Genetic variation of feed traits and relationships to some meat production traits in Japanese quail (Coturnix cot. japonica)

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of sex on various carcass traits, abdominal fat and some feed traits, and to measure the genetic variations in traits studied, and to observe the pattern of association of various traits in the Japanese quail. Body weights and feed consumption were measured at 3 and 5 weeks, individually. FE and RFC were calculated. Quails were slaughtered at 35 days of age. A total of 706 quails of both sexes from 33 single-sire mating pens, each with 3 dams were utilized to estimate genetic parameters. Sex had in general a significant effect on traits studied with the exception of breast yield and RFC. The heritabilities of traits studied in this study were generally moderate to high. Heritabilities from sire plus dam components of carcass weight, breast weight, leg weight and abdominal fat weight adjusted for BW3, BW5 or both test weights (BW 3+5) were lower than those for unadjusted ones. Adjusted heritability estimates of FE for BW3, BW5 or both test weights from sire plus dam components were higher than those of unadjusted counterparts. Adjustment for any test weight did not lead to greater increases in heritabilities of FC and RFC with the exception of body weight, breast weight (unadjusted for body weight) and carcass yield. All estimates from maternal half-sibs were smaller than corresponding estimates from paternal half-sib correlations. Results indicate that selection will be efficient in improving these traits. In addition, genetic correlations among carcass weight, abdominal fat weight and feed traits showed that selection for any of these characteristics would not have any adverse effects on the other characteristics.