Abstract
Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) reach sexual maturity earlier, breed rapidly and successfully, and cost less and require less space than other birds raised commercially. Given the value of this species for food production and experimental use, more studies are necessary to determine chromosomal regions and genes associated with gender and breed-differentiation. This study employed Trinity and edgeR for transcriptome analysis of next-generation RNA-seq data, which included 4 tissues obtained from 3 different breeding lines of Japanese quail (random bred control, heavy weight, low weight). Differentially expressed genes shared between female and male tissue contrast groups were analyzed to identify genes related to sexual dimorphism as well as potential novel candidate genes for molecular sexing. Several of the genes identified in the present study as significant sex-related genes have been previously found in avian gene expression analyses (NIPBL, UBAP2), and other genes found differentially expressed in this study and not previously associated with sex-related differences may be considered potential candidates for molecular sexing (TERA, MYP0, PPR17, CASQ2). Additionally, other genes likely associated with neuronal and brain development (CHKA, NYAP), as well as body development and size differentiation (ANKRD26, GRP87) in quail were identified. Expression of homeobox protein regulating genes (HXC4, ISL1) shared between our two sex-related contrast groups (Female Brain vs. Male Brain and Ovary vs. Testis) indicates that these genes may regulate sex-specific anatomical development. Results reveal genetic features of the quail breed and could allow for more effective molecular sexing as well as selective breeding for traits important in commercial production.
Highlights
Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) have the fastest growth rate of all species in the Phasianidae family of birds, which includes species bred and raised primarily for human consumption such as chickens and turkeys [1]
Samples were collected from 12 total animals, 4 from each of the three Japanese quail breeding lines: randomly bred control (RBC), heavy weight (HW), and low weight (LW)
Apart from UBAP2 and NIPBL, the other significantly expressed genes shared between our two sex-related contrasts have not yet been confirmed as linked to avian sexual dimorphism; we propose that these genes are specific to quail and can be used for species-specific sexing
Summary
Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) have the fastest growth rate of all species in the Phasianidae family of birds, which includes species bred and raised primarily for human consumption such as chickens and turkeys [1]. Females reach sexual maturity at around 5–6 weeks on average, which is extremely early compared to the five-month maturation period of chickens. These features make the breed attractive for commercial production and genetic improvement, and for research on reproduction and sex [2]. The feed and space required per bird is less for quail than for chickens or turkeys, making them excellent for commercial purposes [3]. Females are reported to reach sexual maturity at 40 days, have a growing mortality of 5–20 percent, hatch ability of 60–70 percent, a fertility of 75–90 percent, and have a productive life of one year
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
