The effect of adrenal glands on ovulation in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

• Published in: Poultry science 1980-12, Vol.59 (12), p.2760-2764
• Main Authors: Moreng, G.R, Cain, J.R, Warner, R.L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adrenal Glands - metabolism; Adrenal Glands - physiology; Animals; Coturnix - physiology; Female; Ovulation; Quail - physiology
• ISSN: 0032-5791; 1525-3171
• DOI: 10.3382/ps.0592760

Adrenal involvement in ovulation has been demonstrated for several mammalian species and has recently come under scrutiny in birds. Complete adrenalectomy causes severe system imbalances; therefore, it was decided to evaluate the effect of unilateral adrenalectomy on ovulation in coturnix. Since no mortality occurred among 59 hens recovering from anesthesia following hemiadrenalectomy, systemic imbalances appeared to be tolerable. Hen-day egg production of adrenalectomized hens was significantly (P greater than .05) lower than that of sham operated and unoperated controls. Adrenalectomized birds exhibited their lowest rate of lay (18.7%) on the second day following treatment. The amount of time that hemiadrenalectomy preceded oviposition on the day of treatment influenced the occurrence of an ovulation. When adrenalectomy occurred 5 to 7.5 hr prior to oviposition, 86.7% of the birds failed to ovulate that day, compared with 27.8% of controls. This difference was highly significant. When adrenalectomy occurred less than 2.5 hr prior to oviposition, 92.3% of the birds ovulated on that day, but failed to ovulate on the next day. Subsequent to the period of adrenal insufficiency, hens resumed normal egg production. It was concluded that the adrenals directly influence daily ovulations in Coturnix, exerting an effect on hormonal events leading to ovulation.