Early heat acclimation during incubation improves Japanese quail performance under summer conditions

Effects of exposing quail eggs to high temperature on the heat tolerance ability and productivity of birds were investigated. Four groups of 600 fertile eggs were randomly selected; the first group was incubated under 37.5 °C and the hatched chicks were reared under a gradual decrease in temperature from 35 to 24 °C (Control). The second group was exposed to 39.1 °C for 2 h/day during 4-14 days of embryogenesis and the hatched chicks were reared under a gradual decrease in temperature from 35 to 24 °C. The third group was incubated under 37.5 °C and the hatched chicks were exposed to 39 ± 1 °C for 2 h/day during 4-14 days of age. The fourth group was exposed to 39 ± 1 °C for 2 h during 4-14 days of embryogenesis and the hatched chicks were exposed to 39 ± 1 °C for 2 h/day during 4-14 days of age. The temperature applied changed (P < 0.01) embryo weight and incubation period. Birds exposed to high temperature during brooding had superior growth performance, dressed carcass, body temperature and health traits. Birds subjected to 39 ± 1 °C during brooding exhibited decreased feed consumption and body weight gain. Finally, this work suggests that thermal acclimation during embryogenesis might offer a practical method for easing heat stress.