Pathological alterations in carcasses and viscera of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica -Temminck & Schlegel, 1849) of commercial breeding

Identification of macroscopic injures in japanese quail carcasses during the slaughter process is essential to ensure the high quality of the final product, the meat, and decrease the risk of zoonotic diseases. This study aimed to describe the main pathological changes in japanese quail in slaughter process. For such, 31 individuals were sampled at two distinct farms situated in the rural zone of Manaus/AM. All analyses were performed in the Laboratory of Triatominae, Phlebotominae and Nidicola fauna of the National Institute for Amazonian Research, Manaus/AM. "Ante mortem" and "post mortem" inspection were performed in all carcasses. Externally there was only one specimen with cachexy. Lungs of 9,5% of the specimens had hyperemia and fibrin exudate in the apical lobes surface. Ulcerations in the proventriculus and ventriculus mucosal were reported in the 9,6% of birds. Pathological alterations have been registered in more than half of the Japanese quail. Three individuals showed mucus similar to coffee grounds in the jejunum, ileum and cecum. Cecum of these Japanese quail presented one or more parasites species. 87% of the livers showed a pale aspect, crumbly texture and multifocal areas yellowish or greenish gray colors. Ovarian follicles were atrophied and two oviducts presented fibrinous exudate in serous. The oviduct light it was partially obliterated by whitish exudate and caseous mass. Some pathological changes described are similar to those described for laying hens, however, we have also described macroscopic injuries to this species particular, which suggests further research on this kind has growing economic importance