Maturation and ovulation of Japanese quail oocytes under in vitro conditions.

1. An in vitro system for ovulation and maturation of Japanese quail oocytes is described. 2. Ovarian follicles removed from the ovary at 2, 4 or 6 h before the estimated time of ovulation may ovulate under in vitro conditions. 3. The presence of progesterone in the medium had a stimulatory effect on the process of maturation, as has been shown for Xenopus oocytes.