Incubation variables, performance, and morphometry of the duodenal mucosa of Japanese quails (Coturnixcoturnix japonica) submitted to different incubation temperatures and thermally challenged after hatching

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different temperatures on incubation variables, performance, and morphometry duodenal mucosa Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) submitted chronic heat stress after hatching. We distributed 540 eggs in three incubators with a temperature 37.8°C 60% humidity. From 6th day until hatching, were adjusted (37.8°C, 38.5°C 39.5°C). After evaluated for quality score, weighed, completely randomized design (37.8, 38.5, 39.5°C) two ambient (stress thermoneutral). At 10, 20, 30, 40 days they weighed determine live weight (g) gain(g). To collect duodenum morphometric parameters, we euthanized four each treatment. The data analyzed, differences between means determined by Tukey test at 5%. 39.5°C provided lower hatching rate birth; however, from 10th age, increased weight, gain, positively influenced morphological parameters situations stress.