Sexing of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica L) by plumage dimorphism at early ages: 7, 14 and 21 days

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56926/repia.v4i2.114

Keywords:

certainty, coloration, females, males, precision

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of sexing Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) using sexual plumage dimorphism, in order to identify the earliest age at which sex can be determined with high certainty. The research was conducted at the Poultry Experimental Unit of the National Agrarian University of La Molina (UNALM), using 2,700 newly hatched quails artificially incubated. Three sexing assessments based on plumage coloration were conducted at 7 (T1), 14 (T2), and 21 (T3) days of age, through direct observation: females were identified by the presence of black arrowhead-shaped spots on their breasts, while males had uniform beige plumage. The birds were raised until 35 days, at which age sex was confirmed with 100% certainty to validate previous results. Statistical analysis using the chi-square test (χ²) showed significant differences between T1 and T2, as well as between T1 and T3, while no significant differences were found between T2 and T3. These results suggest that sexing by plumage dimorphism is adequate from 14 days of age (T2) and is most reliable at 21 days of age (T3).

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Published

10/10/2025

How to Cite

Del-Águila-Perea, J. E., Aponte-Jaramillo, A. N., & Ramírez-García, A. (2025). Sexing of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica L) by plumage dimorphism at early ages: 7, 14 and 21 days . Revista Peruana De Investigación Agropecuaria, 4(2), e114. https://doi.org/10.56926/repia.v4i2.114

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): Revista Peruana de Investigación Agropecuaria

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Scientific notes

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Copyright (c) 2025 Johnny Erick Del-Águila-Perea, Analy Nohely Aponte-Jaramillo, Alonso Ramírez-García

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