Estimation of Genetic parameters of Weekly Bodyweight and Growth Rates of Japanese quail

Abstract

The Harvey Mixed Model Least-squares and Maximum Likelihood Computer Programme was used to estimate the heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations of live body weight and growth rates of 684 Japanese quails. The results revealed that Japanese quails are sexually dimorphic for live body weight at all ages. Heritability of live body weight ranged from 0.12±0.02 to 0.91±0.11. All genetic correlation between live body weights were positive. Phenotypic correlations between live body weights at all ages were positive and very highly significant (P<0.001). The heritability estimates for growth rate ranged from 0.20±0.07 to 0.62±0.04. Genetic correlations between growth rates ranged from-0.51 to 1.11. Phenotypic correlations among growth rates varied from-0.02 to 0.76. It was concluded that selection for live body weight within the first two weeks of age may lead to improvement of body weight at later stages of life, and, mass selection for growth rate may lead to rapid improvement in growth rate.

Effect of plumage colour and estimation of variance components of bi-weekly growth traits in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

“…However the correlation estimates of BWT0 with other BWT variables were low for white quail varieties indicating the set of genes which expresses during incubation up to hatching were mostly different from the set of genes that regulate the post hatch growth and development of the bird (Table 3). In contrast to the present study Daikwo et al (2014) reported strong and positive phenotypic and genetic correlations between BWT variables across all age groups from day 0 to 7 weeks of age and discussed that the same genes were controlling the body weight traits at different ages with increasing expressivity. Genetic correlation between 2 and 4 weeks and 4 and 6 weeks of age were reported to be 0.76 and 0.99 (Brah et al 1997).…”

“…Narinc et al (2014) estimated heritability for body weight at 5 week of age as 0.36; similar estimates were also reported by Sari et al (2011) using REML procedure. Resende et al (2002) observed heritability estimates for body weight of 0.33,0.35, 0.36, 0.44 and 0.48 at hatch, 7-, 14-, 21-and 28-dayold Japanese quails, respectively, by variance partitioning using linear model approach Daikwo et al (2014). observed decreasing heritability with advancement of age; heritability estimates of weekly body weight of Japanese quail ranged between 0.12±0.02 at 42 days of age and 0.91±0.11 at 0 day of age Kaye et al (2017).…”

Does the marketing age impact growth performance, carcass traits, economic feasibility and hemato-biochemical properties of genetically-modified quails?

“…The growing interest in producing Japanese quail in emerging nations results from the tremendous chance for diversity and early marketability that quail breeding provides. Despite the Japanese quail's diminutive size, its meat and eggs are frequently consumed, which helps to solve the issue of a lack of animal protein ( Daikwo et al, 2014 ).…”