Using reverse-triiodothyronine, rT3, as substrate, an in vitro 5'deiodinase (5'0) assay was validated for adult Japanese quail, by defining conditions under which activity is proportional to enzyme (protein) concentration and is linear with incubation time. Activity was measured as the release of 1(125) from labeled rT3. Using validated assay conditions we found the following 5'0 characteristics: maximal activity from 10-50 mM dithiothreitol (cofactor), an apparent Km of 0.52 µM rT3, pH optimum of 7.6-8.5, complete inhibition by 1 mM propylthiouracil and by 1 mM iopanoic acid, and substrate affinities of rT3 > T 4> T3 . Based on these characteristics, the quail hepatic 5'0 activity is like the Type I 5'0 activity found in mammalian liver and kidney, and embryonic chicken liver. To determine how previous unvalidated assays, that used high tissue concentrations and relatively low substrate (T",) concentrations, influenced 5'0 studies we reevaluated 5'0 development using our assay validated for each developmental stage. We found extreme quantitative differences in the activities measured and in the proportional relationships among stages; and only limited qualitative Similarity existed in the pattern of 5'0 development when compared to unvalidated T4 assays. These data show good correspondence between whole liver 5'0 activity per unit body weight and plasma T3/T ... ratios for the developmental stages sampled. / Master of Science

Energy homeostasis is essential for survival across all vertebrate species and involves a multitude of physiological systems that are regulated by both central and peripheral neural signaling. The hypothalamus is responsible for integrating and processing these signals and thus is regarded as the regulatory center for balancing energy homeostasis. Eating disorders, such as compulsive eating behavior associated with obesity, and anorexia, are significant public health concerns worldwide. Thus, studying appetite regulation is necessary to provide novel information for the design of solutions for health concerns that stem from altered energy intake. Such information is also relevant for improving chicken health and productivity in an agricultural setting. The objective of this dissertation research was to determine the hypothalamic mechanisms underlying appetite regulation in birds. In Experiment 1, the Virginia lines of chickens were used to elucidate the mechanisms underlying stress-induced anorexia. These chickens have been selected for low (LWS) or high (HWS) body weight at 56 days of age and have different severities of anorexia and obesity, respectively. Chicks were subjected to a combination of thermal and nutritional stress after hatch and hypothalamic nuclei, including the lateral hypothalamus (LH), paraventricular nucleus (PVN), ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), and arcuate nucleus (ARC), were collected 5 days later. Real-time PCR was used to measure the mRNA abundance of appetite-associated neuropeptides and receptors in each nucleus. The results showed that the two lines displayed distinct gene expression profiles in response to stress. In particular, the PVN of the LWS was significantly affected by stress, and expression of several anorexigenic factors was up-regulated including corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), CRF receptor sub-types 1 and 2 (CRFR1 and CRFR2, respectively), melanocortin receptor 4, and urocortin 3, suggesting that stress-induced anorexia in the LWS may result from overriding anorexigenic signaling in the PVN, primarily through CRF signaling. This CRF signaling-associated hypothesis was further supported by results showing that the original phenotypes were restored when the LWS chicks were treated with astressin (CRF receptor antagonist) before exposure to stress. In Experiments 2 and 3, we attempted to determine the mechanisms of CRF's anorexigenic effect in chickens and Japanese quail. We administered CRF by intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection and the hypothalamus was collected 1 hour later for molecular analyses. Results showed that CRF exerted a similar inhibitory effect on food intake in these two bird species, however the hypothalamic mechanisms underlying this anorexigenic effect were different. ICV injection of CRF increased c-Fos expression in the PVN, VMH, dorsomedial nucleus (DMN), and ARC in chicks while it only affected the PVN and LH in quail. Hypothalamic gene expression results suggested that CRF decreased neuropeptide Y receptor sub-type 1 (NPYR1) in chicks while it increased proopiomelanocortin (POMC), MC4R, CRF, and CRFR2 in quail. These results suggested that the anorexigenic effect of CRF may involve a dampened neuropeptide Y (NPY) system in chicks whereas it is associated with activated CRF and melanocortin systems in quail. At the nucleus level in chicks, CRF injection decreased NPY system-associated gene expression (ARC and DMN) and increased CRF (ARC and PVN) and mesotocin (MT) (VMH)-associated mRNAs, suggesting that orexigenic signaling through NPY was overridden by the heightened anorexigenic tone through CRF and MT, which led to the inhibition of food intake. In Experiments 4 and 5, we used the same experimental design as for CRF studies to determine the hypothalamic mechanisms of the anorexigenic effects of neuropeptide K (NPK) and adrenomedullin (AM) in Japanese quail. Results from Experiment 4 showed that NPK injection activated the ARC and PVN, which was associated with increased mRNAs for a group of anorexigenic factors including CRF, UCN3, cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), and POMC, and decreased expression of several orexigenic factors, such as NPY and agouti-related peptide (AgRP). In Experiment 5, ICV injection of AM activated the ARC, the nucleus in which POMC and CART mRNAs were increased. In conclusion, these experiments revealed novel hypothalamic mechanisms underlying stress or exogenous neuropeptide-induced anorexia in birds and may provide insights on understanding appetite regulation from evolutionary, agricultural, and biomedical perspectives. / Ph. D. / Appetite regulation is important for survival across all vertebrate species and the hypothalamus is the regulatory center for control of feeding behavior. Thus, studying the functions of the hypothalamus on appetite regulation provide novel insight into the eating disorders, such as obesity and anorexia, a worldwide health issue. Also, such information is relevant for improving productivity in the modern chicken industry. The objective of this dissertation research was to determine the hypothalamic mechanisms underlying appetite regulation in birds. In Experiment 1, the Virginia lines of chickens were used to elucidate the mechanisms underlying stress-induced anorexia. These chickens have been selected for low (LWS) or high (HWS) body weight at 56 days of age and have different severities of anorexia and obesity, respectively. Chicks were subjected to a combination of thermal and nutritional stress after hatch. The results suggested the two lines displayed distinct appetite-associated gene expression profiles in response to stress in the hypothalamus. In particular, stress-induced anorexia in the LWS may result from potent feeding-inhibitory factor corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). Thus, in Experiments 2 and 3, we attempted to determine the mechanisms of CRF's inhibitory effect on food intake in chickens and Japanese quail. We administered CRF by intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection and the hypothalamus was collected 1 hour later for molecular analyses. Results showed that CRF exerted a similar inhibitory effect on food intake in these two bird species. However, the inhibitory effect of CRF was primarily associated with a dampened neuropeptide Y (NPY) system which is a potent stimulatory factor for feeding behavior in chickens, whereas it may involve activated CRF and melanocortin systems in quail. In Experiments 4 and 5, we used the same experimental design as for CRF studies to determine the hypothalamic mechanisms of the inhibitory effects of neuropeptide K (NPK) and adrenomedullin (AM) in Japanese quail. Results from Experiment 4 showed that the feeding-inhibitory effect of NPK was associated with a group of increased feeding-inhibitory factors such as CRF and cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and decreased feeding-stimulatory factors, such as NPY and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) in the hypothalamus. In Experiment 5, AM increased gene expression of CART and proopiomelanocortin (POMC). Overall, these experiments suggested the roles of the hypothalamus in stress or exogenous neuropeptide-induced anorexia in birds and may provide insights on understanding appetite regulation from evolutionary, agricultural, and biomedical perspectives.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) decrease thyroid function in rats and mice by inducing activity of a liver enzyme, uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase (UDP-GT), thereby increasing thyroxine (T4) clearance. This loss of T4 can lead to hypothyroidism. In this study, an assay was validated for measuring UDP-GT activity toward T4 in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Then UDP-GT induction by Aroclor 1254 was evaluated in quail, and quail and mice were compared in their responses to Aroclor 1254. In Experiment 1, Japanese quail and Balb/c mice were dosed orally with vehicle or Aroclor 1254 (250 or 500 mg/kg) and sacrificed five days later. In Experiment 2, Japanese quail were dosed orally with vehicle or Aroclor 1254 (500 mg/kg) and sacrificed either five or 21 days later. Total liver UDP-GT capacity increased with Aroclor 1254 exposure in all treatment groups of both species. Enzyme induction led to a trend to decreased plasma T4 concentrations at both doses and exposure times in quail and significantly decreased plasma T4 concentrations at both doses in mice. PCBs altered thyroid function in quail, but they did not become hypothyroid. This was in contrast to mice, which did become hypothyroid. It is unclear how PCBs affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis in quail, and activation of the HPT axis appears to be inhibited in mice. Overall, quail showed a lesser response than mice to equivalent doses of Aroclor 1254, so it appears that birds may be less vulnerable to PCBs than mammals. / Master of Science

Thyroid hormone content in eggs varies with the thyroid status of the hen and may influence embryonic development prior to the release of appreciable amounts of thyroid hormones by the embryonic thyroid gland. Methods for the measurement of thyroid hormones in egg yolk were verified by demonstrating consistency in the recovery of yolk thyroid hormones following a methanol/chloroform extraction, and in the measurement of thyroid hormones in extracts across a range of dilutions by RIA. Untreated hens produced eggs with yolk T₄ that was low relative to plasma T₄, but yolk T₃ that was comparable to plasma T₃. Hens dosed twice daily with L-thyroxine (T₄; 1x or 3x the daily thyroid secretion rate of T₄ per dose) showed significant increases in T₄ concentrations in their plasma and in the yolk of their eggs. Maternal thyroid hormone deposition in yolk varied with hens’ thyroid status. T₄ dosed hens demonstrated “levels” of hyperthyroidism and deposited greater amounts of T₄ into egg yolk compared to controls, yet appeared to regulate T₄ deposition into egg yolk at each level. Pelvic cartilage, a thyroid hormone responsive tissue, showed enhanced growth and differentiation in embryos from eggs of hens given the highest dose of T₄. Specifically, alkaline phosphatase activity (a marker of differentiation) and pelvic cartilage weights were significantly greater in embryos from high T₄ eggs than in controls. However, chicks from high T₄ eggs did not have measurable differences in total thyroid hormone content (carcass without the thyroid gland), general body growth (body weight, length, and general morphology), or hatchability when compared to controls. / Master of Science

Thesis (Ph.D.)--James Madison University, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references.

The content of this thesis was to draw up the literary owerview around Japanese quail breeding and fattening and to execute the practice experiment whitch aim was to analyse the efect of the inclusion of extruded flax seed to the diet for quails.

This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and molecular diversity of coronavirus in quail and laying hens raised on the same farms and quail only farms, to determine the role of quail as reservoir for avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). To this end, two investigations were carried out, one in the São Paulo state, Southeastern Brazil, in 2013, when some farmers started quail vaccination with Massachusetts IBV serotype after surveillance carried out in 2009-2010 and the other in two regions of Northern Italy, in 2015. In the Brazilian study, samples were collected as pools of tracheas, lungs, reproductive tract, kidneys and enteric contents from quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) and laying hens showing IB-like symptoms, while, in the Italian study, samples were collected as pools of tracheal and cloacal swabs and intestine/enteric content from European quail (Coturnix coturnix), showing enteric disorders. All samples were tested by a nested RT-PCR targeted to the 3\'UTR of the Gammacoronavirus genus. Positive samples were submitted to RT-PCR to the RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase gene (RdRp) and two different RT-PCRs to the spike gene, including a typing-multiplex one. Two other RT-PCRs were used to detect the avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Avian coronavirus was found in all types of samples analyzed in quail and chickens from both type of creations, aMPV subtype B was found in chickens (Brasil) and the NDV was not observed in any samples. Based on the DNA sequences for the RdRp gene, Brazilian and Italian quail strains clustered within either Gammacoronavirus or Deltacoronavirus genus, while, for one Brazilian sample, it was detected co-infection with the two genuses. Phylogeny based on partial S1 subunit sequences showed that the gammacoronaviruses detected in the Brazilian and Italian quail belong to the Brazil type and 793/B, respectively. These results suggest that quail are susceptible to Gamma and Deltacoronavirus and that quail avian coronavirus share spike genes identical to chicken infectious bronchitis virus (IBV); thus, quail might act as reservoirs for avian coronaviruses. Also, Massachusetts vaccination was not efficient to control IBV in Brazilian quail. / Este estudo teve como objetivo pesquisar a ocorrência e diversidade molecular de coronavírus em codornas e galinhas criadas nas mesmas propriedades e em codornas criadas em propriedades isoladas, para determinar o papel das codornas como reservatório para o vírus da bronquite infecciosa das galinhas (IBV). Para isso, duas pesquisas foram realizadas, uma em 2013, no estado de São Paulo, Sudeste do Brasil, onde algumas granjas iniciaram a vacinação em codornas contra o IBV com o sorotipo Massachusetts, após um estudo realizado em 2009-2010; e a outra, em 2015, em duas regiões do Norte da Itália. No estudo brasileiro, foram coletados pools de aparelho reprodutor, pulmões, rins, traqueia e conteúdo entérico de codornas (Coturnix coturnix japonica() e galinhas com histórico de manifestações clínicas compatíveis com a Bronquite Infecciosa das galinhas (BIG). Por outro lado, no estudo italiano, as amostras foram coletadas em forma de pools de swabs traqueais e cloacais e intestino/conteúdo entérico de codornas (Coturnix coturnix) com sinais entéricos. Estas amostras foram testadas para os coronavírus aviário (Gammacoronavirus) mediante uma semi-nested RT-PCR dirigida a região não-traduzida 3 (3´UTR). As amostras positivas foram submetidas a RT-PCR do gene codificador da proteína RNA-polimerase RNA-dependente (RdRp) e duas RT-PCRs, incluindo uma multiplex dirigidas a proteína de espícula (S) do vírus da BIG, para genotipagem. Além disso, a detecção de metapneumovírus aviário (aMPV) e o vírus da doença de Newcastle (NDV) também foi realizada por meio de RT-PCRs. Coronavírus aviários foram encontrados em todos os tipos de amostras estudadas em codornas e galinhas de todos os tipos de criações, aMPV subtipo B foi encontrado em galinhas (Brasil) e o NDV não foi encontrado em nenhuma amostras. Com base nas sequências de DNA para o gene codificador da proteína RdRp, as amostras brasileiras e italianas foram agrupadas no gênero Gamma ou Deltacoronavirus, enquanto que, em uma amostra brasileira, foi detectada coinfecção pelos dois gêneros. A filogenia com base nas sequências parciais da subunidade S1da proteína de espícula, evidenciou que os Gammacoronavirus detectados nas codornas brasileiras e italianas pertencem ao genótipo Brasil e 793/B, respectivamente. Estes resultados sugerem que as codornas são suscetíveis aos coronavírus do gênero Gamma e Delta e os coronavírus aviários das codornas compartilham genes de espícula idênticos aos do IBV. Desta forma, sugere-se que as codornas podem servir como reservatórios para coronavírus aviários e que a vacinação com o sorotipo Massachusetts não foi eficiente no controle de IBV nas codornas brasileiras.

O projeto avaliou os efeitos da aflatoxina B1 (AFB1) e fumonisina B1 (FB1), isoladas e associadas, sobre a produtividade e a qualidade dos ovos de codornas poedeiras (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Duzentas e oitenta e oito aves, adquiridas com idade de 8 semanas, foram subdivididas em 6 grupos experimentais (48 aves por grupo) e submetidas a 6 tipos de tratamentos, constituídos por rações contendo AFB1 e FB1 nas concentrações: (0 AFB1+0 FB1), (0 AFB1+10 mg/kg FB1), (50 &microg/kg AFB1+0 FB1), (50 µg/kg AFB1+10 mg/kg FB1), (200 µg/kg AFB1+0 FB1), e (200 µg/kg AFB1+10 mg/kg FB1). As aves foram alimentadas durante 140 dias (5 ciclos de 28 dias). Os parâmetros de produtividade foram avaliados semanalmente, através do consumo de ração, peso dos ovos, índice de conversão alimentar e curva de produção. A qualidade dos ovos foi avaliada a cada ciclo de 28 dias, cada ovo produzido nesse dia foi analisado individualmente para a determinação do valor de unidade Haugh, gravidade específica e percentual do peso da casca. Ao final do 5º período experimental, o peso médio dos ovos foi significativamente menor (p < 0,05) nas aves alimentadas com 10 mg FB1/kg, 50 &microg/kg AFB1, 200 µg/kg AFB1 e com o tratamento de associação de 10 mg FB1/kg + 50 µg/kg AFB1. Em relação à produção de ovos, as codornas alimentadas com 10 mg FB1/kg apresentaram uma diminuição significativa (p < 0,05), ao final do 3º, 4º e 5º ciclos. O consumo médio diário de ração foi significativamente menor (p< 0,05) nas aves alimentadas com 10 mg FB1/kg, ao final do 4º e 5º ciclos, enquanto que os níveis de 50 ou 200 µg/kg AFB1 provocaram uma diminuição significativa (p < 0,05), ao final do 5º período experimental. Ao final do 1º, 2º e 5º ciclos, o consumo médio de ração foi significativamente menor (p< 0,05) nas aves tratadas com 10 mg FB1/kg + 50 µg/kg AFB1. Os índices de conversão alimentar e os valores de Unidades Haugh não foram afetados (p > 0,05) pelos tratamentos. A gravidade específica dos ovos foi significativamente menor (p < 0,05) ao final do 5º ciclo, nas aves tratadas com 10 mg FB1/kg + 200 µg/kg AFB1. Observou-se uma diminuição significativa (p < 0,05) na porcentagem do peso de casca, nas aves tratadas com 10 mg FB1/kg ao final do 1º ciclo, entretanto, houve um aumento significativo (p < 0,05) nos tratamentos com 200 µg/kg AFB1 e também com 10 mg/kg FB1 + 50 µg/kg AFB1 ao final do 1º ciclo. Já ao final do 5º ciclo, o aumento na porcentagem de peso de casca (p < 0,05) ocorreu somente nas aves tratadas com 10 mg/kg FB1 + 200 µg/kg AFB1. Os resultados demonstraram que a administração prolongada de FB1 e AFB1, isoladas ou associadas nos níveis utilizados no presente experimento, pode causar prejuízos econômicos aos produtores de ovos de codornas. / This study evaluated the individual and combined effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) on egg quality and performance of laying Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Two hundred twenty-eight birds were purchased at 8 week of age and randomly distributed into 6 experimental groups and given rations containing AFB1 and FB1 at the following levels: (0 AFB1+0 FB1), (0 AFB1+10 mg/kg FB1), (50 &microg/kg AFB1+0 FB1), (50 &microg/kg AFB1+10 mg/kg FB1), (200 &microg/kg AFB1+0 FB1), e (200 &microg/kg AFB1+10 mg/kg FB1). The birds were fed for 140 days (5 28-day laying periods). Each treatment consisted of four replicates of twelve quail. Egg production and individual egg weight were checked daily. Feed consumption and feed utilization were determined weekly. Eggs laid in the last day of each 28-day laying period were collected and submitted to individual analysis for specific gravity, Haugh units and percent egg shell. Results showed that average egg weight at the end of the fifth cycle was significantly lower (p < 0,05) for groups fed 10 mg FB1/kg, 50 &microg/kg AFB1, 200 &microg/kg AFB1 and also for the group fed 10 mg FB1/kg + 50 &microg/kg AFB1. Average egg production significantly decreased (p < 0,05) for groups fed 10 mg FB1/kg by the end of the third, fourth and fifth cycles. Feed consumption was significantly lower (p < 0,05) for group exposed to 10 mg FB1/kg, by the end of fourth and fifth cycles, whereas birds fed 50 or 200 &microg/kg AFB1 showed a significant decrease (p < 0,05) on feed consumption, by the end of fifth cycle. Birds exposed to 10 mg FB1/kg + 50 &microg/kg AFB1 also showed lower values (p < 0,05) of feed consumption, by the end of first, second and fifth cycles. Feed utilization and Haugh units were not affected (p > 0,05) by AFB1 and FB1. Average egg specific gravity was significantly lower (p < 0,05) for group fed 10 mg FB1/kg + 200 &microg/kg AFB1, by the end of fifth cycle. Percent egg shell was significantly lower (p < 0,05) for group exposed to 10 mg FB1/kg, by the end of the first cycle, however, birds exposed to 200 &microg/kg AFB1 and also to 10 mg/kg FB1 + 50 &microg/kg AFB1, showed a significantly increase (p < 0,05) of percent egg shell, by the of the first cycle. Percent egg shell was significantly higher (p < 0,05) for group fed 10 mg/kg FB1 + 200 &microg/kg AFB1 , by the end of fifth cycle. The results obtained in the present study showed that the prolonged administration of FB1 and AFB1, singly or combined at the levels checked, may cause economic losses to the quail egg producers.

O presente trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos da fumonisina B1 (FB1) sobre a produtividade e a qualidade dos ovos de codornas em início de postura. Para esse fim, 128 aves de 7 semanas de idade foram aleatoriamente distribuídas em quatro grupos experimentais (32 aves por grupo), tendo sido administrada ração contendo 0 (controle), 10, 50 e 250 mg de FB1/kg, durante 28 dias. Cada tratamento esteve constituído por quatro replicatas de oito codornas. A produção e o peso dos ovos foram avaliados diariamente. O consumo de ração e a conversão alimentar foram mensurados semanalmente. Os ovos produzidos no último dia de cada período de 7 dias foram coletados e submetidos à analise individual de densidade, unidade Haugh e percentual de peso da casca em relação ao peso total do ovo. No vigésimo oitavo dia experimental, foram coletadas amostras de sangue para análise de perfil de função hepática (proteína total, albumina, AST, GGT e ácido úrico) e hemograma. Dezesseis aves de cada tratamento foram sacrificadas por deslocamento cervical, e os fígados, rins e coração foram removidos, pesados e submetidos à análise histopatotológica. Comparado com os grupos controles, as codornas alimentadas com ração contendo concentração >= 50 mg de FB1/kg reduziram (p < 0,05) o consumo de alimentos e apresentaram menor (p < 0,05) ganho de peso. Entretanto, a conversão alimentar foi aumentada (p < 0,05) apenas para as aves que receberam 250 mg de FB1/kg na dieta. A produção média de ovos apresentou-se significativamente menor (p < 0,05) para o grupo exposto a 250 mg de FB1/kg. O peso dos ovos diminui significativamente (p < 0,05) para as aves alimentadas com ração contendo concentração de 250 mg de FB1/kg. As médias de densidade e unidade Haugh não foram afetadas (p > 0,05) pela FB1. O peso das cascas dos ovos diminuiu (p < 0,05) nos grupos que receberam concentração >= 50 mg de FB1/kg na dieta. Entretanto, o percentual de casca não foi afetado pela FB1. Comparados com os grupos controle, os tratamentos que receberam concentração >= 50 mg de FB1/kg na dieta apresentaram maior (p < 0,05) peso relativo de fígado. Os pesos relativos do rim e do coração não foram afetados (p > 0,05) pela FB1. Comparando-se com o controle, as aves que receberam concentração de 250 mg de FB1/kg na dieta apresentaram redução (p < 0,05) da porcentagem do hematócrito. Os demais parâmetros do hemograma avaliados não foram afetados (p > 0,05) pela FB1. Com exceção do número de leucócitos aumentado no tratamento 10 mg de FB1/kg de ração (p < 0,05), os parâmetros do leucograma avaliados não foram afetados pela FB1 (p > 0,05). O valor de AST para o tratamento 250 mg de FB1/kg de ração encontrou-se aumentado (p < 0,05) quando comparado ao controle. Os outros parâmetros de bioquímica sérica avaliados no presente estudo não foram afetados pela FB1 (p > 0,05). Com relação aos achados histopatológicos, não houve diferença entre os tratamentos, em tecido hepático, renal e miocárdio, comparando-se com o grupo controle. Esses resultados sugerem que codornas são sensíveis aos efeitos tóxicos da FB1, em níveis que foram descritos como sendo de ocorrência natural, em condições de campo. Os dados indicaram que a exposição a FB1 em níveis >=50 mg de FB1/kg podem afetar adversamente o desempenho de codornas, o que enfatiza a importância do controle da contaminação por FB1 nas rações de codornas. / A 28-d experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of fumonisin B1 (FB1) on egg production and egg quality of young laying Japanese quail fed contaminated rations. To this end, 128 7-wk-old birds were randomly distributed into four experimental groups (32 birds per group) and given rations containing 0 (controls), 10, 50 and 250 mg FB1/ kg feed. Each treatment consisted of four replicates of eight quail. Egg production and egg weights were checked daily. Feed consumption and feed use were determinated weekly. Eggs laid in the last day of each 7-d period were collected and subjected to individual analysis for specific gravity, Haugh units and percentage eggshells. On day 28, 12 quail from each treatment (4 replicates of 3 birds each) were bled by cardiac puncture and samples used for serum chemistry analyses (total protein, albumin, AST, GGT, and uric acid). Sixteen quail from each treatment were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, and liver, kidney, and heart were removed, weighed and collected for histopathological examination. Compared with controls, quail fed >= 50 mg FB1/ kg had reduced (p < 0.05) feed intake and lower (p < 0.05) body weight gain. However, feed use was only reduced (p < 0.05) for birds fed 250 mg FB1/ kg. Average egg production was significantly lower (p < 0.05) for group exposed to 250 mg FB1/ kg. Egg weight was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) for birds fed 250 mg FB1/ kg. Average specific gravity and Haugh units were not affected (p > 0.05) by FB1. Eggshell weight was reduced (p < 0.05) for birds fed >= 50 mg FB1/ kg. However, percentage eggshell was not affected by FB1. Compared with controls, quail fed >= 50 mg FB1/ kg had increased (p < 0.05) relative liver weight. Relative kidney weight and relative heart weight were not affected (p > 0.05) by FB1. Compared with controls, birds fed 250 mg FB1/ kg diet had reduced (p < 0.05) hematocrits. FB1 had no effet on hematological values evaluated (p > 0.05) but on hematocrits. Despite the icreased (p < 0.05) on total white blood cell count for quail fed 10 mg FB1/ kg diet, FB1 had no effect on heterophil, lymphocyte and monocyte counts (p > 0.05). Compared with controls, AST concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in quail fed 250 mg FB1/ kg diet. It was not observed any histopathological change in liver, kidney and heart samples from any treatment group, compared with controls. These results suggest that quail are sensitive to the toxic effects of FB1 at levels that have been reported to occur in feedstuff under field conditions. Data indicated that exposure to FB1 at levels >= 50 mg/ kg could adversely affect quail performance, emphasizing the importance of controlling fumonisin contamination in quail rations.

Características morfológicas, histomorfométricas, ultraestruturais e tridimensionais do ducto deferente de codorna doméstica (Coturnix coturnix) da variedade italiana foram estudadas e descritas. Para tanto, foram utilizadas 30 codornas sexualmente maduras, procedentes de um criatório da Fazenda Edgardia de Botucatu, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Os ductos deferentes foram coletados, observados e documentados ao longo do ano nas estações de outono, inverno, primavera e verão, e estudados por métodos de macro-mesoscopia, microscopia de luz, microscopias eletrônicas de transmissão (MET) e de varredura (MEV). Cada ducto deferente foi reduzido em três segmentos: proximal ou adepididimal; médio ou justa-renal, e distal ou adcloacal. Os estudos ultraestruturais e tridimensionais se concentraram no segmento médio do ducto. Diferenças marcantes na morfologia foram observadas, incluindo características estruturais e histomorfométricas, sobre os valores médios de altura epitelial, diâmetros tubular e luminal dos ductos deferentes, mensurados durante as quatro estações do ano, sendo mais marcantes as observações feitas no outono, a fase quiescente, e na primavera, a fase ativa, do ciclo testicular anual. Nas fases intermediárias do ciclo, compreendendo os meses de inverno (fase recrudescente), e de verão (fase regressiva), os reflexos da cinética testicular sobre a estrutura do ducto deferente se fizeram notar principalmente nas características subcelulares das células principais do epitélio de revestimento. As observações de MEV confirmaram a variabilidade morfológica do ducto deferente nas estações marcantes do ano (outono e primavera) em termos das fases do ciclo testicular anual. Estes estudos permitiram concluir que esta espécie de ave mostra um padrão circanual no ciclo reprodutivo, influenciando as características morfológicas dos ductos excretores do testículo / The morphological, histomorphometric, ultrastructural and three-dimensional features of the vas deferens of quail (Coturnix coturnix) of the Italian variety were studied and described. For this study were utilized 30 adult sexually active quails taken from the experimental Edgardia Farm of the UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. The vas deferens was collected, observed and documented along the year in the autumn, winter, spring and summer seasons, and studied by macro-mesoscopy, light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Each vas deferens was reduced in three segments: proximal (adepididymal); middle (just the median lobe of the kidney); and distal (adcloacal). The ultrastructural and three-dimensional studies were concentred in the middle segment of the duct. It was verified marked morphologic differences in the vas deferens, including structural and histomorphometric features concerning the middle values of the epithelial height, tubular and luminal diameters measured during the four seasons of the year. The observations made in the autumn the quiescent phase and in the spring the active phase of the annual testicular cycle were more evident. In the intermediaries phases of the cycle, i.e., the winter (recrudescent phase) and summer (regressive phase), the influence of the testicular kinetic on the vas deferens structure was noted mainly in the subcellular characteristics of principal cells of the epithelium lining. The SEM observations confirmed the morphologic variability of the vas deferens in the main seasons of the year (autumn and spring) concerning to the annual testicular cycle phases. These studies allowed to conclude that this avian species showed a circunannual pattern of the reproductive cycle, influencing the morphological features of the excurrent ducts of the testis