Mating frequency in male Japanese quail: crosses among selected and unselected lines.

The genetics of mating behavior in Japanese quail was investigated in replicated lines selected for high or low number of completed matings and the random bred control which served as the base population for the selected lines. Comparisons involved the parental lines, F1, F2, and backcross generations. Results indicate that mating frequency is influenced by additive and nonadditive genetic variation with the former being the primary heritable influence. The relationships between mating behavior, cloacal gland size, and relative aggressiveness suggest that selection for mating frequency influences factors commonly affecting these traits.