Cell multiplication and blastoderm development in relation to egg envelope formation during uterine development of quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) embryo

Abstract The relationship between the number of cells and blastoderm development to the formation of the egg envelopes is established for the uterine period of quail embryogenesis. On the basis of this relationship, the developmental stage of the embryo can be estimated without destroying the egg or dissecting the embryo. Data are also presented on the number of cells in the quail embryo at the time of egg laying and during the first hours of incubation. These data are critically compared to those in other reports dealing with quail and chick embryos.