The effect of selection according to live weight on egg yield characteristics and fattening performance of Japanese quails

This research was designed to investigate the effects of selection by body weight on egg yield characteristics and fattening performance in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). 5 aged weeks quails were used as animal material. The study material consisted of 2 groups, the selection group selected according to high body weight and the control group selected randomly at the 5th week. The selection has been continued as a generation. Sexual maturity age, egg yield, egg weight, egg quality criteria and incubation parameters were examined in these animals selected as parents. Average egg yield in the parental group was determined 76.95 ± 4.28% in the selection group and 77.76 ± 4.83% in the control group (P> 0.05). In both experimental groups, 50% yield level was reached in the 2nd week of laying period, and the peak yield period was observed as the 13th week. Average egg weight was determined as 13.53 ± 0.057 in the selection group and 13.63 ± 0.068 in the control group (P> 0.05). When the breeding animals reached the 12 week old, incubation activity was performed and hatching eggs were collected for a week. An experimental study was carried out on the offspring obtained simultaneously at the end of the incubation activity. Fattening lasted 5 weeks and then carcass study was performed at the end of fattening. The weekly body weight of the quails was determined individually and their feed consumption was determined at the group level and so the feed conversion rate was calculated. it was observed that the selection group had higher live weight in all weeks in the fattening study performed on offspring, Live weight was determined 279.6 ± 2.04 g in the selection group and 269.9 ± 2.31 g in the control group at the fifth week of age (P <0.05). In the carcass study, no significant difference was found between the groups in terms of slaughter weight, carcass weight and carcass yield (P> 0.05), and no significant difference was found in edible internal organs except for gizzard weight (P> 0.05). As a result, in this study, it can be said that the effect of selection by live weight on egg yield characteristics in Japanese quails is insignificant, whereas the effect on fattening performance characteristics is important.