Evaluation of induced molting methods on the livability and reproductive system regression of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica)

This study aimed at evaluating the alternative method of zinc oxide and fasting to induce molt in Japanese quails. A total number of 190 48-week-old quails was used. They were at end of laying cycle, and presented low egg production. Quails molted by zinc oxide (Z) were fed a diet containing 25,000 ppm of zinc oxide, and received water ad libitum. Quails treated by fasting (F) received no feed and a day of water restriction. The treatment period was determined by the experimental level of body weight loss (BWL). Birds were submitted to different levels of BWL in order to analyze reproductive system regression (ovary + oviduct), and livability. The following groups were established according to their BWL: Control (untreated quails); F-25 (25% BWL by F); F-35 (35% BWL by F); Z(25) (25% BWL by Z), and Z(35) (35% BWL by Z). Z(25), Z(35), and F-35 presented no significant differences in reproductive system weights after molting; however, their weights were lower than F-25. Z(25), Z(35), and F-35 presented the following livability: 97.5, 72.5, and 90%. Japanese quails treated by the alternative method of zinc oxide, presenting body weight loss of 25%, showed low mortality rate, and adequate regression of the reproductive organs.