Japanese quail production in Brazil: historic, challenges and opportunities

SUMMARYThe production of Japanese quail eggs (Coturnix japonica) is widespread in Brazil. Currently, quail eggs serve as an alternative protein source and are in high market demand. Numerous studies have focused on nutrition, management, egg quality, reproduction and genetic improvement. Additionally, Japanese quails have been recognised as experimental models for Gallus gallus domesticus. Their egg production capacity can exceed 300 eggs per year, and it is possible to house 80 birds per square metre, making this species attractive to producers with limited space. This review highlights that under intensive systems egg laying begins at 42 days, when females weigh around 150 g. The eggs weigh between 9 and 12 g and can vary in colour from whitish/white to light brown or bluish, speckled with numerous rusty brown to dark brown spots of various sizes and shapes. Fertility rates in Japanese quail breeders average 87%, while the hatchability of fertile eggs is around 88%. For optimal incubation, eggs should be stored for no more than 14 days at 14°C, with 45° rotation every 12 h during storage. Research has focused on determining nutritional requirements of Japanese quail, recommending 23% crude protein and 2,850 kcal of metabolisable energy. However, the full nutrient profile needed for optimal growth has not yet been fully elucidated. Additionally, there is no unified breeding and improvement programme for quail production in the country, highlighting the need for better organisation of relevant materials on this topic. Therefore, this review aims to consolidate recent knowledge and analyse the specific characteristics of quail farming as an alternative species in Brazil.