Embryonic thermal manipulation of Japanese quail: effects on embryonic development, hatchability, and post-hatch performance

Embryonic thermal manipulation led to several modifications in molecular, physiological, and biochemical parameters which affect pre- and post-hatch growth performance. The current study aims to elucidate the onset and long-term effects of intermittent thermal manipulations (TM) during two-time windows, early/late, of embryogenesis in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) on embryonic development, hatchability, muscle histogenesis, and post-hatch growth performance. Four groups were created; quail eggs in the control group were incubated at 37.7 °C and relative humidity (RH) 55%. Three thermally treated groups were incubated intermittently at 41 °C and 65% RH intermittently (3 h/day): early embryogenesis group (EE) was thermally treated during embryonic days (ED) 6–8, late embryogenesis group (LE) was thermally treated during (ED12–ED14), and early and late embryogenesis group (EL) was thermally manipulated in both time windows. Relative embryo weights in EL and EE were significantly lighter than those in LE and Ctrl groups. The hatched chicks were reared under optimal managemental conditions (three replicates per treatment). Average daily feed intake was recorded, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated. Histological and quantitative analyses of muscle fibers were performed. The results revealed that TM led to significant hypertrophy of quail breast muscle in (EE). Intermittent short-term (3–6 h) thermal manipulation (39–40 °C) protocols during early embryogenesis (ED6–ED8) could be recommended to enhance muscle mass growth and breast muscle yield in the Japanese quail.