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Simple Summary: Heat stress in tropical regions significantly affects the production and quality of eggs in laying quails, which is worsened by phytate's antinutritional effects on calcium and phosphorus absorption. Phytase, an exogenous enzyme, can counteract these effects by breaking down phytate and improving mineral availability. This enzyme's use in Japanese quails optimizes calcium absorption and enhances their performance under heat stress. Phytase not only improves productivity but also protects the digestive and reproductive systems, promoting bird welfare and sustainability in poultry production. In tropical and subtropical climate regions, heat stress is one of the main causes of production losses in laying quails, aggravated by the antinutritional effects of the phytate in diet ingredients, which negatively affect the bioavailability of minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus. This situation results in a reduction in production and the quality of eggs from commercial laying quails. Several nutritional strategies are utilized to reduce the adverse effects of high temperatures and antinutritional factors such as phytate. Among these strategies, the use of exogenous enzymes, such as phytase, stands out as a viable alternative. Phytase breaks down phytate molecules, optimizing the absorption of essential minerals and improving productive performance and egg quality under unfavorable conditions. Specifically, it is recommended to use 1500 FTU of phytase, as it not only reduces the effects of thermal stress but also enhances eggshell thickness and calcium absorption. In this context, this bibliographic review sought to produce a document demonstrating the beneficial effects of the phytase enzyme on the hydrolysis of the phytate molecule, the availability of calcium for Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica), and its implications in thermal stress due to heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of dietary aqueous extract of red propolis (AERP) on the performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, and fecal microbiota of laying quails. A total of 120 52-day-old laying quails were randomly divided into four dietary treatments, each consisting of six replicates of 5 animals. The dietary treatments were a control basal diet and basal diets with of 1g of AERP, 2g of AERP, and 0.01g of enramycin per kg of feed for 63 days. Productive performance results such as percentage of egg production, feed intake per quail per day, average egg weight, egg mass, and feed conversion rate showed no significant difference between treatments. On the other hand, eggs from quails fed with red propolis showed darker yolk, higher intensity of red, and lower intensity of yellow (p

The current study was conducted to study the impact of low-CP protein diets with different sources of zinc (zinc oxide-ZnO and zinc methionine-Zn-Met) on performance, lipid profile, immune and antioxidant parameters of quail breeders. A total number of 216 Japanese quail at 8 weeks of age were randomly distributed into nine (3 × 3) groups, with four replicates, each of six quails (four females and two males). Quails were fed three levels of CP (16, 18, and 20%) and three sources of Zn (0, 0.1 g ZnO, and 0.1 g Zn-Met/kg diets). No significant differences in daily feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and egg mass are due to the main effect of protein levels or zinc sources at all ages. Dietary CP (16 and 20%) in growing quail diets increased SOD and GSH, while IgG levels were improved by 18%. Finally, it can be recommended that 16% CP and zinc source (Zn-Met or ZnO) can maintain egg mass, as well as lipid profile, immunological and antioxidant parameters in Japanese quails breeders. This level (16% CP) is enough during the production stage and a valuable way for mitigating ammonia pollution and reducing feeding costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aim This study evaluated the effect of co-administration of vitamin C and Arabic gum (AG) supplements on the response of vaccinated (VAC) and challenged laying Japanese quails with avian influenza virus (AIV) H9N2. Materials and methods One hundred and fifty 49-day-old laying Japanese quails were divided into 5 groups (G1-G5): the G1 group was a negative control, G2 group was unvaccinated + H9N2 challenged (Ch), G3 group was unvaccinated + supplements + Ch, G4 group was VAC + Ch, and the G5 group was VAC + supplements + Ch. The supplements (vitamin C, 1 g/liter of drinking water and AG, 1% ration) were given for 5 weeks post-vaccination (PV). The birds were injected subcutaneously with an inactivated H9N2 vaccine at 49 days of age. The quails were then challenged intranasally with AIV H9N2 at the 3rd week PV. Blood, tracheal swab and tissue samples were collected at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd weeks PV, and at different time points post-challenge (PC). Results Growth performance, egg production (%), egg and eggshell weights, HI antibody titers, clinical signs, lesions, mortality, virus shedding rates, leukogram, biochemical and immunological parameters and histopathological lesions PC showed significant differences (P

Calcium content in the diet can affect egg quality and production in aged birds. Calcium pidolate is a new form of calcium supplementation in poultry diets, which favours the absorption of this mineral. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary calcium pidolate concentration in the diets of aged laying Japanese quails. A total of 120 female quails (27 weeks old) were assigned to four treatment groups, each with six replicates of five quails per pen. In the 10-week trial, quail diets were supplemented with calcium pidolate at four concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 g/kg), providing 25.1, 25.4, 25.8 and 26.5 g/kg calcium, respectively. As a result of this study, body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio did not change with the concentration of calcium pidolate (P > 0.05). In contrast, albumen and yolk index decreased as calcium pidolate level increased (P < 0.05). Moreover, calcium pidolate at a concentration of 0.50 g/kg resulted in the greatest egg production, eggshell breaking strength and eggshell thickness (P < 0.05), while above these levels the factors studied were negatively affected. According to these results, the optimal concentration of calcium pidolate in the diets of aged laying quails was 0.50 g/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study evaluated the effect of co-administration of vitamin C and Arabic gum (AG) supplements on the response of vaccinated (VAC) and challenged laying Japanese quails with avian influenza virus (AIV) H9N2. Materials and methods: One hundred and fifty 49-day-old laying Japanese quails were divided into 5 groups (G1-G5): the G1 group was a negative control, G2 group was unvaccinated + H9N2 challenged (Ch), G3 group was unvaccinated + supplements + Ch, G4 group was VAC + Ch, and the G5 group was VAC + supplements + Ch. The supplements (vitamin C, 1 g/liter of drinking water and AG, 1% ration) were given for 5 weeks post-vaccination (PV). The birds were injected subcutaneously with an inactivated H9N2 vaccine at 49 days of age. The quails were then challenged intranasally with AIV H9N2 at the 3rd week PV. Blood, tracheal swab and tissue samples were collected at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd weeks PV, and at different time points post-challenge (PC). Results: Growth performance, egg production (%), egg and eggshell weights, HI antibody titers, clinical signs, lesions, mortality, virus shedding rates, leukogram, biochemical and immunological parameters and histopathological lesions PC showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between the vaccinated-unsupplemented (G4) group and the vaccinated-supplemented (G5) group. G5 showed the highest (P < 0.05) growth performance, egg production, HI antibody titers, and heterophil phagocytic activity and the lowest heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, mortality, virus shedding rates, creatinine level and histopathological lesion scores in the lungs. Conclusion: The co-administration of vitamin C and AG for 5 weeks can improve growth performance, egg production and the immune response in vaccinated laying quails challenged with AIV H9N2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of red pine and larch pine needles powder at different doses on productive performance, egg quality, hatching parameters, total fatty acid and cholesterol levels of laying quails. A total of 126 (84 ♀ and 42 ♂) 20-week-old laying quail were randomly distributed into seven experimental diets with three replicates of six (four female and two male) birds per cage. The groups were fed a basal diet (CON group), a basal diet with red pine needle powder (RPNP group) (1.5%, 3% and 4.5%), or a basal diet with larch pine needle powder (LPNP group) (1.5%, 3% and 4.5%) for 9 weeks. The results showed that the additives which were added into the ration did not affect feed intake and feed conversion ratio among the performance parameters compared to the control group (p > 0.05). Egg production increased by 13%-14% in RPNP 1.5% and LPNP 4.5% groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Egg weight increased by 4.04% only at the RPNP 4.5% dose (p < 0.05). However, egg weight decreased by 3.68%, 2.88% and 5.75% in RPNP 3% and LPNP 3% and 4.5% doses, respectively (p < 0.05). The highest increase in egg mass compared to the control was 13.61% in the RPNP 1.5% dose (p < 0.05). Egg shape index increased by 8.18% in the RPNP 1.5% group and 11.11% in the LPNP 3% group (p < 0.05). Haugh units increased by 1.87% and 1.77% in RPNP 1.5% and LPNP 4.5% doses, respectively (p < 0.05). The amount of broken eggs increased in the LPNP 1.5% (2.86%) and LPNP 3% (3.65%) doses relative to the control group (0.40%) (p < 0.05). Egg yolk decreased by 7.2%-17.6% in RPNP 1.5% and 3% groups and LPNP 3% and 4.5% doses (p < 0.05). Egg yolk diameter decreased by 3.21%-6.56% in RPNP 1.5% and 3% groups and LPNP 4.5% doses (p < 0.05). Yolk index decreased by an average of 5.5%-7% in RPNP 1.5% and 4.5% doses and LPNP 4.5% doses (p < 0.05). Pine needle supplementation increased total monounsaturated fatty acids in egg yolks by 6% compared to the control group, while cholesterol levels decreased by 7.73% compared to the control (p < 0.05). On the other hand, pine needle addition had no effect on incubation parameters (p > 0.05). Our results clearly indicated that the 1.5% red pine needles powder could be used as an additive to increase the egg production, egg mass and Haugh units in laying quails., (© 2025 Wiley‐VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

ABSTRACT This study aims to evaluate effects of inclusion of moringa in Japanese quail diets on laying performance, egg quality, blood parameters, serum biochemical profile, and behavior. One hundred and forty-four Japanese quails, approximately 35-d-old, were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and six replications. Treatments were diet inclusion of 0, 2, 4 and 6% of dried and ground moringa leaves. The inclusion of moringa in diets reduces the quadratic feed intake up to the level of 1.20%, increases weight of eggs with a quadratic behavior up to 3.80%, and linearly increases yolk weight. Yolk color changes with higher levels of inclusion of moringa and resulted in more intense colors. The biochemical profile of quails changed slightly but remains within the normal range. The inclusion of 4% of moringa in diets increases alkaline phosphatase. Regarding cholesterol and triglycerides, diet with 6% moringa inclusion was lower when compared to the others. The behavior of laying quails does not change due to inclusion of moringa in diets. Up to 3.83% of Moringa oleifera can be included in Japanese quail diet to improve egg quality without compromising performance, biochemical profile, blood parameters and behavior.

Lupinus albus seeds from low-alkaloid varieties are a valuable alternative source of protein for reducing the dependence on soybean meal for the feeding of monogastric animals. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the dehulling influence of lupine seeds (L. albus, cv. Amiga) and the effect of their use in the laying quails feed on live performance and egg quality. A total of 200 laying quails (Coturnix japonica), with an age of 10 weeks, were randomly assigned to five experimental groups (five replicates/group). Each group was randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments: the control group (C) diet was based on soybean meal, while the experimental groups received either 200 g/kg (WLS20) or 250 g/kg (WLS25) of whole lupine seeds in their diets, or 200 g/kg (DLS20) or 250 g/kg (DLS25) of dehulled lupine seeds in their diets. The results show that by dehulling the lupine seeds, the nutritional value of the seeds increased. The use of dehulled lupine seeds in the diet of laying quails did not affect the live performance (egg production, feed intake, feed conversion ratio), yolk cholesterol content, and physico-chemical quality indices of the eggs, compared with control. The presence of dehulled lupine seeds in the diet improved the nutritional quality of the yolk lipids because of the increase in the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Thus, the lipid quality indices of the yolk became more favorable to consumer health because of an increase in the h/H ratio (hypocholesterolemic/Hypercholesterolemic FA) and a decrease in the atherogenic index and thrombogenic index values. The higher content in carotenoids also contributed to the higher nutritional quality of the eggs obtained by lupine utilization. In conclusion, dehulling of lupine seeds had a positive influence on the nutritional quality of the seeds, the live performance of quails, and the quality of eggs.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have recently emerged as a powerful agents for disinfection in the poultry industry. AgNPs are capable of epithelial barriers passing from the route of exposure to the vital organs and cells. This study evaluated the effects of AgNPs on organs weights, blood biochemical, hematological, and coagulation parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, and histopathological changes and silver concentrations of liver and kidney tissues in laying Japanese quails after exposure to the nanoparticles. The layer quails were randomly assigned to 4 groups, consisting of six replicates, three quails each. The treatments included 0, 4, 8, and 12 mg/L of AgNPs in daily drinking water for 30 weeks. AgNPs decreased the relative weight of liver, ileum and large intestine (P < 0.05). Administration of AgNPs elevated plasma fibrinogen while decreased serum aspartate aminotransferase activity (P < 0.05). The antioxidant status of the liver showed that malondialdehyde level, an end product of lipid peroxidation, was higher (P < 0.05) and catalase activity was lower (P < 0.05) in the quails exposed to AgNPs. The accumulation of silver in the liver and kidney tissues were increased in a dose-dependent manner after exposure to AgNPs (P < 0.05). Histopathological findings showed reduced lipid vacuolization of hepatocytes in the 12 mg/L AgNPs treatment. In conclusion, the results indicated that AgNPs administration to drinking water can lead to oxidative stress and liver damage in laying quails which may be a predisposing for liver dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of nanosilicon dioxide (nSiO) on performance, egg quality, liver histopathology and concentration of calcium (Ca), phosphorus and silicon (Si) in egg, liver and bone in laying quails. The experiment was administered using 60 laying quails at 16-26 weeks of age with five treatments [0 (control), 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 mg nSiO per kg of diet] and four replicates in a completely randomized design. During the experiment, the amount of feed intake was recorded weekly and performance parameters were measured. During the last 3 days of the experiment, all of the eggs in each replicate were collected and egg quality parameters were measured. At the end of 26 weeks of age, the birds were sacrificed and blood samples were collected. Liver samples from each treatment were fixed in 10% buffered formalin for histopathological assessment. The right thigh bone and a portion of liver were inserted in plastic bags and stored at − 20. The results showed that nSiO supplementation significantly affected egg weight and egg mass ( P < 0.05). Also, dietary nSiO supplementation decreased the yolk weight and increased the shell weight ( P < 0.05). Moreover, nSiO increased bone ash content, Ca and Si concentration in the bone ( P < 0.05). The liver enzymes in plasma and the liver tissue histopathology were not significantly affected ( P > 0.05) by dietary treatments. In conclusion, the results indicated that dietary supplementation of nSiO could improve bone density and performance without any adverse effect on the health of laying quails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the relationship between levels of methionine and choline on the performance of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) at the production stage, using 432 birds at 65 days of age and weighing 155g, in a completely randomized design in 4x2 (methionine x choline) factorial arrangement with six replicates and nine birds per unit. The levels of choline and methionine were 0, 200, 400 and 600 ppm and 0.65 and 0.75%, respectively. We analyzed the following variables: egg production (% / hen / day), egg weight (g), egg mass (g egg / hen/ day), feed conversion (g / g) and food intake (g / d). We observed a significant interaction for egg production (P ≤ 0.01) and egg mass (P ≤ 0.05) with linear effect for 0.65% methionine and inclusion of increasing levels of choline. There was a quadratic effect of choline levels on feed intake, with 0.65% methionine. The use of choline in diets of quail in production only effects bird performance when 0.65% methionine level is used. Supplementation with choline causes an increase in average egg weight regardless of the level of dietary methionine supplementation.

The aim of the present research was to determine the effects of arginine and lysine supplementation in laying quail diets on performance and egg quality characteristics. A total of 420 Japanese quails (280 females and 140 males; Coturnix coturnix japonica) aged 10 weeks old were divided into seven equal groups, each consisting of 60 quails. The control group was fed a basal diet without the addition of arginine or lysine (with an arginine:lysine ratio at the required level). Experimental groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with: 0.1% arginine; 0.2% arginine; 0.1% lysine; 0.2% lysine; 0.1% arginine + 0.1% lysine; or 0.2% arginine + 0.2% lysine. Feed intake decreased in the 0.1% lysine, 0.2% lysine, and 0.1% arginine + 0.1% lysine groups compared with the control and arginine groups (P<0.01). At the end of the experiment, body weight increased for females in all experimental groups (P<0.05); eggshell thickness decreased in the 0.2% arginine group (P<0.01); and the albumen index increased in the 0.2% arginine + 0.2% lysine group compared with the 0.1% arginine, 0.2% lysine, and 0.1% arginine + 0.1% lysine groups (P<0.05). There were no differences between the experimental groups in terms of egg production, egg weight, feed conversion ratio, shape index, Haugh unit, yolk index, albumen index and yolk color index. In conclusion, lysine supplementation in the quail diets did not appear to have any significant negative effect; excessive arginine supplementation might impair the quality of the eggshell; and combined arginine and lysine supplementation did not improve performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to observe and highlight the possible influence of prebiotics (BioMos and Actigen) and organic Selenium (Sel-Plex), administered in the feeds of laying quails, on the intestinal mucosa and the impact it has on the production and consumption performances of the laying quails. The research has been carried out on 132 laying quails, assigned to 4 groups, each group consisting of 33 birds; a control group fed with combined fodder without any additives and 3 experimental groups fed with additives supplemented fodders -Actigen (0.08%) in experimental group 1, Bio-Mos (0.12%) in experimental group 2 and organic Selenium (Sel-Plex -0.04%) in experimental group 3. The experimental period was 26 weeks (from the age of 6 weeks until the age of 32 weeks). The lying quails were individually weighted at the beginning, at the middle and at the end of the experimental period. The main histological investigations that were carried out at the end of the experimental period consisted of the determination of the villi height, microvilli height and the subsequent intestinal absorption surface; also the body mass evolution, laying intensity and feed conversion were monitored. The birds in all the groups were kept in the same rearing conditions, throughout the entire experimental period. The recorded results confirm the positive influence of the used prebiotics (Bio-Mos and Actigen) and organic Selenium (Sel-Plex) on the intestinal mucosa by increasing the nutrient absorption surface thus explaining the improvement of the production performances and feed conversion in all the experimental groups, compared to the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research has been carried out on 66 laying quails, divided in 2 groups, 33 quails/group; a control group fed the base diet, without any additive, and an experimental group fed with organic Selenium (Sel-Plex, 0.04%) supplemented feeds. The experiment was carried out over a period of 26 weeks (from the 6th week of age until the 32nd week of age). The laying quails were individually weighted, at the beginning, the middle and the end of the experimental period. The following parameters were recorded: body mass evolution and survival rate, laying intensity, mean egg weight and the feed consumption for an egg. In order to determine the egg quality the following parameters of the main egg components were determined: weight and proportion of the main structural components of the egg, egg defects and the main morphological and physical indices of quality of eggs (format index, egg volume, specific weight, yolk index, egg white index, Haugh units). The results recorded confirm the positive influence of the organic Selenium on production performances in laying quails and on egg quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Simple Summary: This research evaluated the influence of dehulling on the nutritional quality of Lupinus albus seeds and the effect of their utilization in the feed of laying quails on the live performance and quality of eggs. The dehulling of lupine seeds led to an improvement in nutritional value as a result of the increase in the protein and crude fat content and the reduction in crude fiber. The use of dehulled lupine seeds in the diet of laying quails improved the performance response and quality of eggs, compared with the use of whole seeds, with the results being similar to those obtained for the quails of the control group. The presence of lupine seeds in quail feed improved the fatty acids (FA) profile of yolk lipids by increasing the polyunsaturated FA proportion to the detriment of saturated FA. The quality of the yolk fats lipidic indices became more favorable to consumer health as a result of an increase in the FA proportion, with a corresponding hypocholesterolemic effect, and also as a result of a decrease in the atherogenic and thrombogenic index values. Lupinus albus seeds from low-alkaloid varieties are a valuable alternative source of protein for reducing the dependence on soybean meal for the feeding of monogastric animals. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the dehulling influence of lupine seeds (L. albus, cv. Amiga) and the effect of their use in the laying quails feed on live performance and egg quality. A total of 200 laying quails (Coturnix japonica), with an age of 10 weeks, were randomly assigned to five experimental groups (five replicates/group). Each group was randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments: the control group (C) diet was based on soybean meal, while the experimental groups received either 200 g/kg (WLS20) or 250 g/kg (WLS25) of whole lupine seeds in their diets, or 200 g/kg (DLS20) or 250 g/kg (DLS25) of dehulled lupine seeds in their diets. The results show that by dehulling the lupine seeds, the nutritional value of the seeds increased. The use of dehulled lupine seeds in the diet of laying quails did not affect the live performance (egg production, feed intake, feed conversion ratio), yolk cholesterol content, and physico-chemical quality indices of the eggs, compared with control. The presence of dehulled lupine seeds in the diet improved the nutritional quality of the yolk lipids because of the increase in the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Thus, the lipid quality indices of the yolk became more favorable to consumer health because of an increase in the h/H ratio (hypocholesterolemic/Hypercholesterolemic FA) and a decrease in the atherogenic index and thrombogenic index values. The higher content in carotenoids also contributed to the higher nutritional quality of the eggs obtained by lupine utilization. In conclusion, dehulling of lupine seeds had a positive influence on the nutritional quality of the seeds, the live performance of quails, and the quality of eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of diets formulated with corn plus soybean meal (CSM) or with 21% autoclaved castor meal (ACM), with the addition of two enzyme complexes (EC1 and EC2), on the performance and egg quality of laying quail. Two hundred and sixteen quails were selected by egg production and weight uniformity and distributed in a completely randomized design with six treatments (in a 2 × 3 cross-factorial arrangement) and six replicates with six birds each. Three CSM and three ACM diets supplemented withEC1, EC2, or unsupplemented were established. The trial lasted three cycles of 21 days. Feed intake, laying rate, egg mass, feed conversion per egg mass, and feed conversion per dozen eggs did not differ. The use of ACM diet reduced egg (EW), yolk (YW), and eggshell (SW) weights, egg specific gravity and increased yolk color. However, EW and YW were similar among quails fed diets containing CSM and ACM when supplemented with CE1.The use of enzyme complex containing xylanase, b-glucanase, and phytase is recommended when 21% autoclaved castor mealis included in the diet of laying quails.

The research has carried out on 99 laying quails, divided in 3 groups, 33birds/group,The control group was fed the base diet, the first experimental group was fed the base diet supplemented with Bio-Mos Prebiotic, 0.12% and the 2nd experimental group was fed the base diet supplemented with Actigen Prebiotic, 0.08%,The experimental period was 26 weeks (from the 6th week of age until the 32nd week of age),The laying quails were individually weighted, at the beginning, the middle and the end of the experimental period,During the experiment the following indices were monitored: body mass evolution and survival rate, laying intensity, mean egg weight and the feed consumption/egg, weight of the main structural components of the eggs and their proportion, egg defects, chemical composition and the main morphological and physical parameters needed to assess the egg quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]