Cyclical fluctuations in the levels of blood calcium, pH and pCO 2 in Japanese quail

Abstract

1. 1. Mature female Japanese quail exhibit a cyclical metabolic acidosis accompanied by changes in the blood total and ionic calcium levels. Male birds show none of these changes. 2. 2. The metabolic acidosis can occur independently of the ovulation cycle; it is seen in non-laying females, but is inconsistent. 3. 3. In contrast to chickens, blood pH in quail does not continue to fall during eggshell formation stages. 4. 4. The blood calcium changes appear to be related to the ovulation cycle, as they are generally only exhibited by female birds which have previously ovulated.