THE EFFECT OF EGG-YOLK SAMPLING ON PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS AND REPRODUCTIVE INDEXES OF NORTHERN BOBWHITE QUAIL (COLINUS-VIRGINIANUS) EGGS

The sampling of 50 mu l of the yolk (average 1.7% of the total volume) from northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) eggs on day 0, 6, 12, and 18 of incubation resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) increase d embryo mortality in the day 12 and day 18 egg groups. Performance pa rameters and reproductive indices of the non-sampled eggs and the eggs sampled on day 0, and 6 of incubation did not differ from other repor ts on C. virginianus. No difference was found in postnatal responsiven ess among hatchlings originating from controls and from all the groups of sampled eggs. As demonstrated in this representative galliform spe cies, the technique can be applied for the screening of unembryonated eggs or early-embryogenesis-eggs of wild birds. If female birds are no t accessible but their eggs are, information on the reproductive flock can be accessed without stressing adult birds.