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Abstract
If sex determination is left completely to chance, it is expected to be 0.50 (i.e., 50% males). However, there are multiple examples in nature where this is not the case. A common theme is that maternal condition and nutrition can influence sex ratio through various mechanisms such as gamete selection or sex-specific implantation and survival. Exactly what dietary component triggers sex ratio manipulation and when sex ratio changes occur in mammalian species is still unknown. To explore this, a flock of Japanese quail were given feed high in fat and their sex ratios were observed. No significant changes in sex ratio, laying rates, or weights were seen when compared to the control diet group. In humans, data from multiple embryo transfers were reviewed to determine if there was a correlation between success rates, body mass index, and sex of the embryo transferred. Despite previous work, no correlations were found.