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The effects of flock size of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) was experimentally manipulated to assess the potential of influenza A virus (IAV; H4N6) transmission from a flocking passerine to bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) through shared food and water resources to mimic starling intrusions into free‐range and backyard poultry operations. Of the three starling flock sizes tested (n = 30, n = 20 and n = 10), all successfully transmitted the virus to all or most of the quail in each animal room (6/6, 6/6 and 5/6) by the end of the experimental period, as determined by seroconversion and/or viral RNA shedding. Although starlings have been shown to be inconsistent shedders of IAVs and when they do replicate and subsequently shed virus they typically do so at low to moderate levels, this study has provided evidence that relatively small flocks (i.e., 10 or possibly a smaller number) of this species can collectively transmit the virus to a highly susceptible gallinaceous bird species. Future work should assess if starlings can transmit IAVs to additional poultry species commonly found in backyard or free‐range settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematology and its regulation in developing birds have been primarily investigated in response to relatively short-term environmental challenges in the embryo. Yet, whether any changes induced in the embryo persist into adulthood as a hematological form of “fetal programming” is unknown. We hypothesized that: 1) chronic as opposed to acute hypoxic incubation will alter hematological respiratory variables in embryos of bobwhite quail ( Colinus virginianus ), and 2) alterations first appearing in the embryo will persist into hatchlings through into adulthood. To test these hypotheses, we first developed an embryo-to-adult profile of normal hematological development by measuring hematocrit (Hct), red blood cell concentration ([RBC]), hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]), mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, as well plasma osmolality. Hct, [RBC] and [Hb] in normoxic-incubated birds (controls) steadily increased from ~22%, ~1.6 × 10 6  μL −1 and ~7 g% in day 12 embryos to almost double the values at maturity in adult birds. Both cohort and sex affected hematology of normoxic-incubated birds. A second population, incubated from day 0 (d0) in 15% O 2 , surprisingly revealed little or no significant difference from controls in hematology in embryos. In hatchlings and adults, hypoxic incubation caused no significant modification to any variables. Compared to major hematological effects caused by hypoxic incubation in chickens, the hematology of the bobwhite quail embryo appears to be minimally affected by hypoxic incubation, with very few effects induced during hypoxic incubation actually persisting into adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine potential intermediate hosts of Oxyspirura petrowi, a common nematode eyeworm of wild gallinaceous birds, various arthropod species including red harvester ants, beetles, wood cockroaches, crickets, grasshoppers, katydids, and desert termites were screened for the presence of O. petrowi using specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers targeting the internal transcribed spacer 2 region (ITS2) of the eyeworm ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA). This is the first study to investigate the intermediate hosts of O. petrowi utilizing molecular techniques. We determined 38% (13/34) of the cockroaches, 27% (3/11) of the crickets, and 23% (68/289) of the grasshoppers which were positive for O. petrowi. Identifying potential intermediate hosts of O. petrowi is essential to better understanding the epizoology of the eyeworm’s transmission mechanics and to controlling infections in wild gallinaceous birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a study conducted on a total of 30 males and females of Bobwhite quail, Colinus virginianus species, was monitored to determine the average results at slaughter at 70 weeks of age. As a result of the research carried out was determined an average body weight similar in the two sexes, of 245.00 ± 2.35 g/head in the female, while in male was of 250.00 ± 2.65 g/head, and the weight of the carcase after evisceration was 170.00 ± 2.35 g for females and of 167.00 ± 2.05 g in males. The yield was of 68.16 ± 1.75% in females and of 68.00 ± 1.25% in males, the difference was not significant. The average breast weight was of 87.00 ± 1.05 g in females and less with 2.3% in males, of 85.00 ± 1.13 g, the difference being statistically not ensured. The average proportion of the chest was 52.10 ± 1.55% in females and of 50.00 ± 1.05% in males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ex vivo culture ofavian embryos is a technique for the long-term culturing ofembryos outside oftheir own shell and shell membrane. It allows easy access to the developing embryos and embryo manipulation. The two-step system is widely applied when the culture is performed after oviposition. Japanese quail as well as bobwhite quail are used as models for avian safety assessment as recommended by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. However, biological studies on the bobwhite quail have been more limited than those on the Japanese quail. We have developed a more simplified ex vivo culture protocol for the two species of quail embryos from the blastoderm stage through to hatching using a single surrogate eggshell. Hatchabilities of 31% and 27% were obtained in bobwhite quail and Japanese quail embryos, respectively. The simple system described in the present study is an easy and acceptable procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of the usage of primary fibroblasts in comparative and evolutionary biology, it is important for researchers to know the extent to which cells might be altered during the culturing process and how much species might differ in response to cell culture. We compared early changes in cell size and lipid composition of primary dermal fibroblasts grown at physiologically relevant oxygen concentrations (5% O2) from wild-caught species of birds. Fibroblasts from American Robins ( Turdus migratorius L., 1766) and Bobwhite Quails ( Colinus virginianus (L., 1758)) increased in size early in the culture process and cells from all five species of wild-caught birds exhibited changes in lipid-class composition. The two most common phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, increased in concentration in all species between early passages and later passages of fibroblasts. Some less abundant lipid species, such as cardiolipin and sphingomyelin, exhibited similar concentrations in all three passages that we measured. Other lipid classes, such as cholesterol, increased in some species in later passages and decreased in others. Although results may vary with cell-culture conditions, this study points to a need for researchers comparing multiple species to take precautions when using cell culture, such as experimenting on the earliest possible passage of cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the first isolation of H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) from commercial bobwhite quail ( Colinus virginianus) in Egypt. Infected birds showed neither clinical signs nor mortality. Virus isolation and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of the H9N2 virus in cloacal swab samples collected at 35 days of age and the absence of other AIV subtypes, including H5 and H7. The hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of the isolated virus showed 99.1% and 98.2% nucleotide identity and 97.3% and 100% amino acid identity, respectively, to those of H9N2 viruses currently circulating in poultry in the Middle East. Phylogenetically, the Egyptian H9N2 virus was closely related to viruses of the G1-like lineage isolated from neighbouring countries, indicating possible epidemiological links. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Arthropod sampling via periodic direct bird examination and regular light trapping was conducted between June 2000 and October 2002 to survey for potential vectors of Haemoproteus lophortyx to nonnative, captive-raised bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) in northern California, USA. Examination of individual bobwhite quail (from 5 weeks of age through adult, total n =76) was conducted on several dates during the transmission period (June–October). No ectoparasites, including hippoboscid flies (reported as Haemoproteus vectors to wild quail in early literature), were collected from the birds. Trapping with ultraviolet light suction traps near the quail revealed nine species of biting midges (Culicoides spp.). Of these, 94% were C. bottimeri, which was abundant near the birds, and 65% of collected C. bottimeri were engorged with blood. C. bottimeri adult activity began in late-April, slightly before the onset of disease in the quail. Activity peaked between July and late-September, coincident with maximum reported transmission, and adult activity ceased by early-November. Nonengorged C. bottimeri had a parity rate of 43.6% overall, suggesting excellent survival for biological transmission of a pathogen like H. lophortyx. A controlled study was done injecting a macerated slurry of pooled, nonengorged, wild-caught C. bottimeri into the peritoneum of 1-day-old bobwhite quail hatchlings held in insect-proof containers. Blood smears 13–19 days later confirmed H. lophortyx infection in zero controls but all insect-injected quail. Biting midges, especially C. bottimeri, transmit H. lophortyx to captive quail and probably are the dominant vector to native California quail (Callipepla californica) as well. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents abstracts of several studies about environment, management-breeder and incubation. "Examining if the Hole Created by Egg Injection Improves Late Embryonic Survival," by B. L. Kumpula and G. M. Fasenko; "Effect of Hatch Pull Time, Protein and Methionine on Bobwhite Quail Performance," by J. P. Blake, J. B. Hess, and W. D. Berry; "Influence of Light Intensity and Handling on Live and Processing Performance of Male Broilers," by R. J. Lien, J. B. Hess, S. R. McKee, B. A. McCrea, and S. F. Bilgili; "Impact of Genotype, Growth Profile and Photostimulation Age on the Reproductive Efficiency of Female Broiler Breeders," by R. A. Renema, M. J. Zuidhof, and F. E. Robinson.

Presents abstracts of several studies about environment, management-breeder and incubation. "Examining if the Hole Created by Egg Injection Improves Late Embryonic Survival," by B. L. Kumpula and G. M. Fasenko; "Effect of Hatch Pull Time, Protein and Methionine on Bobwhite Quail Performance," by J. P. Blake, J. B. Hess, and W. D. Berry; "Influence of Light Intensity and Handling on Live and Processing Performance of Male Broilers," by R. J. Lien, J. B. Hess, S. R. McKee, B. A. McCrea, and S. F. Bilgili; "Impact of Genotype, Growth Profile and Photostimulation Age on the Reproductive Efficiency of Female Broiler Breeders," by R. A. Renema, M. J. Zuidhof, and F. E. Robinson.

Presents abstracts of several studies about environment, management-breeder and incubation. "Examining if the Hole Created by Egg Injection Improves Late Embryonic Survival," by B. L. Kumpula and G. M. Fasenko; "Effect of Hatch Pull Time, Protein and Methionine on Bobwhite Quail Performance," by J. P. Blake, J. B. Hess, and W. D. Berry; "Influence of Light Intensity and Handling on Live and Processing Performance of Male Broilers," by R. J. Lien, J. B. Hess, S. R. McKee, B. A. McCrea, and S. F. Bilgili; "Impact of Genotype, Growth Profile and Photostimulation Age on the Reproductive Efficiency of Female Broiler Breeders," by R. A. Renema, M. J. Zuidhof, and F. E. Robinson.

Many environmental toxins have been shown to suppress the immune system across taxa. The foreign red blood cell (RBC) challenge is an important part of a complement of tests used to assess immunocompetence in the laboratory because it can assess an individual’s humoral response without impacting its health. This challenge is used commonly across species and measures antibody titers in response to an intraperitoneal, intravenous, or subcutaneous injection of foreign RBCs. Determination of the best appropriate foreign RBC challenge is therefore important when designing tests for evaluation of humoral responses. The northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) is a commonly used species for avian toxicity tests, however little is known about the relative sensitivities of its humoral responses to foreign erythrocytes. In this pilot study, we exposed adult quail to intravenous injections of 5% solutions of sheep, rat, rabbit, bovine, or chicken erythrocytes and performed antibody titers [hemagglutination assay for total immunoglobulin (Ig), IgG, and IgM] for primary and secondary responses. Although the bobwhites appeared to respond strongly to rat RBCs, high variability in responses were observed among individuals. Chicken RBCs elicited the poorest responses for both primary and secondary challenges. Sheep and bovine RBCs were adequate antigens for this test in bobwhites. We found that rabbit erythrocytes elicited the strongest responses with the least amount of variability between individuals. Rabbit RBCs, therefore, appear to be the ideal antigen for this test of the humoral response in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used gray-tailed voles (Microtus canicaudus) and northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) as experimental model species to field test whether small mammals and birds respond differently to equivalent concentrations of a pesticide applied in granular and flowable formulations. In mid-May 1998, we placed voles into 15, 0.2-ha enclosuresplanted with a mixture of pasture grasses. In mid-July, we placed quail into the same enclosures with the voles. In late July, we appliedthe organophosphorus insecticide diazinon in five treatments; a control (all habitats sprayed with water), liquid formulation of diazinonat 0.55 kg/ha, liquid formulation of diazinon at 1.11 kg/ha, broadcast of granular diazinon at 1.11 kg/ha, and broadcast of granular diazinon at 2.22 kg/ha. The diazinon treatment in liquid and granular formulations did not depress population size or growth rate, or survivalrate of voles. We found a significant difference in the survival rate of the quail between the controls and treatments; granular diazinoncaused a measurable decline of quail survival, whereas the liquid application at an equivalent rate did not significantly affect quail survival. Analysis of our results suggests that ground-feeding birds are more susceptible to granular insecticides than flowable applications, but voles were not susceptible to either formulation at the rate we used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]