Changes in serum triiodothyronine, thyroxine, estradiol-17 beta, progesterone levels and egg production in hypocholesterolemia induced Japanese quails Coturnix coturnix japanica.

Mature healthy female Japanese quails injected (i.p.) with gemfibrozil at two dose levels for 1,2,3 and 4 weeks induced hypocholesterolemia as observed by the serum cholesterol concentration which was more severe with the higher dose. Liver and ovarian cholesterol contents decreased in 3rd and 4th week of the treatment. Significant (P > 0.05) increase in serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) level were observed between 3rd and 4th week while serum estradiol-17 beta and progesterone levels declined continuously from Ist week till the termination of the treatment. The quantity and quality of the eggs produced by the treated quails were inferior. These results indicate that induction of hypocholesterolemia impaired the reproductive efficiency of quails.