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ABSTRACT Based on the temperature and humidity index, for quails from the 3rd to the 5th week of life, in the dry period in Paraíba state, Brazil, the objective was to carry out a bioclimatic zoning, identifying as regions suitable for the reproduction of quails and, when necessary, mitigating measures for greater animal comfort. The bioclimatic zoning was carried out for the mesoregions of the state, the climatic data used are from meteorological stations in the period from 1961 - 2015, from them maps were elaborated with the spatial distribution of the index, identifying as regions with ideal thermal comfort conditions for the animals. For quails in the third week, the Agreste mesoregion presents the best situation in the dry season, not requiring corrective measures to maintain the comfort of these animals. In the fourth week of life of the quails, the mesoregions that would provide THI values within the ZCT in the dry period would be the Zona da Mata paraibana and Sertão, while the ZCT for quails in the fifth week of life, could be found throughout the state of Paraíba.

The objective was to evaluate the quality of Japanese quail eggs stored at room temperature (26.8ºC) and under refrigeration (10.9ºC), for different storage periods (0; 5; 10; 15; 20; 25 and 30 days). A total of 196 quail eggs were assigned to different treatments in a factorial arrangement of 2 (temperatures) x 7 (storage periods), with 3 replications and 4 eggs per experimental unit. Data were subjected to regression analysis of parameters as a function of storage time at room temperature and under refrigeration. There was a reduction in egg weight, albumen weight and height, yolk height and egg yolk index with increasing storage period as a function of temperatures (p < 0.05). Eggs at room temperature showed a reduction in albumen index, while eggs under refrigeration showed a quadratic behavior (p < 0.05). Storage days promoted a quadratic response in albumen and yolk pH (p < 0.05) of eggs at room temperature. Eggs at room temperature floated from the 15th day of storage. When stored at room temperature, quail eggs show a sharp decrease in internal quality during storage for up to 30 days. Refrigerated storage is recommended.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of homeopathic products in diets of quails in the egg quality when submitted to different storage periods. In the trial we used 200 Japanese quails in a completely randomized design with 4 diets: reference diet, vehicle used in homeopathic products and 2 homeopathic products - Fertsigo® and Ovosigo® with ten replicates of three eggs in each. Egg quality parameters were evaluated during 3 storage periods. Data were evaluated as repeated measures in time, the effects of the interactions between treatments and time as well as their isolated effects were verified. There was the interaction between homeopathic products and storage time in the parameters of albumen and yolk height, Haugh unit, and yolk index, in which a reduction was obtained over time. For egg weight, yolk, albumen and shell, percentage of albumen, and percentage of eggshell there was a significant effect only for homeopathy. The inclusion of homeopathic additives increased egg weight. It is indicated the addition of the product with homeopathic basis Ovosigo® and FertSigo® in diets of Japanese quails in the laying phase resulting in better egg and components but did not influence the quality maintenance of eggs of Japanese quails in the periods evaluated.

This study evaluated the zootechnical performance of 192 laying quails, receiving diets with different levels of crude protein (18 and 19%) and metabolizable energy (2,500, 2,600, 2,700 and 2,800 kcal/kg), in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement. The experiment consists of four experimental periods of 28 days each, where feed intake (g/bird), feed conversion (by dozens of eggs and egg mass), laying rate, weight and mass of eggs and indices of egg quality (yolk, shell and albumen content, shell thickness, Haugh unit). Results indicated that reducing feed energy levels to 2,500 and 2,600 kcal/kg increased feed intake (P < 0.05). However, reducing protein levels to 18% did not change (P > 0.05) feed intake. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed in laying rate, feed conversion per dozen eggs and egg mass, and egg quality indices, in relation to energy or protein levels. There were no interactions between dietary energy and protein levels. In conclusion, the reduction of metabolizable energy levels to 2,500 kcal/kg and crude protein to 18% in diets for laying quails, from 52 to 68 weeks of age, is a viable alternative to reduce production costs, without harming performance and egg quality. RESUMO: Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho zootécnico de 192 codornas em fase de postura, recebendo dietas com diferentes níveis de proteína bruta (18 e 19%) e energia metabolizável (2.500, 2.600, 2.700 e 2.800 kcal/kg), em um arranjo fatorial 2x4. O experimento consistiu em quatro períodos experimentais de 28 dias cada, em que foi avaliado o consumo de ração (g/ave), conversão alimentar (por dúzias e por massa de ovos), taxa de postura, peso e massa dos ovos e índices de qualidade dos ovos (índice de gema, casca e albúmen, espessura da casca, unidade Haugh). Os resultados indicaram que a redução dos níveis de energia da ração para 2.500 e 2.600 kcal/kg aumentou o consumo de ração (P < 0,05). No entanto, a redução dos níveis de proteína para 18% não alterou (P > 0,05) o consumo de ração. Não foram observadas diferenças (P > 0,05) na taxa de postura, conversão alimentar por dúzias de ovos e massa de ovos e nos índices de qualidade dos ovos, em relação aos níveis de energia ou proteína. Não houve interação entre os níveis de energia e proteína da dieta. Em conclusão, a redução dos níveis de energia metabolizável para 2.500 kcal/kg e proteína bruta para 18% em dietas de codornas em fase de postura, de 52 a 68 semanas de idade, é uma alternativa viável para reduzir custos de produção sem perdas no desempenho e qualidade dos ovos.

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.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing corn with sorghum in feed on performance, carcass yield, and composition of specialized meat cuts in quails. A total of 1200, 1-day-old female quails were raised up to 42 days of age. The completely randomized design consisted of four treatments with six replicates each and with 50 quails in each cage. Treatments consisted of four levels of sorghum replacement in the diet (0, 40, 60, and 100% sorghum). All birds were weighed to assess the weight gain. Feed conversion was calculated as the relationship between feed intake and weight gain. Mortality was reported daily and calculated at the end of each week. At 42 days, the birds were slaughtered and the carcass, thigh and drumstick, and breast yields were assessed. Mineral matter, ether extract, and crude protein analyses were performed using breast cuts and thigh + drumstick cuts. No significant differences were noted in cut performance, yield, or composition. Thus, it can be concluded that the ground grain sorghum can entirely replace corn in quail feed, as it does not negatively affect carcass performance, yield, and nutritional quality. RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da substituição do milho pelo sorgo sobre o desempenho, rendimento de carcaça e composição dos cortes nobres em codornas para corte. Foram alojadas 1.200 codornas de corte, fêmeas de um dia de idade até os 42 dias, distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, composto de quatro tratamentos, com seis repetições cada, sendo que, em cada gaiola, foram alojadas 50 codornas. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro níveis de substituição do milho pelo sorgo (0, 40, 60 e 100% de sorgo). Todas as aves foram pesadas para obtenção do ganho de peso. A conversão alimentar foi calculada pela relação entre o consumo de ração e o ganho de peso, considerando o peso das aves mortas. A mortalidade era registrada diariamente e calculada ao final de cada semana. Aos 42 dias, as aves foram abatidas e obtidos os rendimentos de carcaça, coxa+sobrecoxa e peito. Para os cortes de peito e coxa+sobrecoxa, foram realizadas análises de matéria mineral, extrato etéreo e proteína bruta. Não se observaram diferenças significativas nas variáveis de desempenho, rendimento e composição de cortes. Conclui-se que o sorgo grão moído pode substituir totalmente o milho em rações para codornas de corte, pois não compromete os índices de desempenho, rendimento e qualidade nutricional da carcaça.