Response to Selection for Body Weight in Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The present study investigated the impact of selection for body weight (BW) on productive performance, predicted BW and genetic improvement of related traits in Japanese quail. Base population, selected parent and F1 progeny were tested. Pens and cages were used for rearing and breeding. A total of 240 birds in two successive generations, 27 sires and 54 dams (as selected parents) were used. Body weight from multiple regression equation, covariance analysis and combining models were estimated, response to selection, realized heritability and genetic correlation were computed for BW, weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The results showed that the response to selection for BW, WG, FI and FCR were 11.48 g, 27.04 g, 37 g and -0.2, respectively. The estimated heritabilities for the same traits were 0.78, 0.67, 0.52 and 0.77, respectively. Predicted equation (DUHOK equation) for BW as dependent variable on the initial body weight and sex ratio was derived. The final response for the body weight was determined as 5.84 % of live BW.