Divergent Selection for Body Weight and Yolk Precursor in Coturnix coturnix japonica.

Abstract

Carcass composition (protein, fat, ash, and percent dry matter), component parts, and dressing yield were determined in lines of quail undergoing divergent selection for yolk precursor, growth, or egg production. Carcass weights and yield percentages were greatest in the line selected for increased 4-week weight and lowest in the line selected for decreased 4-week weight. Carcass weights and yields were not affected by selection for yolk precursor or egg production. Carcass percent protein was lower and percent fat higher in the line selected for increased 4-week body weight but unaffected by divergent selection for yolk precursor or egg production. Percent ash did not vary with genetic changes in body weight, yolk precursor, or egg production. (

Comparative Study of Carcass Traits in Four Strains of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) at 3 to 6 Weeks of Age

“…Similarly, Anna and Dariusz (2011) also reported that Pharaoh quail slaughtered at 33 days did not show any significant difference in carcass yield. In terms of dressing proportion (%) in Japanese quails (6 to 33 weeks); earlier researchers Wilson et al (1961); Bacon and Nestor (1983); El-Fiky (1991); Kosba et al (1992); Anna and Dariusz (2011) noted as 69.4%, 59.3 to 67.3%, 69.6 to 68.1% and 66.1 to 63.7% respectively. In this study; keel length (cm) differed significantly at 3, 5 and 6 weeks except week-4; indicated difference in keel length (cm) among studied quails (Table 1) are close to prior results of Rehman (2006) and Jatoi (2012) who reported that keel length (cm) differed significantly among imported and local Japanese quails stocks at week-3 while non-significant effect on week-4.…”