REPRODUCTIVE RESPONSES OF ADULT FEMALE NORTHERN BOBWHITE AND SCALED QUAIL TO NUTRITIONAL STRESS

We compared the effects of dietary protein and energy deficiencies on northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and scaled quail (Callipepla s quamata) reproduction and determined if nutritional deficiencies lead to reproductive failure in quail. Captive adult female quail were fed diets that varied in protein and energy content, at both ad libitum an d restricted levels. Protein and energy deficiencies led to declines i n body and ovary mass, and egg production, but did not affect egg mass of either species. Although body mass and reproduction of both specie s were affected by protein and energy deficiencies, scaled quail were less affected. Dietary energy was more important to body mass stasis a nd reproduction than dietary protein in both quail. Low energy diets l ed to elevations in corticosterone and increased food consumption in b oth species. Neither species increased food consumption in response to low dietary protein. Our study supports the hypothesis that macronutr ient deficiencies can lead to reproductive failures in northern bobwhi te and scaled quail.