Raising systems and diet type in Japanese quails production: Effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, fatty acid profiles and meat quality

This study evaluated the effects of raising systems and diet types on growth performance, carcass characteristics, pH content, fatty acid profiles and meat quality in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). A total of 608 seven-day-old quail chicks were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design, with two raising systems (cage and free-range) and two diet types (conventional and organic). The experiment employed a completely randomized design with four treatments, four replicates per treatment, and 38 birds per replicate. Quail chicks were raised for 42 d in cages and 51 d in free-range systems, depending on the treatment. Feed intake (FI), live body weight (LBW), and mortality were recorded weekly, and daily feed intake (DFI), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated. At the end of the experiment, birds were slaughtered to analyze fatty acid profiles, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, and pH in meat. Results showed FCR from 8 to 42 d of age improved in birds fed a conventional diet in cage system compared to those fed an organic diet raised in either free-range or cage systems (P < 0.05). During the periods of 8 to 42 d and 8 to 51d, BWG was higher in birds raised in the cage system fed a conventional diet compared to quails fed an organic diet raised in either free-range or cage systems (P < 0.05). Intestine length was higher in male quails raised in cages and fed a conventional diet compared to male quails raised in the free-range system fed an organic diet (P < 0.05). The gut relative weight decreased in female quails raised in cage system compared to both male and female quails raised in free-range and cage systems, respectively (P < 0.05). Meat pH decreased in quails fed an organic diet compared to those fed a conventional diet (P < 0.05). Free-range quails had higher levels of beneficial long-chain fatty acids and a more favorable n-6: n-3 ratio in their meat compared to cage-reared birds (P < 0.05). Organic diets increased alpha-linolenic acid but also elevated MDA levels, indicating greater lipid oxidation. MDA was lower in free-range birds, especially those fed organic diets, than in caged birds (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Japanese quails fed conventional diets in cage systems showed better growth and feed efficiency, while free-range birds exhibited improved meat fatty acid profiles and oxidative stability. Organic diets increased lipid oxidation, especially in caged birds, highlighting the trade-off between production performance and meat quality across rearing systems. Further studies are recommended to explore these aspects in greater detail.