title: Effect of age and carcase composition on the onset of sexual maturity in quail under normal feeding regimens.
abstract: 1. The effect of age and carcase composition on the onset of sexual maturity was investigated in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) reared under a normal feeding regimen. 2. At 42 d of age, when the quail had started to lay and hen day production was about 60%, layers were heavier and contained more carcase fat than those that were not laying. 3. The liver and the ovary weight were greater following the onset of sexual maturity than 1 or 2 weeks before (35 and 28 d respectively). 4. Carcase fat as well as age are critical requirements for the onset of sexual maturity in quail.
authors: Department of Animal Production, Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors: A L
authors: AL
authors: Yannakopoulos
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Christaki
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Florou-Paneri
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D001823:Body Composition; D001835:Body Weight; D003370:Coturnix / Q000254:growth & development*; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D008055:Lipids / Q000032:analysis; D008099:Liver / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development; D008297:Male; D010053:Ovary / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development; D010058:Oviposition; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012741:Sexual Maturation
chemical_list: D008055:Lipids; D011506:Proteins