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Effect of age and carcase composition on the onset of sexual maturity in quail under normal feeding regimens |
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| Authors: | A L Yannakopoulos E Christaki P Florou‐Paneri |
| Institution: | Department of Animal Production, Ichthyology, Ecology and Protection of Environment, School of Veterinary Medicine , Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki, 540 06, Greece |
| Abstract: | 1. The effect of age and carcase composition on the onset of sexual maturity was investigated in Japanese quail (Cotumix 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. |
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