A way forward for the South African quail sector as a potential contributor to food and nutrition security following the aftermath of COVID-19: a review

Commercial quail (Coturnix coturnix) farming has recently gained recognition from the South African poultry industry as a potential source of protein, which can be used to alleviate protein-energy malnutrition as well as food and nutrition insecurity in rural South Africa. Over six large-scale and hundred small-scale farmers are currently producing various quail breeds for commercial purposes in South Africa. However, these farmers face challenges of high feed costs, diseases, poor health care, low demand (for quail meat and eggs) and limited access to the markets. In addition, the lack of a pre-existing local market for quail meat and eggs has seen most farmers exporting these products to other countries, but with low profit margins owing to the slow growth experienced by world economies. Furthermore, the socio-economic crisis brought by the global Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exacerbated these challenges as most of the countries enforced nationwide lockdown to mitigate the spread of the virus. Although this initiative was taken to save lives, it left quail farmers not knowing where to trade their stock due to large uncertainties in the social and economic domain, compounded by the fact that many South African citizens are traditionally accustomed to chicken products. Moreover, the size of the quail in relation to its market price when compared to that of chickens continues to lower its demand causing a lot of quail businesses to collapse. Thus, it is imperative to explore strategies that can reduce the cost of producing quail, while increasing their demand and popularity. Non-conventional feed ingredients and phytogenic feed additives that are inexpensive, locally available, and readily accessible should be identified and evaluated in quail diets to deliver sustainable production systems that will ensure that these birds continue to play a significant role in food and nutrition security of humans. In addition, extension service workers and quail farmers need to form a collaborative team to increase awareness about the benefits of quail products and build a long-lasting and profitable quail business. In this work, we present potential rearing methods for commercial quail production, nutritional benefits of quail products, as well as nutritional solutions for a sustainable and profitable quail business. Lastly, we review prospective awareness programs and marketing strategies that are aimed at successful commercialisation of quail using various networks.

Microalgae: Potential for Bioeconomy in Food Systems

The efficient use of natural resources is essential for the planet’s sustainability and ensuring food security. Colombia’s large availability of water resources in combination with its climatic characteristics allows for the development of many microalgae species. The use of microalgae can potentially contribute to sustainable production in support of the agri-food sector. The nutritional composition (proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins, pigments, and antioxidants) of microalgae along with the ease of producing high biomass yields make them an excellent choice for human and animal nutrition and agriculture. Several species of microalgae have been studied seeking to develop food supplements for pigs, ruminants, poultry, fish, crustaceans, rabbits, and even bees. Important benefits to animal health, production, and improved bromatological and organoleptic characteristics of milk, meat, and eggs have been observed. Based on the functional properties of some microalgae species, foods and supplements have also been developed for human nutrition. Moreover, because microalgae contain essential nutrients, they can be utilized as biofertilizers by replacing chemical fertilizers, which are detrimental to the environment. In view of the above, the study of microalgae is a promising research area for the development of biotechnology and bioeconomy in Colombia.

Quail husbandry and welfare systems at Songhai-Delta farm: Profitability of enterprise

Quails are small sized pheasants having a long history of domestication and utilization. The management and welfare systems of Quail production at Songhai Delta farm were surveyed and reviewed. The young quails were sexed by the feather and vent methods when at 6 weeks old and they begin to lay eggs at about that age. Fertile eggs are managed in hatchery until chicks are hatched. Other set of eggs laid are also collected and sold in the farm shop. The quails were fed three types of ration - starter mash at 1-4 weeks of age, grower mash 4-6 weeks and layer mash as from 6 weeks of age. Quails are susceptible to some common poultry diseases; but good management and welfare practices ensure safety and healthy birds. A ratio of 1male to 3 females is the stocking rate in breeder cages in the farm, to obtain fertile eggs. High feed cost and poor market for farm products were the most significant problems of the enterprise. The cost and return estimate for quail bird production indicate that quail venture is highly profitable. The bird has early sexual maturity resulting in a short generation intervals and high rate of lay. Thus, raising quail offers many advantages when compared to producing other domestic or food animals. Quail venture is excellent and recommended for beginners in poultry business, because the birds begin to lay eggs at young age of about 6weeks; and can be slaughtered for food at 5weeks of age. Many developing countries presently faced with problem of inadequate supply of animal protein should find quail production a viable industry. The study recommends a step up of extension services to enlighten farmers and the populace on the importance of quail meat and eggs and the profitability of quail farming. Les cailles sont de petite taille ayant une longue histoire de domestication et d'utilisation. Les systèmes de gestion et de bien-être de la production de cailles à la ferme du delta de Songhai ont été considéré et examinés. Les jeunes cailles sont sexées par les méthodes de 'feather and vent' lorsqu'elles ont 6 semaines et qu'elles commencent à pondre des œufs vers cet âge. Les œufs fertiles sont gérés dans l'écloserie jusqu'à ce que les poussins soient éclos. D'autres œufs pondus sont également recueillis et vendus dans la boutique de la ferme. Les cailles ont été nourries de trois types de ration - purée de démarrage à l'âge de 1-4 semaines, purée de grower 4-6 semaines et purée de couche à partir de 6 semaines d'âge. Les cailles sont sensibles à certaines maladies courantes de la volaille ; mais de bonnes pratiques de gestion et de bien-être assurent la sécurité et la santé des oiseaux. Un rapport de 1male à 3 femelles est le taux de stockage dans les cages d'élevage dans la ferme, pour obtenir des oeufs fertiles. Le coût élevé des aliments pour animaux et le mauvais marché des produits agricoles ont étéles problèmes les plus importants de l'entreprise. L'estimation du coût et du rendement de la production d'oiseaux caille indique que l'entreprise de cailles est très rentable. L'oiseau a une maturité sexuelle précoce résultant en un intervalle de génération court et un taux élevé de produire des oeufs. Ainsi, l'élevage de cailles offre de nombreux avantages par rapport à la production d'autres animaux domestiques ou alimentaires. L'entreprise de caille est excellente et recommandée pour les débutants dans le secteur de la volaille, parce que les oiseaux commencent à pondre des œufs à un jeune âge d'environ 6 semaines ; et peut être abattu pour la nourriture à l'âge de 5 semaines. De nombreux pays en voie du développement confrontés à un problème d'approvisionnement insuffisant en protéines animales devraient trouver la production de cailles une industrie viable. L'étude recommande une augmentation des services d'extension pour éclairer les agriculteurs et la population sur l'importance de la viande et des œufs de caille et la rentabilité de l'élevage de cailles.

Efektivitas Ekstrak Daun Kemangi Untuk Menurunkan Kadar Gas NH3 dan H2S Ekskreta Puyuh (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) is one of the poultry produced meat and eggs commodity. The problem quail raising is excreta produces NH3 and H2S gases are chemicals in a free form and can pollute the environment. This study examines the effect of basil leaf extract on the reduction of NH3 and H2S quail excreta. Fresh excreta given extract with concentration level 200 mg mL-1, 150 mg mL-1, 100 mg mL-1, 50 mg mL then incubate for 24 hours. The method of basil leaf extraction by maceration soaking simplisia on ethanol 96% with comparison ratio 1:10. Antibacterial activity extract test used disc diffusion method. The inoculum contains 106 mL-1 bacterial cells S.aureus and E.coli are spreads on the MHA media then incubated at 37 oC for 24 hour. The result of this study that the levels of NH3 and H2S decreased (P<0.05) after given additional extract. Basil extract can inhibit bacterial activity S.aureus and E.coli (P<0.05). This study indicates that the additional basil leaf extract with a maximum concentration 200 mL-1 optimal can reduce NH3 and H2S gas levels compared to controls were not given additional extract.

Special Issue: Poultry Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology

Poultry products, meat and eggs, are important sources of protein in the human diet worldwide [...]

Nutritional behaviors of women and men in Poland during confinement related to the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic

The influence of the confinement on the changes of eating behaviors in men and women in Poland and between groups were assessed. Results were obtained for 112 men and 200 women. An anonymous questionnaire available on-line from 29 April to 19 May 2020 was the research tool. It contained questions about the frequency of consumption "before" and "during" confinement. Additionally, anthropometric measurements were declared by the respondents. An increase in the number of meals and an improvement in their regularity were observed in both groups. However, the frequency of snacking also increased. During lockdown women consumed potatoes, sweets, canned meat and eggs and men consumed canned meat more frequently. Products consumed less frequently were: fast food, instant soups and energy drinks (women), and white bread and fast food (men). The frequency of alcohol consumption also increased during lockdown. Average body weight and BMI increased significantly during social isolation. Body weight increase was declared by almost half of women and 40% of men. During the blockade period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in the dietary behavior of the study group of women and men were found. The nature of these changes varied according to gender and the dietary parameters analyzed.

Cleaning efficiency of feed production lines after production of feedstuffs with coccidiostats

Intensive broiler production implies regular use of coccidiostats approved as feed additives. However, due to their chemical properties, coccidiostats can stay behind in the production line, and consequently, unavoidable cross-contamination of non-medicated feedstuffs can result in the exposure of non-target animal species and in the potential for coccidiostat residues in foods, such as chicken meat and eggs, derived from these species. In this way, coccidiostats enter the human food chain and can pose a health problem. The aim of this study was to determine the success of line cleaning after the application of salinomycin and maduramicin in feed. We tested the cleaning matrix (wheat groats) in order to demonstrate how many cleaning replicates are needed to safely produce coccidiostat-free feedstuffs. After the application of salinomycin, it is recommended that, for safety reasons, the line be cleaned with at least five batches of wheat groats of 480 kg each. In the case of maduramicin, it is recommended the line be cleaned with a minimum of eight batches, considering the relatively low permissible level of maduramicin as a contaminant in medication-free feed.

Functional and Mechanistic Studies of Two Anti-coccidial Herbs, Bidens pilosa and Artemisia indica

Currently, antibiotics are commonly used to treat coccidiosis, a severe protozoal disease in chickens. However, due to growing concerns about the antibiotic residue in meat and eggs, phytogenic formulations are becoming an attractive approach to manage this disease. In this study, we investigated the anti-coccidial function and mechanism of phytogenic formulations composed of Bidens pilosa, Artemisia indica, and both used in combination. We found that these formulations increased the survival rate and reduced body weight loss, the feed conversion ratio, oocyst excretion, bloody stools, and gut lesions of chickens. Mechanistic studies showed that A. indica, but not B. pilosa, reduced the survival of Eimeria oocysts. Accordingly, they both inhibited oocyst sporulation and sporozoite invasion into Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells. Overall, we demonstrate that these formulations protect chickens against coccidiosis. Moreover, a combination of B. pilosa and A. indica has an additive effect on coccidiosis control and growth performance in chickens compared to either one used alone.

Suplementasi Ekstrak Asam Kandis (Garcinia xanthochymus) dalam Air Minum terhadap Kadar Malondialdehid Kuning Telur dan Komposisi Kimia Daging dan Telur Puyuh

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of Garcinia xanthochymus extract in drinking water on the quail meat and eggs quality (fat content, protein content) and malondialdehyde (MDA) on egg yolk. This study used female quails (132 tails) aged 42 days, which were kept for 6 weeks, and then divided into four groups treatments of drinking water, and 3 replications each treatment. The method used was a Completely Randomized Design (RAL) with P0 (control), P1 (pH 4), P2 (pH 3), P3 (pH 2). The variables observed were moisture content, crude fat content and crude protein content in quail meat and eggs but MDA only on yolk eggs. The results showed a significantly decreased (p<0.05) effect of Garcinia xanthochymus extract supplementation in drinking water on MDA levels of yolk quail eggs. However it had no significant effect on moisture content, crude fat content, and crude protein content in yolk quail eggs . The treatments had significantly increased crude protein in meat. It was concluded that giving extract of Garcinia Xanthochymus extract (kandis acid) at pH 2 in drinking water decreased the MDA content of quail egg yolks. Key words: antioxidant, Garcinia Xanthochymus, chemical compound of meat and egg, egg yolk MDA