Studies on early mortality in quail

Abstract EN

Early mortality is a major problem threating quail industry.

This study investigates the main causative microbial agents through 8 broods at Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate (5 from Fac.

of agriculture.

and 3 from private farm.

Eighty ailing quail chicks were examined and samples were collected for bacterial and viral isolation.

Samples revealed an incidence of salmonella spp.

15 %, staph.

aureus 11.25 %, E.coli spp.

18.75 %, proteus spp.

2.5 % and pseudomonas spp.

6.25 %.

Moreover the reovirus was isolated at a rate of 25 % (2out of 8 brood), meanwhile ND virus cannot be isolated.

Experimental infection exhibited more or less identical signs to those reported with natural infection.

Blood chemistry showed a highly significant increase in liver enzymes activities, cretonne and uric acid.

So, the early quail mortalities are a multifactorial syndrome including bacterial, viral and manage mental factors and these require application of strict hygienic measures.