Suitability of some additional parameters in reproduction studies in Japanese quail: preliminary experience.

摘要

Against the background of ongoing discussions about the proposal for a new OECD guideline for testing reproduction toxicity in birds (OECD, 2000) and about the best-suited test design for an avian two-generation test, the inclusion of additional parameters and methods is widely discussed. In one-generation studies in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica), we investigated a number of these new endpoints such as spermatid count, hormone concentrations (estradiol, LH, progesterone, testosterone, T3, T4) and sex distribution in 14-day old chicks. Data on these parameters are presented with particular regard to untreated animals to show the physiological range and their suitability is discussed. The regular determination of spermatid count, serum concentrations of testosterone (both sexes), estradiol (in females only) and sex ratio is recommended as these variables provide promising measurement endpoints.