Saddleback Journal of Biology - Saddleback College

Fall 2009 Biology 3B Paper
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The Difference in Metabolic Rate of the Common Quail, Coturnix coturnix During
Incubation
Chelsea Roche and Frank Leon
Department of Biological Sciences
Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Metabolic rate is an important measurement of all the body’s functions. It can be
measured by oxygen consumption or by the production of carbon dioxide. Both methods of
measurement encompass body functions such as gas exchange, organ function, and the
overall health of an individual. Metabolic rate increases as the gestational period goes on,
and is also dependent on the size of the organism. In this experiment, the metabolic rate of
quail eggs was measured in relation to the point in the gestational period. Measurements
were taken at the beginning, middle and end of gestation and calculated in terms of mL
CO 2 °·g -1 °·min -1 . The average carbon dioxide production was calculated for each gestational
period and was 0.256 mL CO 2 °·g -1 °·min -1 , 0.274 mL CO 2 °·g -1 °·min -1 , 0.119 mL CO 2 °·g -
1 °·min -1 (Mean ± S.E.) for early, middle and late gestational periods, respectively. Results of
the difference in CO 2 production were statistically significant (p=0.046, two-tailed
ANOVA). The Bonferroni/Dunn comparison showed a statistical difference between the
middle and late gestational periods. Metabolism decreased as the eggs got closer to pipping
as the embryo’s development was halted between middle and late gestational periods.
Introduction
The common quail, Coturnix coturnix is a
small bird in the pheasant family Phasianidae. It is a
small, rotund bird with long wings used for migration.
It is a terrestrial species that feeds on seeds and insects.
Quails can begin to breed at 6-8 weeks of age and it
lays 6-18 eggs in a ground nest. The gestational period
is 16-17 days. Coturnix eggs are characterized by a
variety of color patterns. They range from snow white
to completely brown. More commonly they are tan and
dark brown speckled or mottled brown with a chalky
blue covering. The average egg from mature female
weighs about 10 grams (1/3 ounce), about 8 percent of
the body weight of the quail hen as compared to 3
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Saddleback Journal of Biology
Spring 2010