A review on cloacal gland of Japanese quail being a reliable indicator of testicular activity: Comments on it's histology

In sexually active males a large glandular structure known as cloacal gland is present above the dorsal lip of cloacal aperture. Several studies have proposed that cloacal gland is a reliable indicator of testicular activity. Foamy secretion of the gland facilitates the movement of sperm. This is an attempt to review the importance of cloacal gland as an important parameter of testicular activity in studying different aspects of endocrinology. Keeping in mind the importance of cloacal gland in quail physiology the authors have also aimed to study the histology/histological differences of cloacal gland of sexually active (6 weeks old) and sexually inactive male (3 weeks old) Japanese quail. The cloacal glands from sexually active and sexually inactive males were removed for histology. Under microscope, glandular lobules were quite large in active cloacal glands in comparison to the inactive ones. The proctodeal space was quite enlarged in the active cloacal gland and the squamous epithelium showed high development. This study suggests that in active cloacal gland the foam production is increased and vice-versa. This foam production is considered excellent indicators of male gonadal development. Cloacal gland responds to photoperiodic conditions. Long days increase the size of the cloacal gland and the foam production but under short days it shows regression both in size as well as foam production and is proved to be androgen dependent. This study also promotes the use of cloacal gland as one of the parameter to judge there productive activity especially in males. This will reduce the stress given to the birds due to laparotomy.