Indian Journal of Poultry Science
Year : 2004, Volume : 39, Issue : 2
First page : ( 112) Last page : ( 119)
Print ISSN : 0019-5529.

Growth and carcass characteristics of selected and control lines of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Dhaliwal S.K., Chaudhary M.L., Brahand G.S., Sandhu J.S.

Department ofAnimal Breeding & Genetics College of Veterinary Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana -141001 (Pb).

Received:  11  March,  2002; Accepted:  20  April,  2004.

Abstract

Growth rate from day-old to 6 weeks of age and carcass and organ weight characteristics of two growth selected and one control line of Japanese quail were evaluated. The lines selected for 4-week body weignt for 19 generations were heavierthan the unselected control line by 10.3 to 45.3% at different ages. Sexual dimorphism for body weight became distinct at 3-weeks of age. Selection for 4-week body led to modification of growth pattern which was associated with higher growth rate during the first 2-weeks of age. Sexual dimorphism and sex-line interaction for RGR were absent. Live body-weight and absolute weight of carcass, liver, heart, gizzard, viscera, intestine increased from 68 weeks but their weight expressed as per cent of eviscerated weight did not show a consistent trend. Selection for 4week body weight was associated with increase in dressing, evisceration and giblets percentages but was associated a decrease in per cent visceral weight.

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Key words

Growth, carcass, organ weights, Japanese quails.

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