Some yield characteristics of Japanese quails from different genotypes

This research was planned to determine egg production and hatchability in quails with different genotypic structures and fattening performance in the offspring obtained from them. Genotypes used in the experiment were the Japanese quails (CU) reared at Çukurova University and the commercials quails (T). 500 chicks at the end of incubation were obtained from both genotypes. After the quails obtained were grown for 5 weeks, selection was made according to live weight. Thus, 6 different experimental groups were formed in the experiment, including 2 control (TK, CUK), 2 selection (TS, CUS) and 2 crossbred (TM, CUM). Each experimental group consisted of 72 quails, a total of 432 animals were used. Egg feed containing 17% crude protein and 2750 kcal/kg ME in laying period was used in the feeding of the breeders animals, and broiler chicken feed containing 22% crude protein and 3000 kcal/kg ME was used in the feeding of the offspring. The sex, maturity age, egg yield, egg weight and hatching parameters of the animals used as breeders were examined. Weekly live weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, live weight gain and carcass characteristics at the end of 5 weeks were examined in offspring obtained from breeders. According to the findings obtained from the study, it was found that the highest egg yield was in the commercial selection group and the lowest in the Cukurova University crossbreed group during the 14-week average egg yield of breeders. In terms of egg weight, the differences observed between the treatment groups at the 3th, 4th and 5th weeks were found to be significant (P<0.05). In addition, it was observed that the commercial control group provided higher values compared to the other groups in terms of hatchability. It was found that the differences observed in live weight gain in offspring were not significant (P>0.05). The differences observed between the groups in the 1st and 2nd weeks in terms of feed conversion ratio were found significant, and it was determined that the Çukurova selection group was the best at these two week (P<0.05). Also, it was found that the differences observed between the groups in terms of carcass characteristics except for the gizzard and inedible parts were significant (P<0.05). As a result, it can be said that commercial groups and hybrids are superior in terms of egg production and hatching characteristics, while Çukurova group and hybrids are better in terms of fattening performance.