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The present investigation was undertaken in black and white quails for studying the effect of plumage colour, estimating genetic parameters and fitting non-linear regression model to growth curve in white and black Japanese quails. White quails were significantly heavier in comparison to black quails across age groups indicating association of plumage colour with growth rate. The body weight variables measured at bi-weekly intervals when considered as a single variable had low repeatability indicating they were genetically not identical variables. Paternal half-sib estimates of heritability indicated higher additive variance in white quails in comparison to black quails. Phenotypic correlation estimates between bodyweights at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks of age, ranged from medium to high indicating favourable correlated response in bodyweight variables. Gompertz curve had very good fit with the data (99.6%) and similar curve parameters were estimated in both quail varieties. Point of inflection (IPT) was similar in both quail varieties and was 3.46 (black) and 3.44 weeks of age (white). The estimates of different growth parameters indicated the favourable effect of selection in these quail lines. Results indicated that growth curve estimates can be used for developing future breeding strategies in quails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NGF, BDNF, NT-3 and their specific receptors TrkA, TrkB and TrkC are known to be involved in the development and maintenance of vertebrates’ nervous system. However, these molecules play a role also in non-neuronal tissue, such as in the reproductive system. In this study we investigated the presence and localization of neurotrophins and Trk receptors to unravel their potential role in the developing and adult ovary of Japanese quail, a model species well suited for reproduction studies. Western blotting analysis on ovaries of three month old quails in the period of egg laying showed the presence of pro and mature forms of neurotrophins and splice variants of Trk receptors. Immunohistochemical investigation reported that in embryonic ovaries from the 9th day of incubation to the hatching NGF and NT-3 were observed in the cortical and medullar areas respectively, whereas Trk receptors were observed in both areas. In adult ovary, all NTs were detected in glandular stromal cells, NGF and NT-3 also in the nervous component. Regarding follicle components, NGF and BDNF were observed in oocytes and follicular cells. All TrK receptors were present in nervous components and only TrkA in glandular stromal cells. In follicles, TrkA was present in oocyte cytoplasm and TrkB in theca cells. The results suggest an involvement of the neurotrophin system in the quail ovary physiology, promoting the oocyte development and follicular organization in the embryo, as well as oocyte and follicular maturation in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a study of the common quail (Coturnix coturnix) and the population trends and conservation status in Western Europe. The authors review data since 1900 to the present and they say that reliable predictions on changes in species distribution and their movements during breeding season can provide important information on the conservation status and population trends of the species which can be used in designing measures for management.

The article reports on a study on the common quail (Coturnix coturnix), its post-breeding movements and migration patterns observed in western populations. The authors aim to describe migratory phenology and some physiological features of individual quail. The results of the study detail the two waves of post-breeding movements and the timing of the hunting season. The authors say that the results of the study can be used in hunting management and the proper timing of quail hunting season.

The article highlights the saga of spring hunting of migrating birds, including Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur and Common Quails Coturnix coturnix, in Malta. The efforts of Malta to improve the bird hunting situation in the country and to comply with the Birds Directive when it joined the European Union (EU) in 2004 are reported. Evidence of illegal shooting of birds and other protected species, and the outcome of spring hunting season in Malta in 2013 are cited.

The article reports that a referendum to defeat spring hunting in Malta held on April 11, 2015 has been defeated by a slender margin. Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has urged hunters to respect the country's law. The article also presents statistics about the hunting of animals including Turtle Doves and Common Quails.

A correction to an article about the Common Quail, Coturnix coturnix, that was published in the September 2009 issue is presented.

The article reports on the discovery of a leg bearing a Belgian ring beneath a Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus nest on the church in Grantham, Lincolnshire, England on July 1, 2009. The discovery was initially rejected by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), but it was confirmed by the Belgian Ringing Scheme. The remains were identified as those of a Common Quail Coturnix coturnix.

The article reports on the self-imposed ban announced by Malta Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi on spring hunting of Common Quails, Coturnix coturnix, and Turtle Doves, Streptopelia turtur. He prohibited spring hunting activities while the case against the country is still with the European Court of Justice. Groups such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and BirdLife Malta have been working to stop illegal hunting in the country.