The Quail Research Laboratory
America’s Greatest Gamebirds
The Quail Research Lab is dedicated to finding solutions that result in sustainable quail populations. Our research takes place on partnering ranches, public lands and in our state-of-the-art laboratory on the East Texas A&M campus.
Discover The QuAil Research Laboratory
The Quail Research Laboratory at East Texas A&M is an internationally recognized hub for quail research. Established in 2013 by founding director Dr. Kelly Reyna, the lab's mission is to discover solutions for sustainable quail populations through innovative research, education and collaboration.
Our focus is on quail population sustainability. What makes us unique is our comprehensive research spanning life stages from embryo to adult, our state-of-the-art laboratory where we can recreate environmental conditions and develop solutions for quail in the wild, and our population level research that occurs on our research stations across the country.
With the success of our research we are now building a new Super Quail facility as phase 1 on the Lyon Center for Gamebird Research.
Our Research
Our major research includes investigations into:
Super Quail Project
The Super Quail Project works to produce an affordable gamebird with wild-type survivability and a more stringent thermal tolerance so that they are prolific in challenging environments. We've made great progress in this arena and are building a Super Quail Production facility that will begin construction in 2024.
Human Dimensions Of Quail Sustainability
With declining populations of quail where there once was a thriving population, it is important to step back and consider how humans contribute to this change.
Quail Chick Development
Since 50-80% of quail adults die each year, and a quail’s lifespan is ~6 months, quail populations hinge on sustained quail chick production. Yet, that is the main cause of quail population decline in drought years. Accordingly, The Quail Research Laboratory is able to recreate field conditions in the lab to develop solutions for chick production in adverse conditions. We also develop the normal stages of development for various quail species and look at environmental pollutants and medicated feed on quail chick production and development. Learn More
Quail Research Station Program
Gamebird and quail populations are declining across the globe. Developing solutions for population sustainability is key to reversing these trends. The Quail Research Laboratory is unique in that our smallest research stations spans more than 500,000 acres. We image large-scale populations through innovative monitoring and provide results that explain observed mysteries of “where did all the quail go?” We have research stations in Montana, Kansas, California and Texas with comprehensive research into the impacts of climate, weather, management and other factors on a suite of upland gamebirds and waterfowl. Learn More
Our Facility
The Lyon Center for Gamebird Research
With the success of our research we are now building a new gamebird research and education facility thanks to a generous donation by Ted and Donna Lyon in 2023, with construction starting on phase 1 in 2024.
You Can Help!
We thank you for your dedication to America’s greatest gamebirds. To support our quail research and establish a lasting legacy, please visit our Giving Page. Every gift counts!
For all questions and comments, contact Dr. Kelly Reyna.
Faculty and Student Researchers
Kelly Reyna, Ph.D.
Jeffrey Whitt, Ph.D.
Aujarai Ivy
Tina Reichner
Brooke Clifton
Laritza Tinajero
Grace James
Lexxi Godwin
Join Our Team
The Quail Research Laboratory is actively seeking highly motivated individuals that desire to work with quail. If you are interested in undergraduate, graduate or postdoctoral research, contact Dr. Kelly Reyna [email protected].
Featured News
Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research Highlighted in Premier Conservation Journal
The Quail Forever Journal article highlights the Lyon Center's efforts to secure sustainable game bird populations in Texas and beyond.
TAMUC Faculty’s Cattle Research Presented at National Conference
Texas A&M University-Commerce Assistant Professor Landon Sullivan was part of a research team that had its research presented at the American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Renowned A&M-Commerce Quail Professor Quoted in Texas Monthly
Dr. Kelly Reyna provided insight on efforts to save the popular gamebird.
TAMUC Hosts Livestock Judging Camp for Area Students
TAMUC recently hosted a Livestock Judging Camp for area students from August 1-3.
A&M-Commerce Hosts Statewide Agriculture Conference
TAMUC recently hosted the 2024 Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas Beef Cattle Conference on July 22.
TAMUC's Profili Captures Team Roping Championship at College National Finals Rodeo
Texas A&M University-Commerce Rodeo Team member Kaden Profili highlighted the Lions’ success at the 2024 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) with a National Championship victory in the Team Roping event. Profili, a senior majoring in agricultural science and technology from Jacksonville, Texas, won the event as the team’s heeler. He was paired with James Arviso […]
Texas State Representative Dr. Gary VanDeaver Receives A&M-Commerce Legislative Award
Texas State Representative Dr. Gary VanDeaver was recently awarded the Legislative Award by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) at Texas A&M University-Commerce in recognition of his continuous support of the university. The award is given to distinguished alumni who have contributed significantly to A&M-Commerce through their efforts with state and federal […]
Three Lions Qualify for College National Finals Rodeo
Following another successful season, three members of the Texas A&M University-Commerce Rodeo Team qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) this summer. A&M-Commerce student-athletes Rylee George, Addie Weil and Kaden Profili all ranked high enough in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Southern Region standings at season’s end to earn a spot in the finals. […]
Showcasing Scholarship: Highlights from TAMUC’s Annual Research Symposium
TAMUC students present innovative research projects to the university community and industry leaders. Texas A&M University-Commerce hosted its Annual Research Symposium on April 17, 2024, at the university’s Rayburn Student Center. The symposium showcased undergraduate and graduate research projects, providing A&M-Commerce students a platform to present their work and demonstrate their intellectual pursuits and passions. […]
A&M-Commerce Hosts Luncheon to Celebrate Lyon Center for Gamebird Research
Texas A&M University-Commerce hosted a luncheon at the Hilton hotel in Rockwall, Texas, on Tuesday, April 16, to celebrate the university’s planned Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research. The Lyon Center, which will be located along Highway 24 in Commerce, Texas, approximately 1.5 miles south of the university campus, will feature a state-of-the-art […]
