Embryonic Development and Behaviour of Japanese Quail Exposed to Microgravity

Abstract

The effect of microgravity on the embryonic development of Japanese quail including hatching, the behaviour of newly hatched chickens and physiological functions of adult birds were studied. The feasibility of the entire embryonic development as well as hatching of quail in weightlessness was demonstrated. Priority data on sensory, motor and feeding behaviour of 1- to 4-day-old quail hatchlings as well as the behaviour of adult birds in microgravity were obtained. Under special conditions the quail were able to take food, but were generally unable to adapt their motor activity to microgravity at any time during the experiment. Their movements were uncoordinated and chaotic, particularly so in chicks. After a 7-day exposure to microgravity hormone levels (estradiol, triiodthyronine, corticosterone) and Ca in mature quail were determined. Changes in reproductive functions were manifested by the arrest of egg production, dystrophy of ovaries and testes and a decreased testosterone level. The first data on the effects of microgravity on the enteric microflora were also obtained.