Hematological evaluation and reproductive rejuvination of culled quail (Coturnix japonica)
Paper Details
Hematological evaluation and reproductive rejuvination of culled quail (Coturnix japonica)
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the effects of forced molting techniques, specifically fasting and low-protein diets, on the hematological parameters and reproductive performance of culled Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Five different treatments were tested: fasting, cracked corn, cracked rice, rice bran, and commercial feed. The study focused on assessing feed consumption, body weight changes, egg quality, and hematological parameters before, during, and after the molting process. Results showed significant differences in feed consumption, with quail fed commercial feed consuming the most during both pre- and post-molting stages. In terms of egg weight, quail fed cracked rice and rice bran produced the heaviest eggs, while those subjected to fasting had the lightest eggs. Egg shell thickness did not significantly differ between the treatments, and there was no significant impact on yolk color. The laying percentage post-molt was highest in the fasting group. The proximate analysis revealed differences in the crude protein, fiber, and moisture content of eggs based on the feed type. Despite these differences, all treatments resulted in negative net income due to the low market prices for quail eggs during the study period. The findings suggest that forced molting techniques can affect reproductive performance and egg quality in quail, but cost-effectiveness remains a challenge.
Agustantikaningsih D, Sugiharto D, Setiawan T. 2015. The effect of feed protein levels on the yolk quality of Japanese quail eggs. International Journal of Poultry Science 14(6), 310–314.
Ahmad S, Anjum MI, Khan SH, Zahoor T. 2016. Nutritional manipulation to improve poultry meat quality. World’s Poultry Science Journal 72(3), 569–582.
Albino LFT, Barreto SLT. 2012. Criação de codornas para produção de ovos e carne. Universidade Federal de Viçosa.
Andrews DK, McDaniel GR, Brake J. 1987. The influence of dietary calcium and phosphorus on the performance of molted laying hens. Poultry Science 66(8), 1377–1382.
Babatunde GB, Omotosho OO, Adebayo OT. 2016. Effects of different dietary energy levels on the performance of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) in a tropical environment. Journal of Animal Science Advances 6(8), 1617–1623.
Brake J, Thaxton JP. 1979. Physiological changes in caged layers during a forced molt. Poultry Science 58(4), 882–886.
Brake J. 1992. The effects of molt on performance and physiology of commercial layers. Poultry Science Review 4, 17–31.
Khan SH, Rehman MU, Sardar R. 2011. Induced molting in laying hens: A review. World’s Poultry Science Journal 67(3), 485–496.
Khoshoei EA, Khajali F. 2006. Physiological responses of laying hens to short-term fasting and subsequent re-feeding. International Journal of Poultry Science 5(11), 1049–1052.
Laurentiz ACD, Filardi RDS, Sampaio AAM. 2005. Performance of Japanese quails submitted to forced molting using feed withdrawal and molting diets. Brazilian Journal of Poultry Science 7(1), 33–37.
Leeson S, Summers JD. 2001. Nutrition of the Chicken (4th ed.). University Books.
Mejia LA, Garcia OP, Ronquillo D. 2011. Effect of molting on egg quality traits of laying hens under commercial conditions. Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Pecuarias 2(1), 1–10.
Roberts JR. 2004. Factors affecting egg internal quality and egg shell quality in laying hens. Journal of Poultry Science 41(3), 161–177.
Sandhu MA, Khawaja TM, Durrani FR. 2010. Comparative study of induced molting methods and their effects on the post-molt performance of laying hens. Pakistan Veterinary Journal 30(3), 135–138.
Scherer MR, Vieira SL, Freitas DM. 2009. Performance and egg quality of laying hens submitted to forced molting by different methods. Brazilian Journal of Poultry Science 11(3), 165–170.
Siriwong S, Thirakhupt K, Sitticharoenchai D. 2013. Proximate and mineral composition of quail eggs from commercial Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). Kasetsart Journal – Natural Science 47, 175–181.
Thomas L, Rahman A, Qureshi M. 2016. Proximate analysis of quail eggs: A comparative study. International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences 5(3), 90–93.
Tunsaringkarn T. 2013. Nutritional value and health benefits of quail eggs. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications 3(5), 1–5.
Yousaf M. 2006. Effects of different molting methods on post molt performance of commercial layers. Pakistan Veterinary Journal 26(3), 117–120.
Zhang B, Coon CN, Braunius WW. 2005. The relationship of calcium intake, egg shell quality, and bone mineralization in laying hens. Poultry Science 84(2), 276–282.
Eddie C. Bautista Jr, 2025. Hematological evaluation and reproductive rejuvination of culled quail (Coturnix japonica). Int. J. Biosci., 26(5), 96-106.
Copyright © 2025 by the Authors. This article is an open access article and distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license.