturnix courtnix japanica). A total of 180 quail chicks were used in the study; comprises 90 males and 90 female birds. The quail were kept on separate floor system and were feed ad libitum. Data were obtained on live weight, body weight, Drumstick weight, thigh weight, shank weight, breast weight, back weight and as well as inedible giblets such as heart weight, gizzard weight, liver weight and offal weight on both sexes of the birds. It was determined that there were significant (P < 0.05) difference between the carcass component and the sex of the birds. The female quail had higher significant values for live weight (139.43g), body weight (133.93g), thigh weight (11.40g) and shank weight (2.68g) than its counterparts male quail of 128.5g, 122.13g 10.55g and 2.60g for live weight, body weight, thigh weight and shank weight respectively. Meanwhile, the visceral organs were also significantly (P<0.05) differed among the sexes of the used quails. Higher values were obtained for female quails in respect of heart weight (1.33g), Gizzard weight (4.68g) liver weigh (5.15g) and offal weight (12.18) than the male quails. Consequently, it was concluded that quail breeding for carcass components both edible and visceral organs were favored for female Japanese quail and meat production female quails were better than the male quails.

Cellular metabolic rates in cultured primary dermal fibroblasts and myoblast cells from fast-growing and control Coturnix quail

Abstract: Fibroblast cells have been extensively used in research, including in medicine, physiology, physiological-ecology, and conservation biology. However, whether the physiology of fibroblasts reflects the physiology of other cell types in the same animal is unknown. Dermal fibroblasts are responsible for generating connective tissue and involved in wound healing, but generally, this cell type is thought to be metabolically inactive until it is required at the site of tissue damage. Thus, one might question whether fibroblasts are a representative model system to portray the metabolic profile of the whole organism, as compared with cells isolated from other tissues, like muscle, brain or kidneys. To explore whether fibroblasts have the same metabolic profile as do myoblast cells, we cultured cells from day-old chicks of quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) selected for fast-growth or normal growth (our control group). Our results suggest that isolated primary fibroblasts and myoblast cells had higher rates of glycolysis, oxygen consumption and more mitochondria in the fast-growing line than in the control line. Our findings lend support for the idea that fibroblasts are a representative cell system to characterize the whole organism metabolic signature at the cellular-level. These data are striking, however, because fibroblasts had higher rates of metabolism for every parameter measured than myoblast cells isolated from the same individuals.

Maternally derived egg hormones, antibodies and antimicrobial proteins: common and different pathways of maternal effects in Japanese quail.

Abstract: Avian eggs contain a variety of maternally-derived substances that can influence the development and performance of offspring. The levels of these egg compounds vary in relation to environmental and genetic factors, but little is known about whether there are correlative links between maternal substances in the egg underlying common and different pathways of maternal effects. In the present study, we investigated genetically determined variability and mutually adjusted deposition of sex hormones (testosterone-T, androstenedione-A4 and progesterone-P4), antibodies (IgY) and antimicrobial proteins (lysozyme) in eggs of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). We used different genetic lines that were independently selected for yolk T concentrations, duration of tonic immobility and social reinstatement behaviour, since both selections for behavioural traits (fearfulness and social motivation, respectively) produced considerable correlative responses in yolk androgen levels. A higher selection potential was found for increased rather than decreased yolk T concentrations, suggesting that there is a physiological minimum in egg T levels. Line differences in yolk IgY concentrations were manifested within each selection experiment, but no consistent inter-line pattern between yolk IgY and T was revealed. On the other hand, a consistent inverse inter-line pattern was recorded between yolk IgY and P4 in both selections for behavioural traits. In addition, selections for contrasting fearfulness and social motivation were associated with changes in albumen lysozyme concentrations and an inverse inter-line pattern between the deposition of yolk IgY and albumen lysozyme was found in lines selected for the level of social motivation. Thus, our results demonstrate genetically-driven changes in deposition of yolk T, P4, antibodies and albumen lysozyme in the egg. This genetic variability can partially explain mutually adjusted maternal deposition of sex hormones and immune-competent molecules but the inconsistent pattern of inter-line differences across all selections indicates that there are other underlying mechanisms, which require further studies.

Selective Constraint Dominates the Evolution of Genes Expressed in a Novel Reproductive Gland

Abstract: One striking pattern in molecular evolution is that genes encoding proteins involved in reproduction tend to evolve rapidly. Seminal fluid proteins frequently exhibit this pattern and directly affect multiple reproductive processes including enhancing sperm performance and mediating postmating sexual selection. Here, we investigate molecular evolutionary patterns of genes expressed in the foam gland of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), a novel reproductive phenotype. Foam provides an interesting contrast to seminal fluid because it plays a similar functional role, yet is produced, stored, and transferred to females independent of semen. We combined RNA-Seq and comparative genomics to examine evolutionary rates of genes with enriched expression in the foam gland of Japanese quail and those that exhibit enriched expression in two other tissues (testis and liver) and with broadly expressed genes. Overall, we found pronounced heterogeneity in evolutionary rates. Foam gland genes evolved under strong evolutionary constraint, whereas testis genes evolved rapidly and sometimes adaptively. These striking differences were robust to variation in gene expression. Genes with enriched expression in the foam gland did not show major shifts in selective pressure after the quail and chicken lineages split; in contrast, testis-expressed genes experienced a burst of accelerated evolution specifically along the Coturnix lineage. Our work demonstrates that, as a class, genes expressed in the novel foam gland experience different selection regimes than genes expressed in many other tissues producing seminal fluid proteins. Our results also highlight the importance of selective constraint in shaping the evolution of male reproductive genes.

Is gastrointestinal plasticity in king quail (Coturnix chinensis) elicited by diet-fibre or diet-energy dilution?

Abstract: Phenotypic plasticity of organ size allows some animals to manage fluctuations of resource quality or availability. Here, we examined the phenotypic plasticity of the gastrointestinal tract of king quail (Coturnix chinensis) in a diet-fibre manipulation study. Quail were offered either a control low-fibre (high-quality) food (8.5% neutral-detergent fibre; NDF), or one of two experimental diets of higher fibre contents of 16% NDF (i.e. low-quality food). To examine whether phenotypic plasticity of organ size was associated with the fibre content per se, or as a consequence of diluting the diet energy contents by adding fibre, one of the high-fibre feeds was 'balanced' with additional energy to match that of the low-fibre control diet. Total empty dry mass of the gastrointestinal tract was significantly heavier among birds offered the unbalanced high-fibre diet as compared with those offered the control diet, with birds offered the fibrous but energy-balanced diet having guts of intermediate size. The heavier entire-gut mass (dry) of quail offered the unbalanced high-fibre diet was associated mainly with these birds having significantly heavier gizzards. Notably, the larger gizzard in the birds offered the unbalanced high-fibre diet was associated with marked increases in their metabolisability (digestion) of diet fibre. Our findings suggest that the available energy in the diet may be more important for eliciting phenotypic changes in the gut of these herbivorous birds rather than simple physical effects of diet fibre on feed intakes or on muscular compensation to fibrous ingesta.

Effect of dietary enrichment with canola oil on glucose tolerance, tissue glycogen content and viscera in Coturnix cortunix japonica.

Abstract: This study determined the effects of enriching a standard diet with canola oil on growth, glucose tolerance (GT), mass of viscera and tissue glycogen content in Japanese quail. Five-week old quail were randomly allocated to the control (STD; n=20) and test (HFD; n = 18) diet. After 5 weeks half the number of birds on each diet was subjected to an oral glucose tolerance test and the other half to an intravenous glucose tolerance test after which the birds were maintained on their respective diets for a week before the tests were repeated. After re-feeding for another week the fasting and fed-state blood glucose concentration (BGC) was then determined. Following euthanasia, viscera masses and tissue glycogen content were determined. There were no differences in the growth performance of quail on the two diets. Post-gavage, the BGC of male quail on the STD returned to basal concentration 90 min earlier compared to their counterparts on the HFD. The BGC of the female quail on the HFD at 30 min post-infusion was higher (P = 0.0476) compared to that of their counterparts on the STD. Pooled results showed similarity in oral and intravenous glucose tolerance between quail on the control and test diet. Despite similarities in the abdominal fat pad (AFPM), liver masses and liver, thigh and breast glycogen content between the groups, female quail had heavier (P = 0.0001) liver masses compared to their male counterparts. Male quail on either diet had heavier (P = 0.001) AFPM compared to females. While the HFD had gender related effects on GT, pooled results showed that supplementing the diet with canola oil did not elicit glucose intolerance, neither did affect growth and tissue glycogen content. © 2014 Friends Science Publishers

Study dietary 1% inulin effects as prebiotics on some blood biochemical parameters include; total protein, albumin, glucose, amylase, creatinine, urea and some growth parameters on male coturnix quails.

Abstract: Inulin and generally probiotics are non digestive materials which play a beneficial role for the host through growth stimulation and activities of a limited number of intestinal bacteria. As a fluid liquid, blood is one of the most important biologic fluids of the body in which, under physiological and pathologic conditions, its compounds are subject to changes and fluctuations. In this study, the effects of 1% probiotic inulin on biochemical parameters of quail blood have been studied. In this study, 20 male Coturnix quail were selected then the quail were divided into two groups of 10 quail. From the second day, the control group was fed with basal diet and the treatment group was fed with basal diet plus 1% inulin. And blood sampling was taken on the 21st day from control and test groups. In this study total protein review was performed using Biuret method, Glucose using GOD-POP method, Albumin using BCG method, Creatinine using Kinetik method, Urea using Kinetik and Amylase using CNPG3 method. Generally, no pathologic and significant difference was observed through investigating of albumin factors, total protein, urea, creatinine, glucose, and blood serum amylase of quails. 1% Inulin dietary consumption did not have any effect on weight gain of quails and the consumption of 1% inulin is not recommended for weight gain.

Fibre-induced feed sorting in King Quail (Coturnix chinensis): behavioural plasticity elicited by a physiological challenge.

Abstract: We examined the effect of an abrupt change in diet fibre content on the feed intake, gastrointestinal morphology and utilisation of gastroliths by a small (ca. 40 g body mass) herbivorous bird, the King Quail (Coturnix chinensis). King Quail were acclimated for 14 days on a low-fibre (LF) pullet starter diet. Following acclimation, half the quail population was immediately switched to a 23 % wood-shaving diluted high-fibre (HF) diet for a further 14 days. Contrary to expectations, we found no differences in feed intake, gut morphology or gastrolith mass between the LF- and HF-fed quail. However, when switched from the LF to HF diet, the quail commenced feed-sorting behaviours that permitted HF-fed animals to maintain body condition (mass, abdominal fat mass) without adjustments to intestinal organ sizes or gastrolith mass. Feed sorting was initiated only after exposure to the HF diet, which corresponded with an immediate reduction in food intake, suggesting that the sorting behaviour was cued by a physiological challenge associated with the HF diet. This challenge apparently induced preferential sorting behaviour and was possibly due to abrupt changes in the rate of food passage, impacting satiation or other internal cues.

Molecular cloning and sequencing analysis of the interferon β from Coturnix.

Abstract: One pair of primers was designed according to Gallus and Meleagris gallopavo interferon β (IFN-β) sequences published in GenBank. The primers and RNA extraction from the spleen of Coturnix were used to amplify Coturnix IFN-β cDNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The product was cloned into pEasy-T1 vector. Evaluating recombinant plasmid by PCR and restriction enzyme digestion. Sequence the cloning sequences, comparing the sequencing results by NCBI. We successfully got a Coturnix IFN-β partial sequence. The sequence was subtyped and put to homologous analysis. The results suggested the homology of IFN-β gene of Coturnix and gene of Coturnix and chicken (88.7%), the homology of IFN-β gene of Coturnix and chicken (88.7%), the homology of IFN-β gene of Coturnix and Anas platyrhynchos (72.5%), the homology of IFN-β sequence registered in GenBank. The analysis of the genetic tree showed that the relationship of Coturnix and chicken IFN-β had a high homology. It can be seen that in this study we successfully got a partial sequence of IFN-β of quail.