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Introduction: Birds are involved natural cycle of a number of vector-borne viruses in both rural and urban areas. Toscana (TOSV) and Sicilian (SFSV) phleboviruses are sandfly-borne viruses in the genus Phlebovirus that can cause diseases in human. However, there is limited information on the role of the birds in sandfly-borne phleboviruses natural cycle and reservoirs ofthese viruses remain unknown. Methods: In this study, we analyzed Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) sera from Spain to identify the seroprevalence of these two phleboviruses. We tested respectively, 106 and 110 quail serum against TOSV and SFSV from 2018, 2019, and 2021 from two locations in northern Spain with using virus neutralization test. Results: We identified high neutralizing antibody rates for SFSV (45.45%) and TOSV (42.45%) with yearly fluctuation. Discussion: This is the first identification of SFSV and TOSV neutralizing antibodies in wild birds. High seroprevalence rates of TOSV and SFSV in quail birds raises the question whether birds have a role as amplifying hosts in the natural cycle of phleboviruses. [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]

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]

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]

Abstract: Two subspecies of Coturnix coturnix have allopatric distributions in Europe, Maghreb and western Asia (the Common quail C. c. coturnix), and in eastern Asia (the Japanese quail C. c. japonica), except for sympatric breeding areas in the Baikal (Russia) and Kentei (Mongolia) regions, where they could hybridize. Japanese quails have been reproduced in captivity for centuries and domesticated. Massive releasing of Japanese domesticated quails, or hybrids, in west European countries might threaten with hybridization the gene pool of wild quail populations. Here, we used mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA markers (microsatellites), and Bayesian admixture analyses aiming to assess subspecies distinction and identify hybrids in wild and captive-reared quails. A phylogenetic tree identified two major mtDNA clades, corresponding to the two subspecies, and allowed detecting 12 hybrids in wild Common quails sampled in Spain. Additional hybrids were identified in wild quails sampled in Spain, Italy and Senegal using microsatellite markers. Wild quails sampled in Mongolia showed japonica mtDNAs, but their microsatellite genotypes were admixed, suggesting that Common and Japanese quails can hybridize in nature. Some captive-reared stocks of Japanese quails were also admixed. Introgression of domesticated Japanese quail genes in wild Common quail populations might affect the phenotypic expression of functional traits, as body size, feather colours, sexual calls and migratory behaviours. Hence, restocking with captive-reared non-native quails should be banned. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mechanisms involved in D-glucose and amino acid transport in the intestine of birds are still not clear. In chickens, D-glucose and amino acid absorption occurs via carrier-mediated transport, but in wild birds a passive paracellular mechanism seems to be the predominant pathway. The purpose of this work was to determine the existence of carrier-mediated sodium cotransport of D-glucose and L-alanrne in the small intestine of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix), a granivorous bird. Intestinal transport was determined by changes in the short-circuit current (Isc), proportional to ion trans-membrane flux, in the middle segment of the intestine of Japanese quail with a Ussing chamber. D-Glucose produced an increase of the Isc, and this effect was reverted by phloridzin, indicating the presence of a D-glucose transport mediated by the sodium/glucose cotranspoter 1. Addition of L-alanine also produced an increase of the Isc. We concluded that there is carrier-mediated cotransport of D-glucose and L-alanine with sodium in the small intestine of the Japanese quail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of hatching egg weight and length of egg storage period on hatchability and subsequent laying performance of quails. Eggs were collected from a quail flock (Coturnix coturnix Pharaoh) aged 17 weeks and classified into 4 groups on the basis of storage period 1, 3, 5, or 7 d. Prior to egg storage, the eggs in each group were further divided into egg weight treatment (small: <10.51 g; medium: 10.51-11.50 g; large: 11.51-12.50 g; and jumbo: >12.51 g). Hatchability of total and fertile eggs was affected significantly by hatching egg weight (P < 0.05) but was not affected significantly by the length of egg storage period. There was a decrease in egg production associated with increase in hatching egg weight. Egg production of quails hatched from stored eggs for 3 days was greater than the other groups. There was a significant interaction between hatching egg weight and length of egg storage for egg production. It was concluded that medium eggs can be hatched satisfactorily after 3 days storage for optimum egg production in quails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study investigated the potential overlap between breeding and hunting seasons for a population of common quail Coturnix coturnix in the Alexandria District. Seasonal abundance (assessed as the number of birds flushed per unit effort), sex ratios and reproductive condition (based on gonad sizes) of the quail were measured over a period of 16 months, including two hunting seasons. Hunting impacts were assessed in terms of the number of birds killed per unit of hunting effort. Quail exhibited a spring peak in abundance and reproduction, which coincided with the legal hunting season, and bird numbers varied markedly between years. Sex ratio varied, with males dominating early in spring. Hunters killed nearly 60% of the birds flushed, and hunter efficiency was positively correlated with the abundance of quail. These results confirm the dilemma for managers, as quail are currently hunted during the main breeding season and offtakes are high. The development of management strategies is hampered by a lack of understanding of the population biology and ecology, and impacts of hunting. A number of possible hunting strategies are discussed. Since current harvests may not be sustainable, further research is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present studies report the impact of two different pre-storage incubation (PRESI) periods (6 & 12 h) on embryo mortality and hatching efficiencies of Japanese quail eggs. In all, 540 quail eggs were obtained from a commercial Japanese quail flock, Differentiated into three treatments (with three replicates), containing 60 eggs each. Group I (control), without PRESI, was stored under controlled conditions (12°C & RH: 70%), while group II comprised short-term PRESI, incubated at 37°C for 6 h, and stored at control storage conditions for 42 h and group III, contained long-term PRESI, kept and incubated at 37°C for 12 h. Following three periods, eggs were incubated under usual conditions at 37.6°C and 60% relative humidity. It was resulted that, a hatchability ratio 86.6, 96.7 and 93.3%, was obtained for three respective groups. Maximum embryo mortality occurred in the control group, while that of Group II (short-term PRESI) had minimum mortality, with no significant differences occurred between groups II and III and that, embryo mortalities were significantly higher in group1 (3.3, 3.3 & 10%, respectively). PRESI could possibly reduce incubation length without altering chick weight. Incubating quail eggs for shortterm prior storage improved hatching efficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been, over the years, conflicting statements by various authors regarding the altitude at which Quail Coturnix coturnix migrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorpyriphos (13 mg/kg) was administered to quail (Coturnix coturnix), and the responses of brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and plasmacholinesterase (ChE) were studied. Both enzymes responded rapidly, and the maximal inhibition (76.6 and 80.1%, respectively) occurred 8 hpostadministration. Plasma ChE recovered rapidly, and even on day 4,ChE values of quail that had received chlorpyriphos were higher thanthose of controls. The recovery of brain AChE activity was slower than that of plasma; it reached 59% of controls 2 d after chlorpyriphosadministration, then it recovered slowly, and only at day 11 was itslevel not depressed with respect to controls. This recovery followedthe logarithmic pattern Y= a + b(log X), where Y is the AChE activity expressed as the percentage with respect to controls and X is the day after closing, giving a significant correlation (r = 0.9746, p< 0.001 when using group means and r = 0.9219, p < 0.001 when using individual values). No clinical signs or mortality were observed, and histopathological observations in the central nervous system (encephalytic reaction, necrotic Purkinje cells), liver (congestion, vacuolation), and kidney (congestion, nephrosis) were not severe and did not endanger the life of the quail. Sixteen hours after chlorpyriphos administration, some quail were treated with pralidoxime, which significantly reactivated brain AChE but not plasma ChE. However, this effect didnot last for the rest of the experiment; because no signs of toxicosis appeared, the experiment was not repeated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]