FP6 priority

1.1.4   Aeronautics and Space

1.4.2

Title of the proposal

Japanese quail - a heterotrophic organism of the space autonomous ecosystem

Institute

Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics
Moyzesova 61, 900 28 Ivanka pri Dunaji, Slovak Republic

Contact

Research subject for a potential FP6 project

The long-term stay of man in the outer space will be possible only if an autonomous closed eco-system could be established on board of space ships or space stations. Japanese quail could be used as a higher heterotrophic link in such a system. Slovak, Russian and American scientists have been cooperating in the realization on this objective for nearly three decades. The results obtained in this program showed that embryogenesis of Japanese quail can be performed in condition of weightlessness (microgravity) without serious difficulties. In experiments coordinated by our Institute, Japanese quail embryos have successfully completed embryogenesis on board of orbital space station Mir, although the success rate has been lower as compared to ground control.
As a continuation of this program, we propose a project aimed at the developmental physiology of Japanese quail under conditions occurring in the outer space. The objective of the research project will be to determine the effects of simulated weightlessness (hypodynamy) on postembryonic development of Japanese quail chicks from hatch to sexual maturity. The achieved findings will be applicable in the research of quail postembryonic development in the real weightless environment on board of space stations.

Recent international cooperation of the research team

Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russia

Proposer´s relevant publications related to the research subject

Sabo, V., Boda, K., Guryeva, T.S., Dadasheva, O.A., Bella, I.: The study of postembryonic development of Japanese quail chicks under microgravity and load on the orbital station Mir. Folia Vet., 45, 1, Suppl., 9 - 11, 2001
Skrobanek, P., Sabo, V., Boda, K., Baranovska, M., Mravcova, I.: The capacity of Japanese quail hatchlings to adapt to hypodynamy. Folia Vet., 45, 1, Suppl., 69 - 70, 2001.
Antalikova, J., Baranovska, M., Mravcova, I., Sabo, V., Skrobanek, P.: Different influence of hypodynamy on calcium and phosphorus levels in bones of male and female Japanese quails. Physiol. Res., 50, 197 - 204, 2001.