A new mutant of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) characterized by generalized glycogenosis

Abstract

A flock of Japanese quail with generalized glycogenosis has been established. Affected quail showed difficulty in raising their wings. Excessive accumulation of glycogen was seen in the liver, heart, skeletal muscle and brain, apparently due to decreased acid maltase activity. The condition appeared between 2 and 12 weeks of age and tissue deposition of glycogen increased with age. The growth of affected quail was normal and there were no deaths from the condition. Although genetic analysis has not yet been completed, an autosomal recessive inheritance is suspected.