Results of two morphological practical methods for sex determination in japanese quail

Abstract EN

Shank length measurements of ?35 mm for females and < 35 mm for males was used to predict sexes in Japanese quail at 10, 17, 24, 31, 38 and 45 days of age in 827 Japanese quail chicks.

Shank length between sexes was found to differ (P < 0.01) as early as 17 days of age and was maintained thereafter.

The best prediction of sexes was made at 24 days of age; the accuracy for predicting females was higher than for males (96.1 vs.

95.9%).

This technique requires only a single shank measurement taken at 24 days of age and provides the breeder with a reliable way of separating sexes for purposes of marketing and selection of breeders at relatively earlier ages especially in white strains.

There was a second method of sex determination through plumage dimorphism (feather sexing) with 95% accuracy at 24 days of age.

Therefore, either shank length or feather dimorphism would offer valid methods for separating sexes of Japanese quail.