Adaptability of Japanese Quail Chicks to Conditions of Simulated Weightlessness

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the adaptability of young Japanese quail chicks to the simulated weightlessness, represented by hypodynamy. Unsexed hatchlings were subjected to hypodynamy on either the first, second or third day of age and reared under these conditions to 21 days of age. During this period, the control quail chicks were housed in a floor box. The effect of hypodynamy on adaptability of chicks was significant (P < 0.001 ). Approximately 75% of all chicks exposed to hypodynamy were not able to adapt in three experimental groups, although significant differences in adaptability were not found between these groups. Those birds were considered as non-adapted (eliminated from experiment) that manifested hyperactivity, escape attempts, turning 180° in the sling, soaking in the water from the drinker, as well as the total apathy, at least three times per day. This experiment confirmed that some quail chicks are capable of adapting to conditions simulating weightlessness to 21 days of age and that the first 2-weeks after hatching may be a critical period of quail sensitivity to hypodynamy. This finding raises a key issue relevant to rearing quails in simulated weightlessness until the age of sexual maturity.