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Metabolic adaptations induced by long-term fasting in quails
D R Sartori1, R H Migliorini, J A Veiga
1Department of Physiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, UNESP, Botucatu, S.P., Brazil.
Summary
Quails exhibit three distinct metabolic phases during prolonged fasting, similar to other birds. Their extended Phase II makes them a valuable model for studying metabolic adaptations to food deprivation.
Area of Science:
- Animal physiology
- Metabolic research
- Comparative biology
Background:
- Prolonged fasting induces significant physiological changes in birds.
- Understanding metabolic adaptations is crucial for avian health and survival.
- Previous studies focused on naturally fast-adapted or larger bird species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the metabolic response of quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) to prolonged food deprivation.
- To evaluate the suitability of quails as a model for studying metabolic adjustments during fasting.
- To identify and delineate the distinct phases of metabolic adaptation in fasting quails.
Main Methods:
- Adult male quails were subjected to up to 21 days of food deprivation.
- Body weight loss, rate of weight loss, and nitrogen excretion were monitored.
- Biochemical parameters including blood glucose, plasma FFA, and triacylglycerols were analyzed.
- Liver and carcass lipid content were assessed.
Main Results:
- Quails lost approximately 45% of their initial body weight after 21 days of fasting.
- Three distinct fasting phases were identified: Phase I (rapid weight loss decrease, high fat mobilization), Phase II (slow, steady decline in weight loss and nitrogen excretion), and Phase III (abrupt increase in weight loss and nitrogen excretion).
- Metabolic changes observed in quails were comparable to those in other bird species, despite their smaller size.
Conclusions:
- Quails display a prolonged Phase II during fasting, offering a significant advantage for studying metabolic adaptations.
- The precise determination of Phase III onset in quails is feasible.
- Quails serve as a suitable and valuable model for investigating the biochemical mechanisms underlying metabolic adjustments to prolonged food deprivation in non-fasting-adapted birds.