Response to selection for feed conversion ratio in Japanese quail

Genome-wide association study for body weight and feed consumption traits in Japanese quail using Bayesian approaches

The aim of this study was to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on Bayes A and Bayes B statistical methods to identify genomic loci and candidate genes associated with body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio in Japanese quail. For this purpose, genomic data obtained from Illumina iSelect 4K quail SNP chip were utilized. After implementing various quality control steps, genotype data from a total of 875 birds for 2,015 SNP markers were used for subsequent analyses. The Bayesian analyses were performed using hibayes package in R (version 4.3.1) and Gibbs sampling algorithm. The results of the analyses showed that Bayes A accounted for 11.43, 11.65, and 11.39% of the phenotypic variance for body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio, respectively, while the variance explained by Bayes B was 7.02, 8.61, and 6.48%, respectively. Therefore, in the current study, results obtained from Bayes A were used for further analyses. In order to perform the gene enrichment analysis and to identify the functional pathways and classes of genes that are over-represented in a large set of genes associated with each trait, all markers that accounted for more than 0.1% of the phenotypic variance for each trait were used. The results of this analysis revealed a total of 23, 38, and 14 SNP markers associated with body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio in Japanese quail, respectively. The results of the gene enrichment analysis led to the identification of biological pathways (and candidate genes) related to lipid phosphorylation (TTC7A gene) and cell junction (FGFR4 and FLRT2 genes) associated with body weight gain, calcium signaling pathway (ADCY2 and CAMK1D genes) associated with feed intake, and glycerolipid metabolic process (LIPC gene), lipid metabolic process (ADGRF5 and ESR1 genes), and glutathione transferase (GSTK1 gene) associated with feed conversion ratio. Overall, the findings of this study can provide valuable insights into the genetic architecture of growth and feed consumption traits in Japanese quail.

Genetic Parameter Estimates of Growth Curve and Feed Efficiency Traits in Japanese Quail

This study aimed to estimate heritabilities for weekly body weight traits, the Gompertz growth curve parameters, and feed efficiency characteristics, as well as genetic correlations among characteristics. A total of 700 Japanese quails with pedigree records were used in this study. Body weight and feed consumption were measured individually on a weekly basis. Using weekly body weight data, the growth model parameters were estimated for each bird using the Gompertz nonlinear regression model. Multi-trait variance-covariance matrices were obtained with Bayesian inference using the Gibbs sampler. While estimates of high heritability (0.59 to 0.61) were found for weekly body weight traits, estimates of moderate heritability (0.23 to 0.37) were determined for feed intake and feed conversion efficiency traits. The estimated heritabilities for the parameters of the Gompertz model and inflection point coordinates were moderate (0.37 to 0.47). While genetic correlations between feed intake and body weight characteristics were positive and moderate (0.28 to 0.49), the genetic correlations between feed conversion efficiency and body weight traits were positive and strong (0.52 to 0.83). It has been concluded that the moderate negative genetic relationship between feed conversion efficiency and body weight may constrain selection studies. Due to the weak genetic correlation between the asymptotic body weight parameter of the Gompertz model and the feed conversion efficiency, it is thought that the total genetic gain will be greater if the mature weight parameter is also used as a selection criterion in genetic improvement studies.

Welfare of ducks, geese and quail on farm

This Scientific Opinion concerns the welfare of Domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata domesticus) and their hybrids (Mule ducks), Domestic geese (Anser anser f. domesticus) and Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) in relation to the rearing of breeders, birds for meat, Muscovy and Mule ducks and Domestic geese for foie gras and layer Japanese quail for egg production. The most common husbandry systems (HSs) in the European Union are described for each animal species and category. The following welfare consequences are described and assessed for each species: restriction of movement, injuries (bone lesions including fractures and dislocations, soft tissue lesions and integument damage and locomotory disorders including lameness), group stress, inability to perform comfort behaviour, inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour and inability to express maternal behaviour (related to prelaying and nesting behaviours). Animal-based measures relevant for the assessment of these welfare consequences were identified and described. The relevant hazards leading to the welfare consequences in the different HSs were identified. Specific factors such as space allowance (including minimum enclosure area and height) per bird, group size, floor quality, characteristics of nesting facilities and enrichment provided (including access to water to fulfil biological needs) were assessed in relation to the welfare consequences and, recommendations on how to prevent the welfare consequences were provided in a quantitative or qualitative way.

Residual feed intake breeding value associated with growth, carcass traits, meat quality, bone properties and humoral immunity in Japanese quail

Improved feed efficiency (FE) is one of the most important achievements in animal breeding programs. The present investigation aimed to determine the phenotypic correlations of residual feed intake (RFI) breeding value with some traits in growing Japanese quail. A total of 48 birds (24 males and 24 females) were selected from 220 quail chicks divided into three classes based on breeding values (BV) for RFI including low (LBV; n = 16), medium (MBV; n = 16), and high-BV (HBV; n = 16) were used to test FE. The effects of three groups of BV on the studied traits including carcass traits, meat quality, humoral immunity, and bone properties were evaluated. The BV for RFI was positively correlated with feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed intake (FI) but not with metabolic BW (MBW^0.75). Live body weight, carcass, breast, and thigh weight in the LBV-RFI group were significantly greater than those in the HBV-RFI group. The BV for RFI had a negative correlation with live body weight and thigh weight. Our findings suggested that the selection of LBV-RFI quails may be useful to increase live body weight without any adverse impact on meat quality and bone properties, and live body weight can be implemented in breeding programs as an indirect selection indicator for improvement of FE in quails.

Goloba kusi (Hornstedtia scottiana [F. Muell.] K. Schum.) fruit as a feed additive to improve the histological structures and growth performance of broiler

Background and Aim: The broiler farming industry in Indonesia has enormous potential, with chicken meat that can be optimized by providing adequate and high-quality feed. However, the main raw material for the feed still relies on imported products, which makes it necessary to produce alternative materials from native plants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of giving Goloba kusi fruit (GF) (Hornstedtia scottiana [F. Muell.] K. Schum.) on the growth of the small intestine, pectoralis major, and gastrocnemius muscle, as well as the development of broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: This study used a completely randomized design, in which 300 day-old Chicks were divided into five groups, consisting of 12 chickens in each group with five replications. The GF treatments, namely, 0% (control [CON]), 0.625% (GF1), 1.25% (GF2), 2.5% (GF3), and 5% (GF4) were administered through per kg basal feed. Subsequently, three chickens from each replication were taken, decapitated on the neck, subjected to surgery for histological preparations, and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin and Periodic acid-Schiff-alcian blue. The variables observed included small intestine morphology, muscle morphology, and chicken growth performance. Results: The results showed that the small intestine morphology, muscle morphology, and chicken growth performance of the GF4 (5%) group increased significantly compared to the CON group. Conclusion: The administration of GF with an optimum concentration of 5% through basal feed improves small intestine morphology, muscle morphology, and chicken growth performance.

Performance, Blood Lipid Profile, and the Expression of Growth Hormone Receptor (GHR) and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) Genes in Purebred and Crossbred Quail Lines

The aim was to evaluate the performance, blood lipid profile, and the relative expression of growth-related genes in purebred white and brown quail lines and their crossbred lines. A total of 240 one-day-old Japanese quail chicks of white and brown line, their crossbred line (WBQ: male white × female brown), and reciprocal crossbred line (BWQ: male brown × female white) were divided into four equal groups (60 birds each). The white quail line showed significantly higher final body weight, daily gain, and feed intake compared with the other quail lines (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, both crossbred quail lines (WBQ and BWQ) showed significantly lower FCR compared with both purebred quail lines (p = 0.001). Both crossbred quail lines showed greater dressing percentages compared with both purebred quail lines (p = 0.038). The brown quail line showed significantly (p = 0.05) higher levels of serum triglycerides and VLDL compared with the white and BWQ lines. The WBQ crossbred line exhibited significantly higher mRNA expression of GHR and IGF-1 genes compared with other quail lines (p < 0.001). Both crossbred lines (WBQ and BWQ) exhibited negative heterosis percentages for body weight (−4.39 and −3.90%, respectively) and feed intake (−10.87 and −14.59%, respectively). Meanwhile, heterosis percentages for FCR (−6.46 and −9.25%, respectively) and dressing percentage (7.54 and 6.38%, respectively) were improved in both crossbred lines. The WBQ line showed high heterosis percentages for the expression of GHR and IGF-1 genes (52.28 and 88.81%, respectively). In conclusion, the WBQ line exhibited significantly greater dressing percentage and better FCR, as well as higher mRNA expression of GHR and IGF-1 genes. These results may be helpful to improve breeding programs and to develop commercial lines of meat-type Japanese quail.

How much energetic trade-offs limit selection? Insights from livestock and related laboratory model species

Trade-offs between life history traits are expected to occur due to the limited amount of resources that organisms can obtain and share among biological functions, but are of least concern for selection responses in nutrient-rich or benign environments. In domestic animals, selection limits have not yet been reached despite strong selection for higher meat, milk or egg yields. Yet, negative genetic correlations between productivity traits and health or fertility traits have often been reported, supporting the view that trade-offs do occur in the context of nonlimiting resources. The importance of allocation mechanisms in limiting genetic changes can thus be questioned when animals are mostly constrained by their time to acquire and process energy rather than by feed availability. Selection for high productivity traits early in life should promote a fast metabolism with less energy allocated to self-maintenance (contributing to soma preservation and repair). Consequently, the capacity to breed shortly after an intensive period of production or to remain healthy should be compromised. We assessed those predictions in mammalian and avian livestock and related laboratory model species. First, we surveyed studies that compared energy allocation to maintenance between breeds or lines of contrasting productivity but found little support for the occurrence of an energy allocation trade-off. Second, selection experiments for lower feed intake per unit of product (i.e. higher feed efficiency) generally resulted in reduced allocation to maintenance, but this did not entail fitness costs in terms of survival or future reproduction. These findings indicate that the consequences of a particular selection in domestic animals are much more difficult to predict than one could anticipate from the energy allocation framework alone. Future developments to predict the contribution of time constraints and trade-offs to selection limits will be insightful to breed livestock in increasingly challenging environments.

Effects of Spirogyra jaoensis as a dietary supplement on growth, pectoralis muscle performance, and small intestine morphology of broiler chickens

AIM

This study aimed to examine the effect of dietary Spirogyra jaoensis in starter feed on growth performance, pectoralis muscle (PM) growth, and small intestine morphology of broiler chickens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred twenty one-day-old Cobb-500 broilers (body weight 46±2.6 g) were divided into four equal groups with 3 replicates in each group and given basal feed supplemented with dried S. jaoensis at doses of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, or 2%. The treatment was carried out until the chickens were 18 days old to examine growth of broiler chicks at starter period (8-21 days old).

RESULTS

Supplementation with S. jaoensis at doses of 0.5% and 1% resulted in increased weight and improved feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. At the end of treatment, chickens fed with 0.5% and 1% S. jaoensis weighed 428.3±47.8 g and 426.9±31.8 g, respectively, and were significantly heavier than the control group (373.1±44.1 g). Furthermore, parameters related to PM growth and small intestine morphology of chickens supplemented with 0.5% S. jaoensis in basal feed were improved compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

The results of this research indicate that S. jaoensis at a dose of 0.5% improves growth performance, PM growth, and small intestine morphology in broiler chickens.

Assessment of Residual Feed Intake and Its Relevant Measurements in Two Varieties of Japanese Quails (Coturnixcoturnix japonica) under High Environmental Temperature

Three hundred and ten 12-week-old laying Japanese quails (Coturnixcoturnix japonica) from gray and white varieties (155 each) were randomly selected from the initial population and kept in individual battery cages. The measurements of growth and egg production were determined to derive residual feed intake (RFI). The relationship between RFI and egg quality, blood parameters, and carcass characteristics was also determined. The results indicated that the gray quails had significantly higher egg mass and lower broken eggs compared to the white quails. A significant increase of eggshell strength and shell percentage was found in eggs produced from gray quails compared to their white counterparts, although their shell thickness means weresimilar. The results of multiple regression analysis clearly identified a significant effect of metabolic body weight and egg mass for the computation of expected feed intake, rather than body weight gain, in both varieties of Japanese quails. A strong positive correlation between RFI and feed intake in both gray and white quail varieties was found. The same trend was also observed for feed conversion ratio (FCR). Therefore, including RFI in the selection criteria of Japanese quails in order to improve FCR under high environmental temperature is highly recommended.

Assessment of the genomic prediction accuracy for feed efficiency traits in meat-type chickens

Feed represents the major cost of chicken production. Selection for improving feed utilization is a feasible way to reduce feed cost and greenhouse gas emissions. The objectives of this study were to investigate the efficiency of genomic prediction for feed conversion ratio (FCR), residual feed intake (RFI), average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) and to assess the impact of selection for feed efficiency traits FCR and RFI on eviscerating percentage (EP), breast muscle percentage (BMP) and leg muscle percentage (LMP) in meat-type chickens. Genomic prediction was assessed using a 4-fold cross-validation for two validation scenarios. The first scenario was a random family sampling validation (CVF), and the second scenario was a random individual sampling validation (CVR). Variance components were estimated based on the genomic relationship built with single nucleotide polymorphism markers. Genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) were predicted using a genomic best linear unbiased prediction model. The accuracies of GEBV were evaluated in two ways: the correlation between GEBV and corrected phenotypic value divided by the square root of heritability, i.e., the correlation-based accuracy, and model-based theoretical accuracy. Breeding values were also predicted using a conventional pedigree-based best linear unbiased prediction model in order to compare accuracies of genomic and conventional predictions. The heritability estimates of FCR and RFI were 0.29 and 0.50, respectively. The heritability estimates of ADG, ADFI, EP, BMP and LMP ranged from 0.34 to 0.53. In the CVF scenario, the correlation-based accuracy and the theoretical accuracy of genomic prediction for FCR were slightly higher than those for RFI. The correlation-based accuracies for FCR, RFI, ADG and ADFI were 0.360, 0.284, 0.574 and 0.520, respectively, and the model-based theoretical accuracies were 0.420, 0.414, 0.401 and 0.382, respectively. In the CVR scenario, the correlation-based accuracy and the theoretical accuracy of genomic prediction for FCR was lower than RFI, which was different from the CVF scenario. The correlation-based accuracies for FCR, RFI, ADG and ADFI were 0.449, 0.593, 0.581 and 0.627, respectively, and the model-based theoretical accuracies were 0.577, 0.629, 0.631 and 0.638, respectively. The accuracies of genomic predictions were 0.371 and 0.322 higher than the conventional pedigree-based predictions for the CVF and CVR scenarios, respectively. The genetic correlations of FCR with EP, BMP and LMP were -0.427, -0.156 and -0.338, respectively. The correlations between RFI and the three carcass traits were -0.320, -0.404 and -0.353, respectively. These results indicate that RFI and FCR have a moderate accuracy of genomic prediction. Improving RFI and FCR could be favourable for EP, BMP and LMP. Compared with FCR, which can be improved by selection for ADG in typical meat-type chicken breeding programs, selection for RFI could lead to extra improvement in feed efficiency.

Value added by Spirulina platensis in two different diets on growth performance, gut microbiota, and meat quality of Japanese quails

Aim:

The growth promoting effect of the blue-green filamentous alga Spirulina platensis (SP) was observed on meat type Japanese quail with antibiotic growth promoter alternative and immune enhancing power.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted on 180 Japanese quail chicks for 4 weeks to find out the effect of diet type (vegetarian protein diet [VPD] and fish meal protein diet [FMPD])- Spirulina dose interaction (1 or 2 g/kg diet) on growth performance, gut microbiota, and sensory meat quality of growing Japanese quails (1-5 weeks old).

Results:

Data revealed improvement (p<0.05) of weight gain, feed conversion ratio and European efficiency index due to 1, 2 g (SP)/kg VPD, and 2 g (SP)/kg FMPD, respectively. There was a significant decrease of ileum mean pH value by 1 g (SP)/kg VPD. Concerning gut microbiota, there was a trend toward an increase in Lactobacilli count in both 1; 2 g (SP)/kg VPD and 2 g (SP)/kg FMPD. It was concluded that 1 or 2 g (SP)/kg vegetarian diet may enhance parameters of performance without obvious effect on both meat quality and gut microbiota. Moreover, 1 and/or 2 g (SP) may not be invited to share fish meal based diet for growing Japanese quails.

Conclusion:

Using of SP will support the profitable production of Japanese quails fed vegetable protein diet.

Investigating potential roles of extruded flaxseed and α-tocopherol acetate supplementation for production of healthier broiler meat

The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of extruded flaxseed (EFS) and α-tocopherol acetate (ATA) for the enhancement of polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio (PUFA) over saturated fatty acids (SFA) in broiler meat as a source of healthier meat. A total of 96 one-d-old Cobb 550 broilers were randomly divided into 8 treatments with three replicates having 4 birds in each. EFS (extruded at 155°C) at 100, 150 and 200 g/kg alone and in combination with ATA at 200 mg/kg were supplemented through normal feed from the third week onward. During the 6-week growth period, body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality were recorded. At slaughter, weight of liver, heart and kidney and fat content in breast and leg meat were measured. Fatty acid profiles in breast and leg meat were developed to estimate the PUFA to SFA ratio. The results revealed that FI and FCR changed significantly in all groups and BWG increased in all the supplemented groups. The weight of liver, kidney and heart increased more in the supplemented group containing the maximum level of EFS with ATA compared with single supplementation of EFS. The fat content in breast and leg meat decreased as the inclusion level of EFS increased. The level was low in leg meat compared with breast meat. Mortality decreased in all supplemented groups. The PUFA to SFA ratio was significantly higher in leg meat (3.23) compared with breast meat (1.81) and the study therefore indicates that ATA and EFS supplementation could be used to improve the PUFA to SFA ratio in broiler meat.

Effects of Multi-Trait Selection on Phenotypic and Genetic Changes in Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The present study in Japanese quail was aimed to develop multi-trait genetic selection program for a meat type sire line utilizing the mixed-model methodology. In total, 2000 pedigreed quail were formed the basis of the research where a multi-trait animal model was performed. A flock consisting of a total of 160 families (1 male: 3 female) was developed from the initial flock (base population of sire line), so as to obtain a selection flock sire line. Body weight at 5 weeks of age was chosen as a primary selection criterion in flock. The age at point of inflection derived from Gompertz growth curve, feed conversion ratio between 3 to 5 weeks of age, and carcass yield at 5 week of age were determined as selection criteria. Multi-trait BLUP methodology was carried out for genetic improvement of birds. In flock, 25 percent of males and females with highest breeding value were selected to produce next generation. Genetic parameter estimates, realized genetic parameters, selection responses, and genetic trends were obtained. Significant (P<0.01) selection responses for body weight, age at point of inflection, feed conversion ratio, and carcass yield traits on generations were observed. The results of the study revealed that the negative genetic relationships exhibited between some studied traits had overcame by modern poultry breeding methods such as selection via multi-trait BLUP.

Genetic parameters for feed efficiency and body weight traits in Japanese quail

1. The objectives of the present study were to estimate heritability and genetic correlations for feed efficiency and body weight (BW) in Japanese quail. 2. Recorded traits during different weeks of the growing period were BW from hatch to 35 d, feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and residual feed intake (RFI) from hatch to 28 d of age. 3. Genetic parameters were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood method using ASREML software. The results showed that heritability estimates for BW ranged from 0.11 to 0.22, and maternal permanent environmental effect was the highest at hatch (0.45). FCR, RFI and FI showed moderate heritabilities ranging from 0.13 to 0.40. 4.Genetic correlations of BW28 with FI0-28 (0.88) and RFI0-28 (0.1) and genetic correlation of FI0-28 with FCR0-28 (0.13) and RFI0-28 (0.52) were positive. A negative genetic correlation was found between BW28 and FCR0-28 (-0.49). There was a high positive genetic correlation (0.67) between RFI0-28 and FCR0-28. 5. In conclusion, selection for increased BW and reduced FI in a selection index could be recommended to improve feed efficiency traits including FCR and RFI in Japanese quail.

Japanese quail meat quality: characteristics, heritabilities, and genetic correlations with some slaughter traits

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic parameters of several breast meat quality traits and their genetic relationships with some slaughter traits [BW, breast yield (BRY), and abdominal fat yield (AFY)]. In total, 1,093 pedigreed quail were slaughtered at 35 d of age to measure BRY, AFY, and breast meat quality traits [ultimate pH (pHU), Commission Internationale d'Eclairage color parameters (L*, lightness; a*, redness; and b*, yellowness), thawing and cooking loss (TL and CL, respectively), and Warner-Bratzler shear value (WB)]. The average pHU, L*, a*, and b* were determined to be 5.94, 43.09, 19.24, and 7.74, respectively. In addition, a very high WB average (7.75 kg) indicated the firmness of breast meat. High heritabilities were estimated for BW, BRY, and AFY (0.51, 0.49, and 0.35). Genetic correlations of BW between BRY and AFY were found to be high (0.32 and 0.58). On the other hand, the moderate negative relationship between BRY and AFY (-0.24) implies that selection for breast yield should not increase abdominal fat. The pHU was found to be the most heritable trait (0.64), whereas the other meat quality traits showed heritabilities in the range of 0.39 to 0.48. Contrary to chickens, the genetic correlation between pHU and L* was low. The pHU exhibited a negative and high correlation with BW and AFY, whereas L* showed a positive but smaller relationship with these traits. Moreover, pHU exhibited high negative correlations (-0.43 and -0.62) with TL and WB, whereas L* showed a moderate relationship (0.24) with CL. This genetic study confirmed that the multi-trait selection could be used to improve meat quality traits. Further, the ultimate pH of breast meat is a relevant selection criterion due to its strong relationships with either water-holding capacity and texture or low abdominal fatness.

Genetic parameters for feed utilization traits in Japanese quail

Feed costs substantially affect the efficiency of poultry operations, justifying genetic improvement of feed utilization by selection. The current research was conducted to estimate genetic variance for the 4-wk feed conversion ratio (FCR) and its genetic correlations with BW, BW gain (WG), feed intake (FI), and residual feed intake (RFI) in Japanese quail. The data analyzed originated from a line selected for low FCR for 3 generations. In each generation, 35 sires and 70 dams were used as parents for the next generation. Body weight and WG were recorded on a total of 1,226 individuals, whereas FCR, RFI, and FI were recorded on 505 family groups. The results showed that heritability estimates (±SE) of BW at 28 d of age and WG between 7 and 28 d of age were 0.22 ± 0.05 and 0.28 ± 0.06, respectively. For FI, FCR, and RFI, significant genetic variances were estimated. Genetic correlations of FCR between 7 and 28 d of age with WG and FI between 7 and 28 d of age were -0.45 ± 0.09 and 0.24 ± 0.08, respectively. This implies that a low FCR is genetically related to a high WG and low FI. The genetic correlation between FCR from 7 to 28 d of age and RFI from 7 to 28 d of age was 0.26 ± 0.08, indicating that the 2 alternative feed efficiency traits are genetically different traits, and that the correlated genetic response in one of them in response to selection on the other is likely to be only moderate. Genetic correlations of RFI from 7 to 28 d of age with WG and FI between 7 and 28 d of age were 0.08 ± 0.04 and 0.74 ± 0.11, respectively. This reflects the fact that RFI is phenotypically independent of WG, which tends to make the genetic correlation between RFI and WG low as well. In conclusion, all the traits analyzed displayed significant genetic variance, allowing their genetic improvement by selection, yet the alternative feed utilization traits, FCR and RFI, displayed different genetic characteristics.