Search

The article offers several ornithology studies of different species of birds. Topics include Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) found at Meinier, Geneva with peak attendance at the end of June; and Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis), who goes into flight from Fanel, Canton de Berne with some species of Canada Goose (Branta canadensis).

An experiment is conducted to determine the effect of magnetic water on the production performance and blood characteristics of common quail, Coturnix coturnix (Linnaeus, 1758). The experimental treatments included T1 = control treatment, T2 = drinking water magnetization at1000 gauss, T3 = drinking water magnetization at 1500 gauss, T4 = diet sprayed with magnetized water 1000 gauss, T5 = diet sprayed with magnetized water 1500 gauss, each treatment with three replicates. The results showed significant superiority of control group in the body weight, weight gain and feed intake compared with treated groups. The egg shell thickness of T2 showed a significant decrease compared to other groups. The third treatment showed a significant superiority in red blood cell count compared with T1, T4 and T5, while T5 appeared significant reduction in white blood cell count compared with other treatments. There was significant reduction in blood glucose, total protein, cholesterol, and triglyceride in T4 compared with control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment is conducted to determine the effect of magnetic water on the production performance and blood characteristics of common quail, Coturnix coturnix (Linnaeus, 1758). The experimental treatments included T1 = control treatment, T2 = drinking water magnetization at1000 gauss, T3 = drinking water magnetization at 1500 gauss, T4 = diet sprayed with magnetized water 1000 gauss, T5 = diet sprayed with magnetized water 1500 gauss, each treatment with three replicates. The results showed significant superiority of control group in the body weight, weight gain and feed intake compared with treated groups. The egg shell thickness of T2 showed a significant decrease compared to other groups. The third treatment showed a significant superiority in red blood cell count compared with T1, T4 and T5, while T5 appeared significant reduction in white blood cell count compared with other treatments. There was significant reduction in blood glucose, total protein, cholesterol, and triglyceride in T4 compared with control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite Common Quail Coturnix coturnix is one of the main game species in Armenia, it is very difficult to generate its reliable population estimate due to methodological constraints and a range of biological characteristics of the species. The current research evaluated the efficiency of a newly proposed non-traditional census technique in combination with other traditional count methods of Common Quail which were tested in the post-breeding period of 2020. This combined approach allowed to estimate a close-toabsolute total population number of Common Quail and the number of birds to be harvested during the hunting season in Armenia. Finally, the research recommends that the Quail survey must be carried out each year, commence in early Spring and finish by the opening of the hunting season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palestine is a major route for migratory birds coming from Europe to Africa and vice versa. Both migratory and resident birds are commonly hunted for different purposes using different means in the Gaza Strip. The current descriptive study, which is the first of its kind, aims at introducing information on the hunting of the Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix Linnaeus, 1758) in the Gaza Strip, which is a 365 km2 arid to semi-arid coastal zone lying in the southern part of the Palestinian coast along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Since 2015, frequent field visits and discussions with bird hunters and other stakeholders have been carried out to get more information on quail hunting. Annually, hundreds of trammel or mist nets with camouflaging colors, having a height of about 2.5 meters and a distance of 100- 200 meters off the coastline, are cleverly placed along the beach to hunt Common Quails and other non-target birds. Guns are used in hunting of quails scattering among inland low-growing vegetation types. The Common Quail is a source of livelihood for dozens of Gazan families, though it does not generate large sums throughout its hunting season. For several reasons, quail hunters claimed that the current quantities of Common Quails reaching the Gaza Strip do not exceed 20% of the amount that arrived 30-40 years ago. Along with the Common Quail, 50 migratory and resident bird species, with passerines making their half, were found to be incidentally caught in quail nets. Because of its feeding and healthy values, the demand of Gazans on Quail and its eggs is increasing day by day, and as a result, quail breeding was found to be a successful task in the Gaza Strip. The goodness of wild quail is many times greater than its farmed counterpart. The price of wild quail is USD 6-7 per pair, while the farmed counterpart is about USD 2 per pair. Finally, bird hunting should be regulated in the Gaza Strip in order to conserve wildlife in a sustainable fashion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common quail (Coturnix coturnix Linneaus, 1758) belongs to a genus with a small variety of species, inhabiting a huge area, which has given the opportunity to distinguish several subspecies. An important element for the common quail's population diversity, which is relatively poorly studied, is the possibility of inter-species hybridization and intraspecies crossbreeding. The main scientific focus is in the direction of relationship between common and Japanese quail. The analysis of possible other possibilities of interaction between the different species of the genus Coturnix and the separate subspecies gives serious grounds for a far broader consideration of the common quail hybridization issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common quail (Coturnix coturnix Linneaus, 1758) inhabits a vast area spread over three continents - Europe, Asia and Africa. Although it is the most thoroughly studied wild representative of the genus Coturnix there are some poorly clarified aspects, mainly concerning its current conservation status, subspecies diversity, and the possibilities for natural hybridization. The purpose of this article is to consolidate, systematize and analyze the available information regarding the state of the global population, taxonomy, and the hybridization of the common quail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the controversy over Common quail (Coturnix coturnix Linneaus, 1758) subspecies diversity, the following subspecies stand out in the scientific literature: C. c. coturnix (Linneaus, 1758), C. c. africana (Temminck & Schlegel, 1848), C. c. erlangeri (Zedlitz, 1912), C. c. inopinata (Hartert, 1917), and C. c. conturbans (Hartert, 1917). This systematics is based on the area of distribution and insignificant external differences, which is criticized for the migratory behavior of the species and the opportunities for interspecies contact in the common areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the habitat selection of the Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) during the breeding season of 2014 in an intensively managed agricultural environment (LAJTA Project, North-West Hungary). In order to assess the habitat preferences of the Common Quail, habitat composition around occupied plots were compared with unoccupied control plots. To characterize the habitat, a total of 11 variables related to vegetation structure and diversity, food availability and landscape were quantified. Multivariate methods (PCA and GLMs) were used to distinguish the main factors influencing habitat selection and to model the presence of the Common Quail. Based on our results, in the LAJTA Project, high probability of Common Quail presence can be predicted in plots with higher herbaceous cover and more abundant arthropod communities. The network of ecotone habitats, particularly the proximity to woody habitats, also appeared to have significant importance during the breeding season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the involvement of pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP)/receptors system in the control of testis activity, we have investigated the expression and localization of PACAP and the distribution of its receptors in the testis of mature samples of quail Coturnix coturnix, and we have performed a phylogenetic analysis of PACAP in birds. Using histological, molecular, and bioinformatics tools, we demonstrated that (a) PACAP messenger RNA shows a high sequence identity with that reported in other birds studied so far and in other vertebrates. Furthermore, we showed that purifying selection acts on PACAP; (b) the PACAP peptide is present only in Leydig cells, whereas its receptors are localized within both Leydig and germ cells; (c) the synthesis of PACAP does not take place in seminiferous tubules. The role of PACAP in the control of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in birds is discussed. Finally, we talk about the phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships between PACAP in birds and in other vertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Romania, hunting is regulated by Law no 407/2006 on hunting and the protection of hunting fund, with subsequent modifications. Specific information regarding the hunting season and hunting quota for the species of interest is provided every year by the ministry responsible with the management of the wildlife species. According to the latest statistics, the area of the national hunting fund is 21.9 million hectares, being managed by 592 hunting associations, branches of National Forest Administration ROMSILVA and forestry research and educational universities. The purpose of the study was to analyze the statistics provided by the central public authority responsible for hunting activity for the timeframe 2015-2017 as concerns the approved annual quotas for game birds. Special attention was given to the preferences of the foreign hunters. Out of the total number of birds for which the hunting is permitted, the foreigners preferred to hunt twelve species. These include the Eurasian skylark, common quail and fieldfare. The approved quotas for the hunting season 2016/2017 for the Eurasian skylark and common quail were achieved in the proportion of 56.4% and 59.0%, respectively, out of which 59.5% in the case of Eurasian skylark and 31.5% for common quail were bagged by foreigner hunters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality breeding areas are vital for the management and conservation of migratory bird species, especially those under pressure from climate warming effects. The Common quail Coturnix coturnix is a migratory species characterized by its itinerant breeding (several breeding attempts in different places) and exposure to high mortality rates, and it is a case in point. The identification and management of high quality nesting areas is essential to conserve this and other migratory species. Here, we use a Spanish long-term quail ringing dataset (1961–2014) to correlate population age structure with temporal and geographical variables. We show that northern Mediterranean regions provide optimal breeding sites and have balanced population age structures (young:adult males). The proportion of young:adult males provides an indicator of the relative quality of various breeding areas. Records of ringed quail provide data on the overlap between young and adult males temporarily resident in different geographic areas and may provide a useful tool to evaluate habitat quality. We found that the timing of sequential breeding attempts and temporary residency of quail are associated with latitude, altitude, and geographic location of quail ringing records. In southern regions, young males arrive at the breeding area later than adults, while in northern regions young birds and adults arrive at same time. Optimal breeding areas are characterized by high quality habitat, have high quail densities, and a mixture of young and adult males, factors that favour sexual selection, heterozygosity and population viability. However, not all high quality habitat areas are suitable for reproduction, being necessary enough quail density and the adequate proportion of young:adult males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breeding grounds are key areas for sustaining Common quail ( Coturnix coturnix ) populations as this species is characterised by short life expectancy that requires high offspring production. Annually, breeding quails make up to three breeding attempts in different places. However, the impact of climate warming on quail phenology is unknown. Here, we use a long-term study (1961–2014) of quail-ringing in Spain and data on variation in rainfall and temperature over the past 86 years to evaluate how quails have responded to climate change in recent years. Our aim was to understand how this species is adapting to new farming practices and climate change. Our results suggest that increases in temperature and decreases in precipitation modify quail phenology. In hot years, an advance in mean arrival dates and stay stages but a delay in departure dates was found. However, in rainy years a delay in the mean start of the stay stage occurred. In cloudy areas, our findings show that quails advance their stay periods in hot and dry years and delay them in cold and rainy years. Accordingly, quail movements and breeding attempts are eco-synchronized sequentially in cloudy regions. Our results suggest that quails attempt to overcome the negative impacts of climate change and agricultural intensification by searching for alternative high-quality habitats. This strategy could explain how quail populations maintain viable and sustainable populations despite being legally harvested with regulated hunting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In species with female polygamy, pair bonds are frequently established since mate guarding can determine male fertilization success. However, extending the duration of pair bonds also implies reducing the chances of finding new mates. Males face a trade-off between mate guarding and looking for new mates, which can be shaped by their body condition. Here, we investigated the effect of male body condition and mate guarding over the female mating system (genetic monogamy or polygamy) and the male fertilization success in the common quail, Coturnix coturnix , a species with sperm storage and thus the potential for postcopulatory selection, and without paternal care. We monitored 20 females and 32 males. We genotyped them, the 21 clutches laid by these females and a large proportion of the males present in the population, which could have sired the clutches, to perform paternity analyses. We tested whether it is the pairing order or the duration of the pair bond that determines the fertilization outcome in clutches with multiple fathers. We hypothesized that males with better body condition might be able to find a mate faster, reducing the cost of mate switching and increasing fertilization success by spending less time in a pair bond. We observed socially monogamous and polygamous females, and our genetic analyses revealed that broods could be sired by one and by multiple fathers. Female genetic polygamy was more frequent when first matings were with males in good body condition. We detected two or three different fathers in multiple paternity broods. The male that mate guarded for longest was the one that sired most of the clutch. Although males in better body condition seemed to establish shorter pair bonds, further data are needed to confirm this trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxia during embryonic growth in embryos is frequently a powerful determinant of development, but at least in avian embryos the effects appear to show considerable intra- and inter-specific variation. We hypothesized that some of this variation may arise from different protocols that may or may not result in exposure during the embryo’s critical window for hypoxic effects. To test this hypothesis, quail embryos (Coturnix coturnix) in the intact egg were exposed to hypoxia (~15% O2) during “early” (Day 0 through Day 5, abbreviated as D0-D5), “middle” (D6-D10) or “late” (D11-D15) incubation or for their entire 16–18 day incubation (“continuous hypoxia”) to determine critical windows for viability and growth. Viability, body mass, beak and toe length, heart mass, and hematology (hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration) were measured on D5, D10, D15 and at hatching typically between D16 and D18 Viability rate was ~50–70% immediately following the exposure period in the early, middle and late hypoxic groups, but viability improved in the early and late groups once normoxia was restored. Middle hypoxia groups showed continuing low viability, suggesting a critical period from D6-D10 for embryo viability. The continuous hypoxia group experienced viability reaching <10% after D15. Hypoxia, especially during late and continuous hypoxia, also inhibited growth of body, beak and toe when measured at D15. Full recovery to normal body mass upon hatching occurred in all other groups except for continuous hypoxia. Contrary to previous avian studies, heart mass, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration were not altered by any hypoxic incubation pattern. Although hypoxia can inhibit embryo viability and organ growth during most incubation periods, the greatest effects result from continuous or middle incubation hypoxic exposure. Hypoxic inhibition of growth can subsequently be “repaired” by catch-up growth if a final period of normoxic development is available. Collectively, these data indicate a critical developmental window for hypoxia susceptibility during the mid-embryonic period of development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of lighting programs for male and female meat quails raised in an equatorial region on performance and carcass traits. A total of 1,500 sexed quails (Coturnix coturnix) was distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, with 2 sexes (male and female) and 3 lighting programs (natural, intermittent, and continuous) with 5 replicates of 50 birds. The lighting programs were applied in the period from 7 to 49 d of age, being natural (12 h and 30 min of natural light and 11 h and 30 min of dark), intermittent (12 h and 30 min of natural light and 5 h and 30 min of artificial light, alternating lighting periods with one h and 06 min and periods of darkness with one h and 12 min), and continuous (23 h of natural + artificial light and one h of dark). Regardless of lighting program, female quails were heavier than males, and birds subjected to natural light weighed less than those exposed to continuous and intermittent lighting programs. Quails exposed to intermittent and continuous light presented higher weight gain and feed intake, and worse feed conversion ratio compared to birds under a natural light regimen. It is concluded that in an equatorial region, it is possible to use a lighting program with only natural light for raising male and female meat quails from 7 to 49 d of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimated genetic correlations between partial and total body weight gain (BWG) and individual feed conversion (FC) aiming to identify possible partial traits as selection criteria in meat quail breeding programs. Data included 379 records from two different genetic lines (188 quails from UFV1 and 191 from UFV2). The following traits were evaluated: individual feed conversion from 21 to 28 (FC 21–28 ) and from 28 to 35 days of age (FC 28–35 ); body weight gain from 1 to 21 (BWG 1–21 ), 21–28 (BWG 21–28 ), 28–35 (BWG 28–35 ) and from 1 to 35 (BWG 1–35 , full period) days of age. Genetic parameters (heritabilities and genetic correlations) were estimated through multi-trait models via Bayesian inference. For UFV1 line, genetic correlations estimates (with respective credible intervals) between BWG 1–21 and BWG 1–35 , BWG 21–28 and BWG 1–35 , BWG 28–35 and BWG 1–35 , FC 21–28 and FC 28–35 , FC 21–28 and BWG 1–35 , and FC 28–35 and BWG 1–35 were 0.62 0.15–0.90), 0.81 0.60–0.94), 0.69 0.35–0.88), 0.06 (−050 to 0.60), −0.87 (−0.97 to −0.63) and −0.51 (−0.84 to −0.01), respectively; and for UFV2 line, these estimates were 0.33 (−0.05 to 0.63), 0.79 0.59–0.92), 0.88 0.73–0.96), 0.35 (−0.30 to 0.78), −0.56 (−0.85 to −0.09) and −0.76 (−0.93 to −0.41), respectively. Additionally, for the UFV1 line heritability estimates for BWG 21–28 and FC 21–28 were 0.69 0.40–0.86) and 0.55 0.31–0.74), respectively; while for UFV2 line the heritabilities for BWG 28–35 and FC 28–35 were 0.68 0.47–0.83) and 0.37 0.17–0.63). Based on these results, we recommend as target traits BWG 21–28 and FC 21–28 for UFV1 line; and BWG 28–35 for UFV2 line. Selecting for these indicated traits, we expect to reduce breeding program costs related mainly to feeding of non-selected animals and labor with phenotyping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In juvenile and adult animals, including mammals, birds, fishes and a crustacean, competition for food becomes increasingly aggressive as its spatial concentration increases. This ecological relationship has not been investigated in infant animals, although it is thought that broods of precocial chicks of some avian species compete aggressively for food or status in a brood hierarchy. When pairs of common quail broodmates were offered the same amount of ground corn in four spatial concentrations between ages 15 and 59 days, aggression increased progressively with concentration, culminating in an overall 16-fold increase when corn was in a single clump. These results suggest that aggressive defence may increase with spatial concentration of food in precocial chicks generally, and raise the possibility that a similar pattern could occur in some altricial chicks during the transition to independence and in infants of other animal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents results concerning morphological index of birds of the order Galliformes, genus Coturnix, Coturnix coturnix japonica species sp. from Bihor County. The investigations were conducted in three private farms in Bihor County. There were analyzed in total 995 specimens of quail's population. The following morphological parameters were studied: body weight, food consumption, the outputs situation from covey and their causes. There has been a linear trend of weight gain, more pronounced in females compared to males during juvenile period. At the end of the laying period, males had a weight of approx. 130g, and females nearly 150g, values located just below average performance. The efficiency of feed utilization was quite low: 4.6 - 4.9 kg feed/kg gain during youth, and at laying quail. It was necessary to consume a quantity of 23,01g fodder to produce an egg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2015, we used the same method as in the 1989-1996 period to count calling males of the Common Quail Coturnix coturnix in selected 1x1 km squares of Ljubljansko barje (central Slovenia). We counted 39 males, which is 87% less compared to the survey 20 years ago. Quails were found in 56% fewer squares. Since Quail populations are known to fluctuate greatly between years, we think that the most realistic long-term estimate for population decline would be somewhere between 50 to 90%. We detected that within only one week males stopped calling in some squares, while in others they began calling although they had not been detected there before, indicating possible relocations. This dynamics should be considered when designing a population monitoring protocol for the Quail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: a series of events take place in a precise spatial and temporal context during the development of any organism. Typically, certain ontogenetic processes are consistent with the proper completion of previous events. Objective: to identify possible heterochronic events that may relate to altricial and precocious development patterns. Methods: we analyzed the ontogeny of three species of birds with two different development models: Columba livia (semialtricial 2), Coturnix coturnix, and Gallus gallus domesticus (precocial 2). The starts and endings of thirteen morphological events were compared, from hour 16 of incubation to the time of hatching. Results: while no differences in the sequence of developmental events were found, the events of the maturation stage in the altricial kind started earlier compared to the precocial species. Ontogenetic acceleration events in C. livia and C. coturnix explain how these species reach a level of morphological development similar to that of G. gallus domesticus, but with shorter incubation period. Conclusion: the results provide information not considered in the literature of the specialty about heterochronic events in early developmental stages of poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of dietetic metabolizable energy levels on performance and carcass traits of meat quails from 15 to 35 days old. Five hundred sixty, 15-d old, meat quails were randomly assigned to five treatments (2.850; 2.950; 3.050; 3.150 e 3.250kcal of ME kg-1 of diet), with eight replicates and fourteen birds per experimental unit. Feed intake, protein and lysine intake and feed conversion decreased linearly as the metabolizable energy content of diets increased (P<0.01), whereas metabolizable energy intake, body weight, weight gain and viability were not affected (P>0.05) by the treatments. Diets did not influence (P>0.05) carcass traits as dry matter, moisture and protein content in carcass. However a quadratic effect (P<0.04) were observed on carcass fat content. Based on these results, the adequate metabolizable energy level to ensure better meat quails' growth is 3.250kcal of ME kg-1 diet, that corresponds to a metabolizable energy: crude protein ratio of 139,24. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Research was carried out to study the differences of carcass and offal characteristics between local normal and mutant (white feather gene) quail under laboratory conditions in faculty of agriculture, university of Aleppo between November 2012 and December 2013. Two quail strains were keeping out till sixth generation F6 for genetically purity. 200 birds of F6 generation (110 normal birds: 66 female & 44 male and 90 mutant birds: 57 female & 33 male) were used at 56th day. The results showed that mutant group with white feather gene (whwh) have significantly superlative on the normal group in most of carcass characteristics. Significantly increasing at (P<0.01) obtained in mutant group for live body weight, body weight after slaughter, body weight after slaughter and tweezing and gizzard weight by 4.7%, 4.9%, 5.6%, 5.6%, respectively compared with normal group. Also, significantly increasing at (P<0.001) obtained in mutant group for giblets weights: abdominal fat, liver and heart by 11.8%, 15.6% and 16.8% respectively comparing with normal group. The weight of feathers in normal group was bigger than mutant group. No significant differences were showed in other characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two methodological criticisms of our paper “Synchronizing biological cycles as key to survival under a scenario of global change: The Common quail ( Coturnix coturnix ) strategy” (Nadal et al., 2018) were proposed in the comment by Rodriguez-Teijeiro et al. (2018) regarding: 1) our estimates of the mean date of arrival, duration of stay and departure stages in the different regions studied; and 2) the analyses carried out to correlate the phenology of the species with changes in the climate variables. The conceptual model that we presented relates the dynamics of this quail population, which moves between short periods of stays, and the spatio-temporal structure of their geographic distribution data, in order to understand the ecology of these birds and to link their movement and residency patterns with geographical area and climate conditions. The probability that quail are resident in a region on any particular date is a result of their overall ecological strategy. We believe that Rodríguez-Teijeiro et al. (2018) have misunderstood our model, leading to their criticism of the statistical tests that we applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to evaluate the effect of genotype by environment (G×E) interaction for body weight (BW) of meat-type quails ( Coturnix coturnix ) during the growing period using two strains (LF1 and LF2) to changes in the dietary (methionine+cystine):lysine ([Met+Cys]:Lys) ratio. A total of 4512 records, collected during the initial phase (day 14 and 21), and final phase (day 28 and 35), was used for analyses. During the initial phase, quails were fed diets with increasing (Met+Cys):Lys ratios (0.61, 0.66, 0.71, 0.76, and 0.81), containing 26.1% crude protein (CP) and 2900 kcal ME/kg; and during the final phase, quails were fed a single diet containing 22% CP and 3050 kcal ME/kg. A single-trait animal model, including sex as the fixed effect, (Met+Cys):Lys ratio as the control variable, and breeding value as the random effect, was utilized for analyses. The Legendre polynomial of second order was utilized for the analysis of the G×E (nutritional levels) interaction using reaction norm. Genetic variance and heritability estimates varied according to the nutritional gradient. The LF2 strain had greater sensitivity to changes in the dietary (Met+Cys):Lys ratio compared with LF1, and greater residual effect of diets provided during the initial phase of the growing period. Genetic evaluations for quails fed different dietary (Met+Cys):Lys ratio provided changes in the predicted BW breeding values. We conclude that selection population must be fed with same dietary (Met+Cys):Lys ratio that commercial populations are fed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research aimed at giving a special focus on the early development of the Harderian gland - the principal orbital gland in birds. The development of the Harderian gland was studied in the common quail (Coturnix coturnix) at 7, 8, 9 and 10 days of incubation. The Harderian gland started its development as a long tube with a narrow lumen proximally and undifferentiated lumen distally at the seventh day of incubation, while at the eighth day of incubation, the studied gland differentiated into: the upper group formed from five opened tubules but the lower one consisted of three relatively closed tubules; the Harderian gland attained a strap-like appearance with hour-glass major borders, an increase in number of acini which share in formation of gland and its corresponding closed duct at the ninth day of incubation. More additional acini shared in formation of the Harderian gland. The tubular wide opened Harderian gland duct has appeared. Innervation of the Harderian gland was carried by the inferior ramus of oculomotor nerve at tenth day of incubation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to investigate plasma macrominerals (Ca, P, Na, K, and Mg) in adult male and female quails according to different body weights in four close-bred flocks of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) maintained at the Avian Research and Training Center of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. The results showed that mean plasma Na concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) different in female quails with respect to body size categories. The interaction between flocks and body size for plasma Ca levels was significant (P < 0.05) in both sexes of quails, whereas plasma Na was significant (P < 0.05) in female quails. The mean plasma P and K levels in imported and local flocks of Japanese quails were significantly (P < 0.05) different in female quails, whereas plasma Mg was significantly (P < 0.05) different in male quails. However, with respect to body size categories, plasma P, K, and Mg were significantly (P < 0.05) different in female quails only. The interaction between flocks and body size was significant for K and P in female quails and for plasma Mg levels in both sexes of quails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunoneuroendocrinology studies have identified conserved communicational paths in birds and mammals, e.g. the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal axis with anti-inflammatory activity mediated by glucocorticoids. Immune neuroendocrine phenotypes (INPs) have been proposed for mammals implying the categorization of a population in subgroups underlying divergent immune-neuroendocrine interactions. These phenotypes were studied in the context of the LEWIS/FISCHER paradigm (rats expressing high or low pro-inflammatory profiles, respectively). Although avian species have some common immunological mechanisms with mammals, they have also evolved some distinct strategies and, until now, it has not been studied whether birds may also share with mammals similar INPs. Based on corticosterone levels we determined the existence of two divergent groups in Coturnix coturnix that also differed in other immune-neuroendocrine responses. Quail with lowest corticosterone showed higher lymphoproliferative and antibody responses, interferon-γ and interleukin-1β mRNA expression levels and lower frequencies of leukocyte subpopulations distribution and interleukin-13 levels, than their higher corticosterone counterparts. Results suggest the existence of INPs in birds, comparable to mammalian LEWIS/FISCHER profiles, where basal corticosterone also underlies responses of comparable variables associated to the phenotypes. Concluding, INP may not be a mammalian distinct feature, leading to discuss whether these profiles represent a parallel phenomenon evolved in birds and mammals, or a common feature inherited from a reptilian ancestor millions of years ago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to estimate growth parameters of carcass components (wing, thighs and drumsticks, back and breast) and organs (heart, liver, gizzard and gut) in males and females of one meat-type quail strain (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) and two laying strains (Coturnix coturnix japonica) designated either yellow or red.A total of 1350 quail from 1 to 42 d old were distributed in a completely randomised design, with 5 replicates of each strain. The carcass component weights and body organs were analysed weekly and evaluated using the Gompertz function; growth rates were evaluated through derivative equations.The meat-type strain presented the highest growth rates in carcass components and organs. Across strains, females showed the highest weight of internal organs at maturity compared to males.Females had greater growth potential in breast, wings and back than males for both yellow and red laying quail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common quails are nutritious food and are also used as medicine in some parts of the world. Until now, no information on Toxoplasma gondii infection in common quails intended for human consumption in China is available. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection in common quails in six cities from Shandong, Liaoning, and Jilin provinces, China. Out of 620 common quails examined, 59 (9.52%) were seropositive for T. gondii by the modified agglutination test. T. gondii infection in male and female common quails was 8.10% and 10.71%, respectively. The highest prevalence (13.10%) was detected in a group of common quails from Rizhao of Shandong province, followed by common quails from Yantai of Shandong province (13.04%) and the lowest prevalence (5.56%) was detected in a group of common quails from Shenyang of Liaoning province. The results of this survey revealed the presence of T. gondii infection in common quails in China, indicating that common quails are a potential source for transmission of T. gondii to humans, therefore, posing a potential public health concern. To our knowledge, this is the first report of T. gondii infection in common quails in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbamate anticholinesterase pesticides are widely used for plant protection. Their common application together with the high toxicity, are responsible for the increasing number of intoxication accidents with wild animals (mammals and birds). The present experiment aimed to determine the changes occurring in blood enzyme activities of quails after experimental acute intoxication with the carbamate insecticide carbofuran (Carbosan 35 СТ). Quails were divided into 5 groups: one control and 4 experimental. They were treated by increasing single doses of the tested pesticide: 1.05 mg/kg (experimental group I), 2.1 mg/kg (experimental group II), 5.25 mg/kg (experimental group III) and 10.5 mg/kg (experimental group IV), corresponding to 1/10 LD50, 1/5 LD50, 1/2 LD50 and LD50 - oral doses for albino rats, respectively. Prior to the treatment (hours –48, –24 and 0) and 1, 3, 5, 7, 24 and 48 hours thereafter, blood was sampled from v. subcutanea ulnaris for analysis of activities of serum acetylcholinesterase (AChE), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), creatine kinase (СК) and gamma glutamyltransferase (É£-GT). The tested carbamate insecticide caused reduction in AChE activities, along with increased ASAT, ALAT, AP and СК concentrations. There were no changes in É£-GT concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In human bipedal walking, temporal changes in the elevation angle of the thigh, shank and foot segments covary to form a regular loop within a single plane in three-dimensional space. In this study, we quantified the planar covariation of limb elevation angles during bipedal locomotion in common quails to test whether the degree of planarity and the orientation of the covariance plane differ between birds, humans and Japanese macaques as reported in published accounts. Five quails locomoted on a treadmill and were recorded by a lateral X-ray fluoroscopy. The elevation angle of the thigh, shank and foot segments relative to the vertical axis was calculated and compared with published data on human and macaque bipedal locomotion. The results showed that the planar covariation applied to quail bipedal locomotion and planarity was stronger in quails than in humans. The orientation of the covariation plane in quails differed from that in humans, and was more similar to the orientation of the covariation plane in macaques. Although human walking is characterized by vaulting mechanics of the body center of mass, quails and macaques utilize spring-like running mechanics even though the duty factor is >0.5. Therefore, differences in the stance leg mechanics between quails and humans may underlie the difference in the orientation of the covariation plane. The planar covariation of inter-segmental coordination has evolved independently in both avian and human locomotion, despite the different mechanical constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this investigation was to study the histological structure of the gall bladder in the common quail (Coturnix coturnix). Samples were obtained from six male and six female healthy adult common quail. Tissue sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Histological results showed that the overall histology of the gall bladder of the common quail is similar to that in the chukar partridge except for the goblet cells. No significant sex-based differences were found. The gall bladder was composed of tunica mucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica serosa or tunica adventitia. The tunica mucosa was mainly lined with simple columnar epithelium which was covered by a continuous striated border of microvilli. Goblet cells were observed among the epithelial cells. The tunica mucosa formed some folds which appeared to be regularly distributed over the whole gall bladder luminal surface and were mostly isometric. Deep invaginations of the surface epithelium were observed to have grown down into the underlying mesenchyme, showing a tubular gland-like appearance. The muscularis mucosa was absent. The thin lamina propria-submucosa contained loose connective tissue which consisted of numerous diffuse lymphatic tissues, but no glands were observed. The tunica muscularis consisted of a thin circular layer of smooth muscle fibres. The loose connective tissue of the tunica serosa or adventitia was made up of adipose tissues and blood vessels. It is concluded that the histological structures of the gall bladder of the common quail are similar to those of the chukar partridge except for the presence of goblet cells among the epithelial cells of the tunica mucosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As mammals, birds exhibit two sleep phases, slow wave sleep (SWS) and REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep characterized by presenting different electrophysiological patterns of brain activity. During SWS a high amplitude slow wave pattern in brain activity is observed. This activity is substituted by a low amplitude fast frequency pattern during REM sleep. Common quail (Coturnix coturnix) is an animal model that has provided information related to different physiological mechanisms present in man. There are reports related to its electrophysiological brain activity, however the sleep characteristics that have been described are not. The objectives of this study is describing the sleep characteristics throughout the nychthemeral cycle of the common quail and consider this bird species as an avian model to analyze the regulatory mechanisms of sleep. Experiments were carried out in implanted exemplars of C. coturnix. Under general anesthesia induced by ether inhalation, stainless steel electrodes were placed to register brain activity from the anterior and posterior areas during 24 continuous hours throughout the sleep–wake cycle. Ocular and motor activities were visually monitored. Quail showed four electrophysiologically and behaviorally different states of vigilance: wakefulness (53.28%), drowsiness (14.27%), slow wave sleep (30.47%) and REM sleep (1.98%). The animals presented 202 REM sleep episodes throughout the nychthemeral cycle. Sleep distribution was polyphasic; however sleep amount was significantly greater during the period corresponding to the night. The number of nocturnal REM sleep episodes was significantly greater than that of diurnal one. Conclusion: The quail C. coturnix shows a polyphasic distribution of sleep; however the amount of this state of vigilance is significantly greater during the nocturnal period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Over the last four decades, the majority of European farmland birds have shown marked population declines attributed to the intensification of agriculture. The Common Quail is a widespread farmland breeder across most of Europe. Its populations have shown marked decline, particularly pronounced at the end of the previous century. Ongoing agriculture intensification may be the factor responsible for the observed declines; however, links between species occurrence and farming intensification have not been addressed so far. We analyzed factors affecting the occurrence of the Quail in Poland using data from 722 1 × 1-km study plots and a set of 22 environmental variables, including proxies for agriculture intensification. Predictors were aggregated using PCAs and related to species presence/absence data using GAMs. The best-supported model of the species' occurrence included eight variables and was clearly better (AIC weight = 0.54) than other models. Quails preferred open fields, showing high photosynthetic activity in March or June, with rather low precipitation and often at relatively high altitudes (up to 900 m a.s.l.). Importantly, quails were more frequent on plots located in regions with rather high inorganic fertilizer input, and showed no avoidance of areas with a high level of agriculture mechanization. We postulate that singing male quails are attracted to areas with medium or high intensity of agriculture but it may represent a maladaptive habitat choice enhanced by changing agriculture practices and peculiarities of the quail's breeding strategy. Given the results, the quail cannot be classified as a good indicator of extensive traditional agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TYR (Tyrosinase) and TYRP1 (Tyrosinase-related protein 1) play crucial roles in determining the coat color of birds. In this paper, we aimed to characterize the relationship of TYR and TYRP1 genes with plumage colors in Korean quails. The SNPs were searched by cDNA sequencing and PCR-SSCP in three plumage color Korean quails (maroon, white and black plumage). Two SNPs (367T®C and 1153C®T) were found in the coding region of TYRP1 gene, but had no significant association with plumage phenotype in Korean quails. The expression of TYR was higher in black plumage quails than that in maroon plumage quails. In contrast, the expression of TYRP1 was lower in black plumage quails than that in maroon plumage quails. This study suggested that the melanic plumage color in Korean quails may be associated with either increased production of TYR or decreased production of TYRP1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide evidence for predation by the Common Egg-eater (Dasypeltis scabra) on the eggs of three species of ground-nesting birds, namely African Pipit (Anthus cinnamomeus), Cape Longclaw (Macronyx capensis) and Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix). Although egg-eaters have been recorded as egg predators of several bird species in the wild – including a few other ground-nesters such as lapwings, francolins, sandgrouse, gulls and terns – we present the first evidence of such predation in the Mesic Highveld Grassland Bioregion of South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While a number of studies have addressed bioaccumulation of the flame retardant Dechlorane Plus (DP), little information is available regarding the adverse effects of DP on animals, especially on bird species. In the present study, male common quails ( Coturnix coturnix) were consecutively exposed to commercial DP-25 by gavage for 90 d at 1-mg/kg/d, 10-mg/kg/d, and 100-mg/kg/d dosages. Concentrations of DP isomers in liver, muscle, and serum were determined after exposure. Liver enzyme activity involved in xenobiotic biotransformation processes and oxidative stress was measured, as well as glutathione and maleic dialdehyde content. The results showed that DP was more prone to accumulate in the liver than in muscle and serum in all exposed groups. In tested tissues, syn-DP dominated in the high-exposure groups (10 and 100 mg/kg/d), whereas anti-DP tended to accumulate in the low-exposure group (1 mg/kg/d). The concentration ratios of anti-DP to total DP ( f anti values) in the tissues examined were close to commercial DP in the low-exposure group; however, the f anti values were significantly decreased in the high-exposure groups. Enzyme activity of 7-pentoxyresorufin-O-demethylase (PROD) decreased significantly in all exposed groups compared with the control group, whereas activity of erythromycin N-demethylase (ERND) and the antioxidant enzyme catalase significantly increased in high-exposure groups. The results implied that DP exposure levels influenced isomeric compositions in organs and that DP exposure altered hepatic alkoxyresorufin O-dealkylase (AROD) activity and contributed to the biological effects of DP. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1649-1654. © 2013 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dietary supplementation with thymol has been shown to improve the oxidative stability of eggs and meat during storage. In addition, in vitro studies have shown that this compound can act as a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor, similarly to its analog phenolic compound propofol. Hence, it is conceivable that thymol could also present anxyolitic and/or fear reducing properties, probably also affecting their locomotor activity. Considering that fear-inducing/stressful situations are practically unavoidable during birds’ rearing, the thymol feed supplementation could therefore present beneficial consequences in terms of animal welfare. This study evaluates potential fear reducing properties of thymol feed supplementation and its potential effects on locomotor activity by assessing female Japanese quail behavioral responses during brief mechanical restraint and open-field tests. Birds were evaluated after 2 and 15 days of supplementation. During the brief mechanical restraints, the latencies to struggle were significantly (P<0.05) shorter and the number of struggling bouts significantly higher (P<0.05) in the thymol group than in their Control counterparts suggesting a fear reducing effect. No effects on locomotor behavior were detected during open-field testing. The results suggest that dietary supplementation with thymol may help reduce female fear responses when birds are exposed to stressful situation without affecting the bird's locomotor activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As birds have a diversity of locomotor behaviors, their skeleton is subjected to a variety of mechanical constraints (gravitational, aerodynamic and sometimes hydrodynamic forces). Yet, only minor modifications in post-cranial skeleton shape are observed across the diversity of avian species in comparison with other vertebrates. The goal of this study was to explore potential morphological adjustments that allow locomotion in different habitats in Anatidae. Specifically, we compared a strictly terrestrial bird, the common quail Coturnix coturnix, and a semi-aquatic bird, the ringed teal Callonetta leucophrys, to explore whether their anatomy reflects the constraints of locomotion in different habitats (water vs. land). We compared the tibiotarsus and the tarsometatarsus shape between the two species using a geometric morphometric approach. Our data illustrate distinct differences between species with a more medially oriented intertarsal joint in the ringed teal than in the common quail, which may be linked to the kinematics of walking and paddling. This study lays the foundations to understand the functional requirements for moving in both terrestrial and aquatic environments in Anatidae, and suggests morphological characteristics of the bird hindlimb skeleton that may help to predict the motions it is capable of. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of the study was to be determined some age linked ultrastructure features of the duodenum in specific bird species. The investigated are 20 birds from each -- Japanese and Wild quails. They were divided into four age groups (1st, 20th, 45th u 60th day of hatching; 5 birds in each age group). The materials for the electon microscopic study were obtained from the middle section of the duodenum. Onto the apical surface of the enterocytes of the duodenum with the one day old Japanese and Wild quails were determined evenly located and with similar height microvillies. They covered the apical surface of the enterocites and around the apical parts was seen glycocalyx. The height of the duodenal microvilli of the twenty days old Japanese quails was greater from those of the one day old. The 45 days old and 60 days old quails the microvilli, covering the apical surface of the enterocytes were evenly placed, but their height was continuously growing. The height of the duodenal microvilli of the one day old Japanese and Wild quails was equal. With the 20, 45 and 60 days old quails, the height of the microvilli of the Wild type were higher from the microvillies of the Japanese quails. We beleive the difference of the microvillies height of the duodenum with the Wild and the Japanese quail is due to the distinction in the nutritive habits and requirements of the investigated birds. The Wild quail is a bird, which is in a need of greater reabsorption mucosa of the small bowel and most likely is the reason the duodenal microvilli to be higher compare to the Japanese one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many species of game birds would become extinct in their natural habitat without periodical supplementation of wildlife populations with specimens bred on farms. Unfortunately either such birds do not exhibit any specific forms of behaviour which enable survival in natural environment or those forms are inappropriately developed. They include duration of tonic immobility (TI), which is often an anti-predator reaction. Pheasants, quails and partridges were subjected to assessment of the duration of TI and the number of inductions necessary to obtain TI on the 10th, 20th and 35th day of the birds' lives. In the pheasant and quail, both the frequency of inductions equal to 1 and the duration of TI increased with age. The quails were characterised by the shortest duration of TI and the highest frequency of number of inductions above 1. In the partridges, the average frequency of TI inductions equal to 1 was the highest (more than 70% in every analyzed day). Simultaneously, the average duration of TI was long. This may indicate that these birds may have a better defence mechanism when endangered by a predator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the detection of a novel picornavirus in domesticated common quail ( Coturnix coturnix) in Hungary. The 8159-nucleotide (nt)-long RNA genome of this virus, named quail picornavirus (QPV1-HUN/2010; JN674502), shows only 43%, 39% and 47% amino acid (aa) identity in the P1 (857 aa), P2 (458 aa) and P3 (777 aa) coding regions respectively, to the closest reference, avian sapelovirus. The 5′UTR contains a variant type IV IRES with a 20-nt-long apical '8'-like structure that is conserved in avian-origin and seal picornaviruses. The 390-aa-long L protein is cysteine rich and encodes two copies of a 34-aa-long repeat motif. Quail picornavirus represents a novel picornavirus species and perhaps a novel genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A common quail (Coturnix coturnix) from a private keeping died unexpectedly and showed a moderate lymphocytic infiltration of the colonic mucosa associated with numerous protozoa-like objects at the pathological examination. These organisms were further identified using chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) and gene sequencing. ISH was performed on paraffin embedded tissue sections and produced a positive signal using a probe specific for the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene of the order Trichomonadida, but remained negative with probes specific for the 18S rRNA gene of the common bird parasites Histomonas meleagridis, Tetratrichomonas gallinarum or Trichomonas gallinae. The trichomonads were found on the mucosal surface, inside the crypts and also immigrating into the lamina propria mucosae. DNA was extracted from the paraffin embedded tissue and the entire 18S rRNA gene, ITS-1 region, 5.8S rRNA gene, ITS-2 region and a part of the 28S rRNA gene were sequenced using primer walking. The acquired sequence showed 95% homology with Tritrichomonas foetus, a trichomonad never described in birds. A phylogenetic analysis of a part of the 18S rRNA gene or of the ITS-1, 5.8S and ITS-2 region clearly placed this nucleotide sequence within the family of Tritrichomonadidae. Therefore, the authors propose the detection of a putative new Tritrichomonas sp. in the intestine of a common quail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Most birds use at least two modes of locomotion: flying and walking (terrestrial locomotion). Whereas the wings and tail are used for flying, the legs are mainly used for walking. The role of other body segments remains, however, poorly understood. In this study, we examine the kinematics of the head, the trunk, and the legs during terrestrial locomotion in the quail (Coturnix coturnix). Despite the trunk representing about 70% of the total body mass, its function in locomotion has received little scientific interest to date. This prompted us to focus on its role in terrestrial locomotion. We used high-speed video fluoroscopic recordings of quails walking at voluntary speeds on a trackway. Dorso-ventral and lateral views of the motion of the skeletal elements were recorded successively and reconstructed in three dimensions using a novel method based on the temporal synchronisation of both views. An analysis of the trajectories of the body parts and their coordination showed that the trunk plays an important role during walking. Moreover, two sub-systems participate in the gait kinematics: (i) the integrated 3D motion of the trunk and thighs allows for the adjustment of the path of the centre of mass; (ii) the motion of distal limbs transforms the alternating forward motion of the feet into a continuous forward motion at the knee and thus assures propulsion. Finally, head bobbing appears qualitatively synchronised to the movements of the trunk. An important role for the thigh muscles in generating the 3D motion of the trunk is suggested by an analysis of the pelvic anatomy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article describes a new approach for avian gender identification to prove it is more rapid and efficient than molecular analysis methods. It reported the findings on the CHD1 gene of the common quail, Coturnix c. coturnix, and the Japanese quail, Coturnix c. japonica, by high-resolution melting-curve (HRM) analysis. The study demonstrated the effectivity of an HRM assay for gender differentiation and proposed it as a supplementary molecular method to sex birds with no sexual dimorphism.

Abstract: Species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays have been applied to verify the labeling of pet foods containing quail, pheasant, and ostrich. The method combines the use of quail, pheasant, ostrich, chicken, duck, pig and fish specific primers that amplify small fragments (amplicons <200 base pairs) of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene and a positive control primer pair that amplifies a 141bp fragment of the nuclear 18S rRNA gene from eukaryotic DNA. The applicability of the assay was tested through the analysis of 100 commercial dog and cat food products. The reported PCR technique successfully detected the presence of the target species in 88 of the analyzed samples. However, the target species was not detected in 12 samples indicating a possible fraud in the labeling of these products. The results obtained suggest that the reported PCR method may represent a suitable tool for the detection of pet food mislabeling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses a modelling analysis study on the climatic distributions of the Coturnix coturnix, an Iberian Peninsula farmland specialist bird, under habitat constraints. Species' distribution models are evaluated to determine predictive errors using performance measures like the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve that measures species restriction degree via the predictive variable variation changes. Accumulated precipitation showed a maximum contribution in models.

Cathelicidins comprise a family of antimicrobial peptides sharing a highly conserved cathelin domain, which play a central role in the early innate host defense against infection. In the present study, we report three novel avian cathelicidin orthologs cloned from a constructed spleen cDNA library of Coturnix coturnix, using a nested-PCR-based cloning strategy. Three coding sequences containing ORFs of 447, 465 and 456 bp encode three mature antimicrobial peptides (named Cc-CATH1, 2 and 3) of 26, 32 and 29 amino acid residues, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that precursors of Cc-CATHs are significantly conserved with known avian cathelicidins. Synthetic Cc-CATH2 and 3 displayed broad and potent antimicrobial activity against most of the 41 strains of bacteria and fungi tested, especially the clinically isolated drug-resistant strains, with minimum inhibitory concentration values in the range 0.3-2.5 μ for most strains with or without the presence of 100 m NaCl. Cc-CATH2 and 3 showed considerable reduction of cytotoxic activity compared to other avian cathelicidins, with average IC values of 20.18 and 17.16 μ, respectively. They also exerted a negligible hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes, lysing only 3.6% of erythrocytes at a dose up to 100 μg·mL. As expected, the recombinant Cc-CATH2 (rCc-CATH2) also showed potent bactericidal activity. All these features of Cc-CATHs encourage further studies aiming to estimate their therapeutic potential as drug leads, as well as coping with current widespread antibiotic resistance, especially the new prevalent and dangerous 'superbug' that is resistant to almost all antibiotics. Three novel avian cathelicidin orthologues were cloned encoding three antimicrobial peptides of 26, 32, 29 amino acid residues length. Synthetic Cc-CATH2 and 3 displayed broad and potent antimicrobial activity. Cc-CATH2 and 3 showed much reduced cytotoxicity, and a negligible hemolytic activity, lysing only 3.6% of erythrocytes at doses up to 100 μg·mL. Recombinant Cc-CATH2 showed potent bactericidal activity as expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the unresolved problems of male sexual aggregations is that a small number of males monopolize most matings. The Common Quail ( (L., 1758)), is a bird species that has a short life span and a reproductive strategy that involves male aggregations, which females visit for the purpose of mating. Once a mate has been chosen, birds leave the aggregation and form pair-bonds until incubation begins. This remarkable mating system might represent an intermediate step between lekking and pair-bond mating systems in which males provide some parental care. We designed a field experiment with funnel traps simulating male groups and single females to observe male and female preferences, and to examine the possible evolutionary process that drives males to aggregate. Radio-tagged individuals were also monitored to study pair-bonding behaviour in the field. Our results suggest that body condition is an important factor in male group formation, and that males with better body condition tend to aggregate, while males in poorer condition wait for extra-pair copulation opportunities. Moreover, this mating system creates a situation in which a queuing strategy might occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]