Lipogenesis depending on sexual maturity in female Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica)

1. 1. Lipid biosynthesis in the liver as well as transport into the follicles in Japanese quail were investigated depending on sexual maturity at 5, 7, 9 and 11 weeks of age. Lipogenesis of the liver and incorporation of lipid into the follicles were determined by administering [1-¹⁴C]sodium acetate. 2. 2. Body weight increased up to 9 weeks of age, whereas the weight of the liver and follicle did not alter after 7 weeks of age. 3. 3. Fatty acid synthesis in the liver was at its highest at 7 weeks of age. Incorporation of ¹⁴C into non-saponifiable lipid and glyceride-glycerol fractions in the liver was not influenced by aging. 4. 4. The labelled fatty acids in the follicle increased linearly as the birds became sexually mature.