Japanese Quail Introduction Flashcards
(28 cards)
Why is the quail used in human developmental biology?
The quail embryo is an amniote with early developmental patterns similar to that of humans.
Why are quail advantageous as a model to study amniotes?
- Rapid reproductive maturation
- Modest size of breeding adults
- Ease of breeding in laboratory
- Resilience to research manipulations
- Availability of transgenic lines
- Fully sequenced genome
- Tools for molecular manipulations
How are endemic populations of Japanese quail listed on the IUCN Red List?
‘Near Threatened’ - Likely due to hunting, shifts in agriculture, and contamination of the gene pool by farm quail
What order and family do Japanese quail belong to?
Order: Galliformes
Family: Phasianidae
Can C. japonica and C. coturnix interbeed?
In captivity, yes. Will produce fertile offspring. Not thought to interbreed in the wild.
What is the incubation length of quail?
16 days (compared to 21 days in the chicken)
How is the chick-quail chimera system used?
Cell lineage analysis. Quail cells stain with Schiff’s reagent, allowing differentiation.
What amniote work prefers mice and quail?
Mice for molecular studies, birds for live imaging.
Development of transgenic quail using lentiviral vectors.
Describe the Quiver quail.
Neurofilament-deficient mutant. Lacks neurofilament protein from neuronal axons and cell bodies. Difference in noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine content in neostriatum.
Why are quail used in aging research?
Develop declining function in reproductive, metabolic, and sensory systems, similar to mammals.
Two advantages:
1. Hypothalamic systems exhibit neuroplasticity - Aging males respond to testosterone replacement therapy with full recovery of sexual behavior. Male cloacal gland (proctodeal) gland is similar to prostate and androgen responsive.
2. Dynamic bone physiology, especially females. Aging quail develop bone fragility and serve as a validated model for hormone effects on osteoporosis and the role of vitamin D. Rescue via hormone replacement.
Which sex of quail is larger?
Females
Describe the sexual dimorphism of quail.
Females have light tan feathers and black speckling on their chest and throat. Males have rusty brown throat and breast feathers.
How are plumage color mutants used in research?
Genetic studies
When can quail be sexed?
Within one day of hatching by cloacal exam. By 4-6 weeks based on plumage.
How long do quail live in the laboratory?
1.5 to 2 years.
Describe the cloacal gland of quail.
In males, secretes a white foamy material. Increased gland size correlates with increased photoperiod. Foam deposited can be retained for more than 12h and contributes to prolonged sperm motility. Gland size used as an external indicator of testicular function. Gland regression and decreased body weight associated with castration.
How can males and females be differentiated in strains that lack wild-type plumage?
Observation of foam following gentle, manual pressure on the cloacal gland.
How is foam production from the cloacal gland linked to the presence of bacteria?
Treatment with fluoroquinolones decreases foam bacterial counts, leads to decreased foam production, and decreased fertility.
Describe vision in quail.
Color vision. Lower field myopia that allows focusing on the ground while foraging and monitoring the horizon and sky for predators.
What type of enrichment do quail prefer?
Opportunities for foraging. Spend little time on elevated surfaces, so perches are of little value. Prefer to stay under cover. Dust baths.
Where should nest boxes be placed for quail?
In the shade, especially in hot climates, as elevated nest box temperatures can be lethal to incubating females.
What sexual behavior do Japanese quail exhibit?
Polygamy to monogamy.
How should males and females be paired for maximum efficiency?
Females housed continuously with male. Males more receptive to females introduced to their cage, than vice versa.
