BACKGROUND: Due to the numerous biological effects of nanoparticles, nanotechnology can play a major role in future research areas in the poultry industry. OBJECTIVES: The SNP have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties that are increasingly used in poultry farms. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SNP on carcass and laying performance, qualitative and quantitative characteristics of eggs, fertility and hatchability in Japanese quail. METHODS: 96 quails including 24 male quails and 72 female quails were assigned to 4 experimental groups with 6 replications in a completely randomized design. The experimental groups consisted of 0 (control), 4, 8, and 12 ppm SNP, which were given to the birds in drinking water. Quantitative and qualitative parameters of eggs and determining the percentage of fertility and hatching were performed on a weekly basis. Also, at the end of the experiment, body weight and relative weight of internal organs were measured. RESULTS: The relative weight of liver and kidney organs increased in the SNP-receiving groups as compared to control (p < 0.05). There was a significant decrease in egg weight in SNP- receiving groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The effect of experimental groups on relative yolk weight was not significant. Albumin weight and yolk to albumin ratio increased in two groups of control and 8 ppm SNP, respectively (p < 0.05). Egg thickness and shape index decreased in groups 4, 8, and 12 ppm SNP as compared to control (p < 0.05). However, the effect of different experimental groups on quantitative and qualitative parameters of eggs including eggshell weight, eggshell membrane, and egg volume was not statistically significant. The SNP-receiving groups caused a dramatic increase in fertility rate as compared to control (p < 0.05); furthermore, the increase in hatchability rate in SNP groups was not significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study showed that the use of 4 and 8 ppm SNP can improve the laying performance, fertility and hatchability rates in Japanese quail.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding processed kidney bean meal (PKBM) by replacing soybean meal (SBM) on fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality and chick quality of white leghorn (WL) hens. A total of 225 white leghorn hens (195 layers and 30 cocks) with uniform body weight (BW) and age were randomly distributed into 15 pens and assigned to five treatments (i.e., T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5). A total of 360 eggs collected from all the treatment birds were used for the analysis. The feeds of the treatments were SBM substituted by PKBM at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels for T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively. Replacement of SBM with PKBM in the diet did not affect the fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality, chick length, chick weight, and chick quality by visual score. As no difference is observed, 100% replacement of SBM by PKBM (dosed at 100 g/kg concentrate diet) is possible.

This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of two induced molting methods (The modified California method and the reduced nutrient method) and to determine the preferable method that achieves the main goals of post-molt in breeder hens. Twenty-four commercial Ross broiler breeder flocks (59 weeks old) were used. The birds were divided into two groups (12 flocks each). Group 1 (G1) was subjected to a modified California forced molting method, while Group 2 (G2) was subjected to a reduced-nutrient method (low-protein low-energy diet). Body weight (BW), weight loss, mortality, and egg production cease were determined before the molting period, while feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), mortality, egg production, fertility, and hatchability% were recorded after molting. The results of this study indicated that, although the California treatment ceased egg production earlier than the reduced nutrient molting method (day 8 and day 14) respectively, and the weight loss achieved after 28 d in the California method (28.7%) versus (30.4% after 36 days) in the reduced-nutrient system. The reduced nutrient system showed a lower mortality rate and a higher BW at the start and the end of the molting period. Additionally, the reduced nutrient system showed enhanced post-molt performance, as demonstrated by improved BWG, lower mortality%, higher egg production% (79.1%) versus (74.5%) in the California group, and better hatchability%. The FI and fertility% not significantly affected between the different groups.  In conclusion, forced molting by the reduced-nutrient method achieved the main goals of induced molting and recorded the best values in productive traits in the post-molt period. So, it can be used as a viable alternative to the feed withdrawal method for the successful induction of molting from both the economic and welfare points of view.