Digits Angle and Digits Length Ratio in Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica)

Background: Digit lengths are dimorphic in some other creatures as in humans. In particular, gender analysis can be done using the ratio between the second finger (D2) and the fourth finger (D4). The aim of this study is to examine whether the ratio of foot fingers is related to gender in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Methods: In this study, 60 adults (30 female and 30 male) Japanese quail foot digit length ratios were examined in relation to gender. The ratios of the lengths of the second finger (D2), the third finger (D3) and the fourth finger (D4) to each other were taken on the computer. Result: In addition, geometrical analysis of base posture positions between female and male individuals were made and shape differences were revealed. It was observed that the second finger (D2) of male birds was more introverted than in females. It was seen that Principal component analysis (PCA1) explained 53.07% of the total variation between female and male groups. PCA2 explained 17.6% of the total variation and PCA3 announced 11.83%. In statistical morphometric analysis, the difference in shape between the male and female was statistically insignificant. D2:D3, D2:D4 and D3:D4 ratios were higher in males. It was observed that the lateral angle in both genders was higher than medial angle. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). While the average of the lateral angle was 50.89% in all individuals, the average of the medial angle was 42.81%. The highest length in all individuals belonged to the third finger. It was observed that the ratio of D2:D4 among females used in the study was 0.867 in females and 0.877 in males.