Inbreeding depression in Japanese quail.

usefulness of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) as an expenT z n t a l animal was first pointed out about eight years ago (WILSON, ABBOTT and ABPLANALP 1959, 1961; PADGETT and IVEY 1959). These birds have steadily gained in popularity since then, but few quantitative genetic studies have been reported to date. The present investigation was designed to assess the response of Japanese quail to rapid inbreeding with the aim, at the outset, of deveIoping viable inbred lines for genetic and biomedical research purposes. Successive full-sib matings in the present study have led to the complete loss of reproductive fitness by the third generation (F = .5) owing to inbreeding depression. Mainly three traits are to be discussed in this connection: hatchability, viability and fertility.