Microclimate parameters (ammonia, ambient temperature, heat index, and relative humidity) surrounding birds affect the production and health status of poultry. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of adding natural zeolite to the litter of Japanese quail on improving microclimate parameters and its reflection in growth performance, blood gases, and blood biochemical parameters. A total of 1152 chicks were obtained from the same hatch at the 20th selection generation. Chicks were allocated into two groups based on the litter composition: Group 1: wheat straw as litter (untreated group); Group 2: 80% wheat straw + 20% zeolite (treated group). Each group consisted of 576 chicks: 410 selected line chicks and 166 control line chicks. Significant and favorable effects of the treatment on microclimate parameters during tested periods were found to favor the treated group. Either the treated group or the selected line had significantly better growth performance than the untreated group and control line. Zeolite-treated quails had significantly desirable blood gases and lower blood acidity and serum total iron binding capacity compared to the untreated group. Thus, adding natural zeolite to the litter enhanced the microclimate parameters that improved growth performance, blood gases, and blood biochemical parameters and reduced ammonia emission.

Eggs are a rich source of protein, minerals, lipids, and vitamins. Eggs are an essential source of bacterial microflora. Controlling antimicrobial resistance and reducing food loss and waste are essential for a sustainable future. To prevent spoilage and to preserve eggs, a variety of techniques, including thermal and non-thermal, are often used. This paper explores the decontamination methods for egg preservation that have been applied. In previous studies, the initial contamination of the eggs varied from 2 to 9 log CFU per egg. Either thermal or non-thermal techniques resulted in reduced concentrations of Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium, and Escherichia coli, respectively, on the surface of the egg that ranged 0.62–5.9 log, 1.27–4.9 log, and 0.06–6.39 log, respectively, for the former, and being 1.2–7.8 log, 5.0–7.8 log, and 6.5–6.6 log, respectively, for the latter. Thermal approaches were more effective than the non-thermal approaches. Some of these methods had negative consequences on the egg’s functionality, while combination methods, such as thermoultrasonifcation (ozone-UV radiation or heat‐ozone), mitigated these effects. Other decontamination methods require further investigation, particularly the potential for scaling up for commercial usage and the associated costs. In conclusion, decontamination methods are required to extend shelf life of eggs, and to decrease consumer risks associated with foodborne pathogens.

This study investigated the association of polymorphisms in four genes with growth traits in two Japanese quail lines: a high-growth-rate selected line (HGR) and a control line (CL). It utilized 21 generations of divergent selection to identify potential selection signatures, comparing allele frequency shifts between the high-growth and unselected base populations. Growth Hormone (GH), Prolactin (PRL), Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor Type-1B (BMPR-1B), and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Receptor 1 (VIPR-1) genes were genotyped using PCR-RFLP. While the PRL gene was monomorphic, the GH, BMPR-1B, and VIPR-1 loci were polymorphic. Association analysis demonstrated that these variants significantly influenced body weight. In the HGR line, the homozygous genotypes (BB) of GH and BMPR-1B were significantly correlated with increased body weight at various ages. The AA genotype of VIPR-1 correlated with growth, while the BB genotype reduced body weight. An in silico analysis suggested that GH and VIPR-1 variants were functionally disadvantageous. The BMPR-1B variant was tolerated, indicating its potential as a genetic marker. Significant additive effects were estimated for the associated SNPs, thereby highlighting their heritable potential. These findings suggest that GH, BMPR-1B, and VIPR-1 polymorphisms are valuable for marker-assisted selection to improve growth performance within Japanese quail breeding programs.