Maternally derived testosterone and carotenoids influence offspring performance in Japanese quail.

PELUC, S. I.; REED, W. L.; MCGRAW, K. J.

San Diego,

Congreso; Cooper Ornithological Society -American Ornithological Union-Society of Canadian Oornithology- Meeting.; 2010

Maternal resources deposited in eggs affect the development of multiple offspring phenotypes and result in trade-offs among traits. Maternal testosterone in eggs may benefit offspring by increasing growth rate and competitive ability, but may also reduce immunocompetence and increase oxidative stress. In contrast, maternal carotenoids may counteract the oxidative stress and immune-depressive effects of testosterone. We investigated the independent and interactive effects of maternal testosterone and carotenoids on offspring physiology by simultaneously manipulating levels of testosterone (via gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) challenges) and carotenoids (via diet supplementation) in captive female japanese quail. Repeated GnRH challenges and carotenoid supplementation in females elevated testosterone and carotenoid deposition in eggs. Carotenoids supplementation enhanced offsprings immune function, whereas GnRH-challenges to adults enhanced offsprings growth during development. Testosterone and carotenoid levels in egg yolks were positively correlated, suggesting a compensatory deposition pattern. Moreover, chicks from eggs produced by GnRH challenged and carotenoid supplemented females had immune performances similar to offsprings of females supplemented with carotenoids, and higher than offsprings of females receiving GnRH challenges and offsprings of control females.