Oke O E, Oliyide K M, Akosile O A, Oni A I, Adekunle E O, Oyebanji B O, Aremu O P, Adeoba I M, Eletu T A, Daramola J O
Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Centre of Excellence in Poultry Sciences, University of Lome, Lome, Togo.
Vet Med Sci. 2025 Jul;11(4):e70424. doi: 10.1002/vms3.70424.
The demand for ethical and sustainable poultry production is driving up the importance of quail welfare. Because quail meat and eggs are in high demand, quails are frequently kept in harsh production environments that may harm their health and well-being. This review examines contemporary developments that combine enhanced nutrition, environmental enrichment and genetic improvements to improve quail well-being. By concentrating on these essential elements, we offer a thorough synopsis of tactics that can improve the welfare and productivity of quails in industrial environments. Enhancing the environment for quail has shown to be a successful strategy. It has been demonstrated that adding naturalistic elements, such as perches, materials for dust bathing and different lighting, reduces stress, promotes natural behaviours and enhances general health. We analysed the influence of innovative feeding on immunity, gastrointestinal health and stress resilience, emphasising the importance of personalised nutritional interventions in welfare improvement. Additionally, there are encouraging prospects to improve quail welfare thanks to genetic developments. Results are starting to emerge from selective breeding initiatives designed to increase stress tolerance, disease resistance and environmental adaptation. The potential of genetics and biotechnology in developing quail strains that are resilient to welfare challenges and highly productive is covered in this review. This review highlights the potential of integrating environmental enrichment, precision nutrition and genetic innovations to enhance quail welfare in intensive systems. These science-based strategies improve bird well-being and productivity, responding to growing consumer demand for ethically produced animal products. Their adoption can support sustainable farming, increase profitability and promote a more responsible and resilient poultry industry.
对符合道德规范且可持续的家禽生产的需求，正提升鹌鹑福利的重要性。由于鹌鹑肉和蛋的需求量很大，鹌鹑常被饲养在恶劣的生产环境中，这可能会损害它们的健康和福祉。本综述探讨了结合强化营养、环境富集和基因改良以改善鹌鹑福利的当代发展情况。通过关注这些关键要素，我们全面概述了可提高鹌鹑在工业环境中的福利和生产力的策略。改善鹌鹑的环境已被证明是一种成功的策略。研究表明，添加栖木、沙浴材料和不同光照等自然元素，可减轻压力、促进自然行为并增强整体健康。我们分析了创新饲养方式对免疫力、胃肠道健康和应激恢复力的影响，强调了个性化营养干预在改善福利方面的重要性。此外，基因发展为改善鹌鹑福利带来了令人鼓舞的前景。旨在提高应激耐受性、抗病能力和环境适应性的选择性育种计划已开始产生成果。本综述涵盖了遗传学和生物技术在培育能应对福利挑战且高产的鹌鹑品系方面的潜力。本综述强调了整合环境富集、精准营养和基因创新以提升集约化养殖系统中鹌鹑福利的潜力。这些基于科学的策略可改善禽类的健康和生产力，以回应消费者对符合道德生产的动物产品日益增长的需求。采用这些策略有助于实现可持续养殖、提高盈利能力并促进更具责任感和适应力的家禽产业发展。
