Search Results (245)

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the unipotent precursors of sperm and ova, responsible for transmitting hereditary information across generations. Their ability to be isolated and cultured in vitro has opened new horizons for avian biotechnology, species conservation, and fundamental developmental research. In birds, the unique migratory pattern of PGCs—originating in the epiblast and traveling via the bloodstream to the gonads—enables their collection and manipulation during embryogenesis. Long-term in vitro culture systems have been successfully established in chickens, where defined media allow for stable proliferation and genetic modification. Applications include germline chimeras, generation of transgenic lines, recombinant protein production, and cryobanking of genetic resources. However, translating these advances to other species remains challenging due to interspecies variability in signaling requirements. Recent work in geese, ducks, quails, and zebra finches underscores the need for tailored media formulations and a better understanding of molecular regulation. This review summarizes established techniques, highlights key interspecies differences, and outlines future directions for the standardization and expansion of avian PGC culture systems to support conservation and biotechnology. Full article

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are emerging as natural antimicrobial growth promoters in poultry, known for enhancing gut health, immunity, and productivity. This study assessed the effects of Ag-NPs and silver nitrate (AgNO₃) on sexual behavior, productivity, and silver bioaccumulation in the reproductive tissues of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). A total of 600 quails (8 weeks old) were randomly assigned to five groups (120 birds/group), each with six replicates (sex ratio 5 male: 15 females). Group 1 (control) received a basal diet, while Groups 2 and 3 were supplemented with Ag-NPs at 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg, respectively. Groups 4 and 5 received AgNO₃ at the same doses for eight weeks. Quails receiving 10 mg/kg Ag-NPs showed significantly improved male mating behavior, increased egg weight and mass, and enhanced egg quality, resulting in the highest fertility and hatchability performance. Silver accumulation in ovaries and testes increased dose-dependently, with the highest deposition observed in the 20 mg/kg Ag-NPs group. Correlation and regression analyses revealed weak and statistically non-significant relationships between ovarian silver levels and fertility and hatchability outcomes. These findings suggested that supplementation with 10 mg/kg Ag-NPs was a safe and effective feed additive for improving both productive and reproductive performance in Japanese quails. Full article

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that play crucial roles in the regulation of gene expression. In poultry, miRNAs have emerged as significant regulators of various biological processes, such as growth, development, immune response, and disease resistance in humans, plants, and animals. Recent studies have identified numerous miRNAs in different poultry species (chickens, geese, turkeys, quails, and ducks) and have elucidated their roles in various economically important traits in these species. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the progress made in understanding the functions and mechanisms of miRNAs in poultry as well as the challenges faced in this field. Firstly, an overview of progress in the identification and validation of miRNAs in each species is provided. Then, specific roles of miRNAs in different classes of phenotypic traits are presented. Finally, the challenges and impacts of key technologies and methods, including artificial intelligence, genome editing, and single-cell sequencing, are discussed. From state-of-the-art research on miRNA functions across different trait classes to up-to-date technology trends, this review provides a comprehensive picture of miRNAs in poultry, which might open up new research and application possibilities. Full article

Japanese quail production can be optimized by selecting appropriate dietary lipid sources, yet comparative effects on performance and egg quality during the laying phase are not fully established. This study evaluated the impact of five lipid sources, namely soybean oil, corn oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, and poultry fat, on performance, egg quality, nutrient metabolism, serum metabolites, and organ traits of 350 Japanese quail aged 60 days with an average weight of 170 ± 10 g. Birds were assigned to diets containing 2800 kcal/kg in a completely randomized design with 10 replicates of seven birds each. Performance was recorded over three 28-day periods and egg quality assessed at the end of each period; at 84 days, one bird per replicate was sampled for nutrient metabolism, serum metabolites, and organ characteristics, and a metabolism trial estimated metabolizability coefficients and metabolizable energy. Data were analyzed by Tukey’s test at the 5% level. Egg production (p = 0.010) and marketable egg production (p = 0.008) were highest with soybean, corn, and sunflower oils, while feed conversion per dozen eggs was less efficient with canola oil (p = 0.048). Egg quality differed in specific gravity (p = 0.027), yolk color (p = 0.008), Haugh unit (p = 0.011), and air cell size (p = 0.001), with poultry fat improving yolk color and Haugh unit. Canola oil increased dry matter (p = 0.027) and ether extract digestibility (p = 0.026), while serum metabolites, organ weights, and reproductive traits were not affected (p > 0.05). All diets supported physiological health, and lipid sources can be chosen according to cost and availability to optimize quail production without compromising performance or health. Full article

The H7N9 influenza viruses, which are capable of causing severe respiratory syndrome in humans, were first discovered to infect humans in 2013 and continue to pose a persistent public health threat. Quail has been proposed as a potential intermediate host that may facilitate the emergence of novel reassorted influenza A viruses with the capacity to infect humans across species barriers; however, information on the biological characterization of quail H7N9 remains limited. In this study, we isolated and identified an avian H7N9 influenza virus from quails, designated as A/quail/Hebei/CH06-07/2018 (H7N9) and abbreviated as CH06-07, in Hebei, China. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that both the HA gene and the NA gene of CH06-07 were clustered in the Eurasian lineage. Furthermore, CH06-07 exhibited binding affinity for both α2,3-linked and α2,6-linked sialic acid receptors and demonstrated high pathogenicity in both quails and mice. Notably, transmission studies revealed that CH06-07 not only exhibited efficient inter-quail transmission and inter-guinea pig transmission but also demonstrated effective cross-species transmission. Importantly, infected quails and guinea pigs generated significant quantities of viral aerosols (≥18,998 ± 1672 copies per liter of air at 3 days post-infection), and infectious viruses were successfully recovered from environmental aerosols. These findings highlight the necessity for continuous surveillance of the prevalence of quail-origin H7N9 influenza A viruses in poultry populations due to their potential threat to human health. Full article

Salmonella is a major cause of infectious enteritis worldwide. In Japan, S. Schwarzengrund, S. Infantis, and S. Thompson are common in broilers and laying hens and are frequently detected in patients with salmonellosis and food workers. Monophasic S. Typhimurium, also found in these populations, often exhibits multidrug resistance. However, multidrug-resistant monophasic S. Typhimurium has not been reported from domestic poultry, suggesting that other livestock products may be potential sources. Therefore, we examined Salmonella prevalence in retail pork, beef, and quail eggs, and characterized isolates from these products and from food workers using serotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and multilocus sequence typing. Salmonella was highly prevalent in pork liver (43.3%, 13/30) and imported chicken (20.7%, 18/87). Eleven pork liver isolates and two imported chicken isolates (Brazil and Thailand) were multidrug-resistant monophasic S. Typhimurium sequence type (ST) 34. Among 232 isolates from food workers, monophasic S. Typhimurium was the third most frequent serovar, with 63.2% (12/19) being multidrug-resistant ST34. Salmonella was not detected in beef. Hence, food workers may acquire multidrug-resistant monophasic S. Typhimurium ST34 through contaminated pork liver and imported chicken. Thorough cooking of chicken and pork meat, including liver, is essential to reduce the risk of Salmonella transmission. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of increasing phytase levels on serum biochemical parameters and renal and hepatic changes in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) under different temperature conditions. A total of 720 quails were distributed in a 5 × 3 factorial design with five phytase levels (0, 500, 1000, 1500, and 3000 FTU/kg) and three temperature ranges (24, 30, and 36 °C), totaling 15 treatments with six replicates of eight birds each. Data were collected in cycles 2 and 4. The parameters measured included eggshell thickness (ST), total egg production (TEP), liver weight (LW), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (FA), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), urea (URE), creatine kinase (CK), and uric acid (UA). PRO was higher at 30 °C compared to 24 °C and 36 °C. EC showed a significant interaction between phytase levels and temperature, with phytase improving EC, especially at 1500 FTU and 36 °C. PF was not affected in the second cycle but had a quadratic effect in the fourth cycle. Phytase supplementation improved shell thickness and regulated biochemical parameters, especially at high temperatures. Based on these results, a phytase level of 1500 FTU/kg is recommended to optimize performance and mitigate the negative effects of high temperatures on quail health. Full article

Understanding morphological variation and asymmetry in avian limbs provides essential insights into functional anatomy, locomotor behavior, and developmental stability. In this study, we investigated shape and size variation in the feet of quails (Coturnix coturnix) using two-dimensional geometric morphometric methods. A total of 233 animals were analyzed, representing both the left and right feet of male and female individuals. Nine homologous fixed landmarks were digitized on each foot, and configurations were subjected to Generalized Procrustes Analysis, followed by mirroring of right-side landmarks to ensure consistent orientation. Statistical analyses revealed no significant sexual dimorphism in either foot shape or centroid size. Principal Component Analysis indicated that the main shape variation was distributed individually rather than by sex and primarily affected the relative positions of toes and claws. Procrustes ANOVA confirmed that differences between sexes were not greater than expected by chance. Directional and fluctuating asymmetry were evaluated using a bilateral symmetry model to assess bilateral asymmetry. Directional asymmetry indicated consistent left–right differences, while fluctuating asymmetry reflected individual-level developmental instability and comprised the main source of variation. These findings provide a detailed morphological baseline for quail foot structure and highlight the importance of considering asymmetry in studies of avian functional morphology. The approach may also be a reference for future research into developmental stress, locomotor adaptation, or species-specific anatomical patterns. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of phytase enzyme supplementation on the thermoregulatory responses of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) exposed to different thermal environments. A total of 720 one-day-old laying quails were assigned to a completely randomized design with five dietary treatments (0, 500, 1000, 1500, and 3000 FTU of phytase) and three thermal conditions: thermal comfort (24 °C) and heat stress environments (30 °C and 36 °C). Each treatment had six replicates with eight quails per experimental unit. Data were collected during the early laying phase, peak egg production, and the final laying phase. Measurements included rectal and surface temperatures (assessed via thermographic imaging), allowing the calculation of core-to-surface and surface-to-environment thermal gradients. Quails exposed to severe heat stress (36 °C) showed increased heat dissipation via convection (p = 0.001) and radiation (p = 0.029) when supplemented with phytase doses above 1500 FTU/kg. Additionally, high-dose phytase supplementation reduced the cloacal temperature and optimized thermal gradients, indicating a potential protective effect of exogenous phytase in alleviating heat stress. Overall, these findings highlight phytase supplementation as a promising nutritional strategy to enhance heat tolerance, mitigate thermal stress, and improve the welfare and physiological resilience of quails throughout the production cycle. Full article

Molecular research for genetic variants underlying body weight (BW) provides crucial information for this important selected trait when developing productive poultry breeds, lines and crosses. We searched for molecular markers—single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)—and candidate genes associated with this trait in 240 F₂ resource population Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). This population was produced by crossing two breeds with contrasting growth phenotypes, i.e., Japanese (with lower growth) and Texas White (with higher growth). The birds were genotyped using the genotyping-by-sequencing method followed by a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Using 74,387 SNPs, GWAS resulted in 142 significant SNPs and 42 candidate genes associated with BW at the age of 1, 14, 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56 days. Hereby, 25 SNPs simultaneously associated with BW at more than one age were established that colocalized with nine prioritized candidate genes (PCGs), including ITM2B, SLC35F3, ADAM33, UNC79, LEPR, RPP14, MVK, ASTN2, and ZBTB16. Twelve PCGs were identified in the regions of two or more significant SNPs, including MARCHF6, EGFR, ADGRL3, ADAM33, NPC2, LTBP2, ZC2HC1C, SATB2, ASTN2, ZBTB16, ADAR, and LGR6. These SNPs and PCGs can serve as molecular genetic markers for the genomic selection of quails with desirable BW phenotypes to enhance growth rates and meat productivity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pompe disease (PD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal acid α-1,4-glucosidase (GAA) encoded by the GAA gene, leading to muscular dysfunctions due to pathological accumulation of glycogen in skeletal and cardiac muscles. PD has been reported in several animals and Japanese quails (JQ; Coturnix japonica), but a causative mutation has yet to be found in JQs with PD. Here, we aimed to identify a pathogenic mutation in JQs associated with PD. Methods: Paraffin-embedded skeletal muscle blocks from four JQs stored since the 1970s were used in this study. After confirming the histopathological phenotypes of PD, Sanger sequencing was performed to identify a pathological mutation in the GAA I gene of JQs. A genotyping survey was conducted using a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay targeting a candidate mutation using DNA samples extracted from 70 new-hatched JQs and 10 eggs from commercial farms. Results: Microscopic analysis confirmed the presence of the PD phenotype in three affected JQs based on abnormal histopathological changes and accumulated glycogen in the affected muscles, while one JQ was unaffected and served as a control. Sanger sequencing revealed that the three affected JQs were homozygous for the deletion of guanine at position 1096 in the open reading frame (c.1096delG). A genotyping survey of 70 JQs and 10 eggs from commercial farms showed that none carried this deletion mutation. Conclusions: This study identified c.1096delG as the pathogenic mutation for PD in JQs. This mutation induces a frameshift and substitution of amino acids at position 366 (alanine to histidine), resulting in premature termination at the 23rd codon (p.A366Hfs*23). This suggests that this mutation causes the deficient activity of GAA in JQs with PD. The identification of the c.1096delG mutation enabled the systematic maintenance of the flock colony in the PD model. Furthermore, this PD model can be used to clarify unknown aspects of PD pathogenesis and develop therapeutic strategies. Full article

The cecal microbiota is essential for intestinal health and performance. This study describes the succession patterns of the cecal microbiota in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) until 42 days of age. Sixty quails were raised using standard conditions and fed corn–soybean meal diets. Cecal contents were sampled from five birds weekly from 7 to 42 days of age and submitted to Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing for metabarcoding analysis. Diversity and functional prediction were carried out with QIIME2, PICRUSt2, STAMP and MicrobiomeAnalyst 2.0. Firmicutes increased from 50% at 7 days to more than 80% at 42 days, whereas Bacteroidota decreased from 45% to 12% in the same period. Alpha diversity progressively increased with age, indicating a richer and more balanced microbiota at later ages. Genera such as Bacteroides were predominant in the beginning and later were replaced by Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcus and Faecalibacterium. These developmental taxonomic features aligned with significant shifts in ten metabolic pathways identified by prediction, revealing a transition from biosynthetic functions to complex carbohydrate metabolism and cell wall biosynthesis. The first seven days are considered a critical window for probiotics intervention, which may favor the establishment of a microbiota that is more stable and beneficial to quail performance. Full article

Game-farmed quails that are currently raised in captivity and released in hunting preserves are not attractive for many hunters because of their low antipredator instinct, which is due to the fact that in most cases, these farm-reared quails are hybrids between European common (Coturnix coturnix) and Japanese (Coturnix japonica) quails, with the latter having been selectively bred for docility. This study aimed at assessing the antipredator response of game-farmed and Japanese quails by performing three tests: human approach test, simulated aerial predator approach test and tonic immobility test. Thirty game-farmed quails (average body weight: 133 g) and thirty Japanese quails (323 g) were subjected to the tests. For each genotype of quail, fifteen males and fifteen females were used. In the human approach test, the distance at which quails moved was greater for game-farmed quails than for Japanese ones (37.4 vs. 19.6 m, p < 0.001). In the simulated aerial predator approach test, female quails of the Japanese species crouched down at the longest distance with respect to the predator (9.83 m), whereas no significant difference existed for this trait among the other three groups (6.84 m, on average). The percentage of quails flying when the predator got closer was higher for the Japanese species than for the game-farmed quails (23.3 vs. 3.33%, p = 0.023). Fewer inductions were needed to cause tonic immobility in the game-farmed quails than in the Japanese ones (3.10 vs. 4.10, p = 0.009), but then, the duration of the tonic immobility response did not differ significantly between the two genotypes. No effect of sex was detected in the human approach and tonic immobility tests. In conclusion, as compared with Japanese quails, game-farmed quails showed more fearful behaviour when confronted with a human being. Full article

Our previous research identified 12 small Cajal body-specific RNAs (scaRNAs) with reduced expression in the right ventricle in infant patients with tetralogy of Fallot. Likewise, we showed that there were significant changes in mRNA processing in the RV in these patients. ScaRNAs play a crucial role in the biochemical maturation of spliceosomal RNAs (pseudouridylation and 2′-O-methylation). We showed that variations in scaRNA1 levels resulted in changes in alternative splicing in human cells. To investigate further the role that scaRNAs play in mRNA processing, we examine here the impact of knocking down scaRNA1 in quail myoblast cells (Coturnix japonica, a well-established animal model for studying embryonic development). Following the knockdown of scaRNA1, transcriptome analysis revealed that the genes Tjp1, Map3k7, and Sppl2a were alternatively spliced. Growing evidence indicates that alternative splicing of mRNA plays an important role in regulating cell differentiation and tissue development. Our data presented here provide additional support for research to clarify the specific roles that individual scaRNAs play in regulating spliceosome function and mRNA splicing. Full article

Avian reovirus (ARV) has emerged as an important pathogen in turkeys, causing economic losses through tenosynovitis, necrotizing hepatitis, immunosuppression, and enteric disease. Despite its ubiquity, the evolutionary history of ARV cross-species transmission among chickens, turkeys, and wild birds remains poorly understood, hindering effective control and surveillance. This study investigates ARV temporal phylogenetics with an emphasis on interspecies transmission in turkeys. Whole genome sequences (WGSs) from seventy-seven turkey cases and one quail case at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, along with 74–136 segment sequences per gene from GenBank (1970–2023), were analyzed. Temporal phylogenetic analyses identified chickens as the ancestral host, with spillover into turkeys beginning in the mid-20th century, followed by stable transmission within turkey populations. Migration analyses revealed predominantly unidirectional transmission from chickens to turkeys. WGS analyses showed high variability in the M2 and σC-encoding region of the S1 segment, suggesting selective pressure on outer capsid proteins. M2, S1 σC, and L3 had the highest substitution rates, implicating their role in adaptation and antigenic diversity. These findings highlight the complexity of ARV evolution across hosts and underscore the need for robust genotyping schemes and surveillance strategies to mitigate outbreaks in poultry. Full article