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PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF FOUR CLOSEPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF FOUR CLOSEPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF FOUR CLOSEPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF FOUR CLOSE----BRED FLOCKS BRED FLOCKS BRED FLOCKS BRED FLOCKS
OF JAPANESE QUAILS WITH DIFFERENT BODY WEIGHTS AND OF JAPANESE QUAILS WITH DIFFERENT BODY WEIGHTS AND OF JAPANESE QUAILS WITH DIFFERENT BODY WEIGHTS AND OF JAPANESE QUAILS WITH DIFFERENT BODY WEIGHTS AND
ITS EFFECT ON SUBSEQUENT PROGENY GROWTHITS EFFECT ON SUBSEQUENT PROGENY GROWTHITS EFFECT ON SUBSEQUENT PROGENY GROWTHITS EFFECT ON SUBSEQUENT PROGENY GROWTH
BY
AHMED SULTAN
D.V.M, M.Sc. (Hons.)
Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences
Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam
Regd. No. 2007-VA-540
A THESIS SUBMITTED IN THE PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF
THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE DEGREE
OF
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
IN
POULTRY PRODUCTION
DEPARTMENT OF POULTRY PRODUCTION
FACULTY OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES
LAHORE, PAKISTAN
2012
IN THE NAME OF ALMIGHTY ALLAH,
WHO IS
RAHMAN AND RAHEEM
DUA
OH MY LORD,
MAKE ME
An Instrument of Your PEACE
Where, there is HATRED
Let me Show LOVE
Where, there is Injury, PARDON
Where, there is Doubt, FAITH
Where, there is Despair, HOPE
Where, there is Darkness, LIGHT
And where, there is Sadness, ENJOY
PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF FOUR CLOSEPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF FOUR CLOSEPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF FOUR CLOSEPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF FOUR CLOSE----BRED FLOCKS BRED FLOCKS BRED FLOCKS BRED FLOCKS
OF JAPANESE QUAILS WITH DIFFERENT BODY WEIGHTS AND OF JAPANESE QUAILS WITH DIFFERENT BODY WEIGHTS AND OF JAPANESE QUAILS WITH DIFFERENT BODY WEIGHTS AND OF JAPANESE QUAILS WITH DIFFERENT BODY WEIGHTS AND
ITS EFFECT ON SUBSEQUENT PROGENY GROWTHITS EFFECT ON SUBSEQUENT PROGENY GROWTHITS EFFECT ON SUBSEQUENT PROGENY GROWTHITS EFFECT ON SUBSEQUENT PROGENY GROWTH
BY
AHMED SULTAN
D.V.M, M.Sc. (Hons.)
Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences
Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam
Regd. No. 2007-VA-540
A THESIS SUBMITTED IN THE PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF
THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE DEGREE
OF
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
IN
POULTRY PRODUCTION
DEPARTMENT OF POULTRY PRODUCTION
FACULTY OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES
LAHORE, PAKISTAN
2012
To,
The Controller of Examinations,
University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,
Lahore.
We, the Supervisory Committee, certify that the contents and form of the
thesis, submitted by MR. AHMED SULTAN S/O Barkat Ali Jatoi (Regd. No.
2007-VA-540) have been found satisfactory and recommend that it be processed for
further evaluation by the External Examiner(s) for award of the Degree.
Supervisor: _________________________________
DR. ABDUL WAHEED SAHOTA
Associate Professor
Department of Poultry Production
University of Veterinary and Animal
Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Member: _________________________________
DR. MUHAMMAD AKRAM
Professor and Chairman
Department of Poultry Production
University of Veterinary and Animal
Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Member: _________________________________
DR. KHALID JAVED
Professor and Chairman
Department of Livestock Production
University of Veterinary and Animal
Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
i
DEDICATION
I would like to dedicate this scientific work/thesis
To those
TEACHERS
From whom I have learnt the art of learning.
&
To the sacrifices of my caring and beloved wife
NASREEN SULTAN
Who sacrificed her settled life for my doctoral program, creating a good atmosphere during the
different phases of this work being a friend, mother too. She always prayed for this great
achievement, her paramount support and prayers enabled me to change myself through
appropriate decisions during crucial moments of life.
&
To my sweet
CHILDREN
Aneela Sultan, Barkat Ali alias Adeeb Hussain, Huma Sultan, Aqsa Sultan, Ateeque
Ahmed and Khaleeque Ahmed
For their patience and love, this has been a consolation to me during tough moments of this
study.
“It is indeed on account of their affections and prayers that I was able to achieve something
in my life”.
ii
BIOGRAPHY
(A MAN FROM MOHEN-JO-DARO)
AHMED SULTAN JATOI S/O Barkat Ali Jatoi was born on Saturday 15th February,
1969 in a village Bakhodero* Taluka Dokri (Bakrani) District Larkana Sindh, Pakistan. It is about 12
kilometers on North side of the Mohen-Jo-Daro† city.
He completed his primary education from native home place. Matriculation in Science group
was passed with “A” grade (77.41%) from Government High School Dokri in 1986 and Fellow of
Science (Intermediate) in Pre-Medical group with “B” grade (69.45%) from Government Science
College Dokri in 1988.
He was enrolled in Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture
University, Tandojam Sindh, Pakistan for his graduation degree D.V.M (Doctor of Veterinary
Medicine) in 1989 and completed with 1st Class in 1994. The same year he was granted admission
into the Department of Veterinary Parasitology, in the same faculty to acquire Masters Degree. He
was awarded “Internal Merit Scholarship” by the University during whole period of his graduation
and post-graduation studies.
Upon completion of his course work for Master of Science in Veterinary Parasitology, he
joined Animal Husbandry wing of Livestock and Fisheries Department, Government of Sindh, as a
Veterinary Officer (BPS-17) on 24th July, 1996 through competitive examination of Sindh Public
Service Commission.
He completed his Master of Science Degree, M.Sc. (Hons.) with 1st Class in 1997. His
Master’s research title was “Incidence of Cestodes in exotic and local (Desi) chicken in district
Hyderabad”.
During his government service, he served in various Government Veterinary Dispensaries,
Hospitals and Research Institutes for the health and husbandry of Livestock and different avian
species as well, since last 12 years.
At present he is a candidate for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Poultry
Production in the Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology,
University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore Pakistan since February, 2008. His Ph.D.
research title is “Productive performance of four close-bred flocks of Japanese quails with
different body weights and its effect on subsequent progeny growth”.
*Bakhodero village is nativity of renowned personality of the province of Sindh, Pakistan Baba-e-Sindh,
Comrade Hyder Bux Jatoi, Late (1901-70).
†Mohen-Jo-Daro or Moen-Jo-Daro (Mound of the dead) is an archeological site and an ancient city of
five thousand years old, situated on the right bank of River Indus in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. It is
27 kilometers from Larkana city. It was discovered by an English archeologist Sir John Marshall in 1922.
It is sometimes referred to as "An Ancient Indus Valley Metropolis".
iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
GOD rewards for every piece of work according to the nature and devotion for it. All
acclamations and appreciation are for Almighty ALLAH, who bestowed and blessed me with such a
lucid intelligence as I could endeavor my services towards this manuscript and gave me an
opportunity to add a drop in the wide ocean of knowledge. He also gave me the courage, tremendous
health, motivation, conducive environment, uncountable blessings and silent help enabled me to
stand, to run and to win, within limited resources to fulfill the requirements of Doctor of Philosophy
(Ph.D.) Degree successfully and provided me an opportunity to complete one of my life desires.
I humbly pay my respect to The HOLY PROPHET HAZRAT MUHAMMAD
MUSTAFA (Salle Allah Alleh-w-Aalhe Wassalam) and AHL-E-BAIT (Alaih-e-Salam), whose are
the most perfect and excellent among and of every born on the surface of earth forever, enabled us
to recognize our Creator, the greatest social reformers and directed the people to acquire knowledge
wherever it is.
I feel great honor to place on record my sincerest thanks and gratitude to my kind Supervisor,
DR. ABDUL WAHEED SAHOTA, Associate Professor, Department of Poultry Production,
UVAS-Lahore, Pakistan for his excellent supervision, guidance, encouragement and constructive
criticism throughout the period of the present study. He supervised my research light heartedly,
proficiently and made the dispatch of intimidating work load possible by persistent guidance and
scholarly censure communicated to me during the course of this study and write-up of this
manuscript.
I would like to thank respectable member of my Supervisory Committee,
DR. MUHAMMAD AKRAM, Professor and Chairman, Department of Poultry Production, UVAS-
Lahore, Pakistan for his personal interest, support, expertise and valuable advice in my research
project. In fact his advice will always serve as a beacon of light throughout the course of my life. He
always shared his extraordinary knowledge with me that illuminated complex issues and enabled me
to grasp their significance. He was always available whenever I need him.
I am deeply thankful to DR. KHALID JAVED, Professor and Chairman, Department of
Livestock Production (Animal Breeding and Genetics), UVAS-Lahore, Pakistan who is also member
of my Supervisory Committee. He spares his precious time and energy and offered me solace,
substances and insight during the conduct of this study and also close co-operation in technical
matters.
I am also grateful to other teachers in the Department of Poultry Production, Dr. Athar
Mahmud, Associate Professor, Mr. Shahid Javed, Assistant Professor, Mr. Muhammad Hayat
Jaspal, Veterinary Officer (Now Ph.D. Fellow, The University of Bristol, United Kingdom), Mr.
Jibran Hussain and Mr. Shahid Mehmood, Lecturers, whose helpful suggestions reduced
ambiguity in my work under friendly environment.
It is difficult to overstate my gratitude to those staff members (Long list) working at the
Department of Poultry Production, Avian Research and Training Centre, Food and Nutrition
Laboratory and Chemistry Section of Quality Operations Laboratory, UVAS Lahore, who helped
build the equipment that allowed me to run my experiment; without them, I could not be succeeded
to write this dissertation.
iv
I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Mr. Muhammad Siddique Memon, Ex-
Secretary, Livestock and Fisheries Department, Government of Sindh, who highly appreciated and
granted my application for higher education, at once.
It is an honor for me to express my profound gratitude to Mr. Shamasuddin Gaad, Senior
Veterinary Officer (Retd.) who always inspired me for getting the Doctorate Degree and his
unreserved moral support and prayers during my studies.
The author is very much thankful to all his fellow colleagues/friends for their help and moral
support for the completion of this study in due course of time, especially Seth Mr. Abdul Hameed
Shaikh, Pharmacist, Larkana Division, Mr. Aijaz Ali Channa, Assistant Professor, Department of
Theriogenology, Mr. Muhammad Tahir Khan, D.V.M final year student, Faculty of Veterinary
Sciences, UVAS-Lahore and Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Gondal, Lecturer, Department of Microbiology,
Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pir Mehar Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University,
Rawalpindi and also my Class fellows; Mr. Amjad Hussain Mirani, Assistant Professor,
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh
Agriculture University, Tandojam, Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Pathan, Research Officer, Central Veterinary
Diagnostic Laboratory, Sub-Centre, Larkana and Mr. Ahmed Ali Shah, Veterinary Officer,
Government Veterinary Centre Theri, District Khairpur Mirus.
The heartiest regards for Dr. Muhammad Fiaz, Assistant Professor, Department of
Livestock Production and Management, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pir Mehar Ali
Shah, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, for his whole hearted co-operation and help in
statistical analysis of research data.
I deem it my sacred duty to acknowledge the debt of gratitude to my ever affectionate
Father, Mother and Grand Mother (Late), whose hands always rose in prayers for me. May
Almighty ALLAH, rest the departed souls in His eternal peace and give us patience, courage and
strength to bear this loss. (Ameen)
I feel it, a pride to express my deepest affections to my Brothers, Sister and all of my other
family members who exhibited prayers throughout my studies.
Finally, this manuscript would never have been accomplished without the encouragement and
inspiration of my beloved wife NASREEN SULTAN, her unconditional support and
comprehension, which made my trips and time in UVAS-City and Ravi Campus, Lahore and Pattoki
easy ones and for her understanding, prayers, love, patience and sacrifices rendered during the time
of my absence from home to make this day possible and also the great pleasure obtained from my
children, while preparing this manuscript. “In fact, it's very difficult for me to find suitable words
to express my feelings towards them”.
Above all, I will always remain grateful to Almighty ALLAH, who bestowed me twin baby
sons on Friday 4th March, 2005, Ateeque Ahmed and Khaleeque Ahmed.
(May Almighty ALLAH, bless them all)
(Ameen)
AHMED SULTAN JATOI
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
v
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEDICATION ………………………. i
BIOGRAPHY ………………………. ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS …………………….... iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ………………………. v
LIST OF TABLES ……………………….. vi
LIST OF PLATES ……………………….. xiii
CHAPTER NO. TITLE PAGE NO.
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE 9
3. MATERIALS AND METHODS 63
4. RESULTS 84
5. DISCUSSION 208
6. SUMMARY 249
7. LITERATURE CITED 263
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
vi
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE
NO.
TITLE PAGE
NO.
2.1 Fertility percent in Japanese quails at different ages 29
2.2 Hatchability percent in Japanese quails at different ages 31
2.3 Dressing percentage in Japanese quails at different ages 36
2.4 Body weight (g) in Japanese quails at different ages 55
2.5 Weight gain (g/day) in Japanese quails at different ages 58
3.1 Experimental plan 64
3.2 Different body weight categories (g) 64
4.1 Mean body weight (g) in 4 close-bred breeder flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories during
31 weeks
89
4.2 Mean egg production percentage/bird (%) in 4 close-bred
flocks of Japanese quails with different body weight
categories during 30 weeks
89
4.3 Mean cumulative egg number/bird (#) in 4 close-bred flocks
of Japanese quails with different body weight categories
during 30 weeks
89
4.4 Weekly mean egg weight (g) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails with different body weight categories during 30 weeks 90
4.5 Weekly mean egg mass (g/bird) in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories during
30 weeks
90
4.6 Feed conversion ratio (g feed/egg) in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories during
30 weeks
90
4.7 Feed conversion ratio (g feed/g egg mass) in 4 close-bred
flocks of Japanese quails with different body weight
categories during 30 weeks
91
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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vii
4.8 Mean egg weight (g) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
with different body weight categories studied during egg
qualities
95
4.9 Mean egg shell weight (g) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails with different body weight categories during egg
qualities
95
4.10 Mean egg shell thickness (mm) in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories during
egg qualities
96
4.11 Mean haugh unit in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
with different body weight categories during egg qualities
96
4.12 Mean yolk index value in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails with different body weight categories during egg
qualities
96
4.13 Dead germ percent influenced by 3 different parental body
weight categories in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
101
4.14 Dead-in shell percent influenced by 3 different Parental body
weight categories in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
102
4.15 Infertile egg percent influenced by 3 different parental body
weight categories in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
103
4.16 Hatchability percent influenced by 3 different parental body
weight categories in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
104
4.17 Final live body weight (g) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
108
4.18 Dressed weight (g) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
with different body weight categories at 31 week
108
4.19 Dressing percentage (%) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
109
4.20 Relative weight (g/100g BW) of liver in 4 close-bred flocks
of Japanese quails with different body weight categories at
31 week
113
4.21 Relative weight (g/100g BW) of heart in 4 close-bred flocks
of Japanese quails with different body weight categories at
31 week
113
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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viii
4.22 Relative weight (g/100g BW) of gizzard (with contents) in 4
close-bred flocks of Japanese quails with different body
weight categories at 31 week
114
4.23 Relative weight (g/100g BW) of gizzard (without contents) in
4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails with different body
weight categories at 31 week
114
4.24 Relative intestinal weight (g/100g BW) in 4 close-bred flocks
of Japanese quails with different body weight categories at
31 week
119
4.25 Relative intestinal length (cm/100g BW) in 4 close-bred
flocks of Japanese quails with different body weight
categories at 31 week
119
4.26 Relative reproductive tract weight (g/100g BW) in 4 close-
bred flocks of Japanese quails with different body weight
categories at 31 week
120
4.27 Relative reproductive tract length (cm/100g BW) in 4 close-
bred flocks of Japanese quails with different body weight
categories at 31 week
120
4.28 Relative mature ovarian follicles numbers (#/100g BW) in 4
close-bred flocks of Japanese quails with different body
weight categories at 31 week
120
4.29 Relative testes weight (g/100g BW) in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31
week
121
4.30 Crude protein percent (%) in breast meat in 4 close-bred
flocks of Japanese quails with different body weight
categories at 31 week
125
4.31 Ether extract percent (%) in breast meat in 4 close-bred
flocks of Japanese quails with different body weight
categories at 31 week
125
4.32 Dry matter percent (%) in breast meat in 4 close-bred flocks
of Japanese quails with different body weight categories at
31 week
126
4.33 Ash percent (%) in breast meat in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31
week
126
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ix
4.34 Crude protein percent (%) in thigh meat in 4 close-bred
flocks of Japanese quails with different body weight
categories at 31 week
130
4.35 Ether extract percent (%) in thigh meat in 4 close-bred flocks
of Japanese quails having different body weight categories at
31 week
130
4.36 Dry matter percent (%) in thigh meat in 4 close-bred flocks
of Japanese quails with different body weight categories at
31 week
131
4.37 Ash percent (%) in thigh meat in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31
week
131
4.38 Serum glucose level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31
week
136
4.39 Total serum protein level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31
weeks
136
4.40 Serum albumin level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31
week
137
4.41 Serum cholesterol level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31
week
137
4.42 Serum urea level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
138
4.43 Plasma calcium (Ca) level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31
week
143
4.44 Plasma phosphorus (P) level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31
week
143
4.45 Plasma sodium (Na) level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31
week
144
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
x
4.46 Plasma potassium (K) level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31
week
144
4.47 Plasma magnesium (Mg) level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks
of Japanese quails with different body weight categories at
31 week
145
4.48 Day-old progeny body weight (g) influenced by 3 parental
body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails
150
4.49 1st week progeny body weight (g) influenced by 3 parental
body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails
151
4.50 2nd week progeny body weight (g) influenced by 3 parental
body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails
152
4.51 3rd week progeny body weight (g) influenced by 3 parental
body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails
153
4.52 1st week progeny weight gain (g) influenced by 3 parental
body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails
158
4.53 2nd week progeny weight gain (g) influenced by 3 parental
body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails
159
4.54 3rd week progeny body weight gain (g) influenced by 3
parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails
160
4.55 3-week progeny cumulative body weight gain (g) influenced
by 3 parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred
flocks of Japanese quails
161
4.56 1st week progeny feed intake (g) influenced by 3 parental
body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails
166
4.57 2nd week progeny feed intake (g) influenced by 3 parental
body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails
167
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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xi
4.58 3rd week progeny feed intake (g) influenced by 3 parental
body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails
168
4.59 3-week cumulative progeny feed intake (g) influenced by 3
different parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred
flocks of Japanese quails
169
4.60 1st week progeny feed conversion ratio (FCR(feed/g gain))
influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from 4
close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
174
4.61 2nd week progeny feed conversion ratio (FCR(feed/g gain))
influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from 4
close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
175
4.62 3rd week progeny feed conversion ratio (FCR(feed/g gain))
influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from 4
close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
176
4.63 3-week cumulative progeny feed conversion ratio
(FCR(feed/g gain)) influenced by 3 different parental body
weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
177
4.64 1st week progeny mortality rate (%) influenced by 3 parental
body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails
182
4.65 2nd week progeny mortality rate (%) influenced by 3
parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails
183
4.66 3rd week progeny mortality rate (%) influenced by 3 parental
body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails
184
4.67 3-week cumulative progeny mortality rate (%) influenced by
3 different parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred
flocks of Japanese quails
185
4.68 Progeny slaughter weight (g) influenced by 3 different
parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of
male and female Japanese quails at week-3
190
4.69 Progeny dressed weight (g) influenced by 3 different parental
body weight categories in 4 close-bred flocks of male and
female Japanese quails slaughtered at week-3
191
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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xii
4.70 Progeny dressing percentage (%) influenced by 3 different
parental body weight categories in 4 close-bred flocks of
male and female Japanese quails slaughtered at week-3
192
4.71 Progeny relative weight (g/100g BW) of liver influenced by
3 different parental body weight categories in 4 close-bred
flocks of male and female Japanese quails slaughtered at
week-3
198
4.72 Progeny relative weight (g/100g BW) of heart influenced by
3 different parental body weight categories in 4 close-bred
flocks of male and female Japanese quails slaughtered at
week-3
199
4.73 Progeny relative weight (g/100g BW) of empty gizzard
influenced by 3 different parental body weight categories in 4
close-bred flocks of male and female Japanese quails
slaughtered at week-3
200
4.74 Progeny relative intestinal length (cm/100g BW) influenced
by 3 different parental body weight categories in 4 close-bred
flocks of male and female Japanese quails slaughtered at
week-3
203
4.75 Economics of quail production as influenced by 3 parental
body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails in 3 weeks old progenies
206
4.76 Economics of producing quails progenies as influenced by 3
different parental body weight categories at 3 weeks of age
207
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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xiii
LIST OF PLATES
PLATE
NO.
TITLE PAGE
NO.
1.1 Japanese quail 4
1.2 Japanese quail (Left: Female, Right: Male) 4
3.1 Japanese quail houses 66
3.2 French made multi-deck Japanese quail battery cages with
automatic nipple drinkers
66
3.3 Individual replicates in French made multi-deck battery
cages with automatic nipple drinkers
67
3.4 Automatic watering system of Japanese quails 67
3.5 Japanese quail meat 75
3.6 Day-old Japanese quail chicks in French made multi-deck
brooding battery cages
81
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Most of the people in developing countries are suffering from starvation or
malnutrition of protein and energy. Due to an ever-increasing global human
population, there is a dire need to produce good quality animal protein in a large
amount to fulfill the daily requirements of these essential items of food. The protein
malnutrition is more acute and wide spread than energy malnutrition. Pakistan, along
with other developing countries, is also facing the problem of acute protein
malnutrition.
The routine diet of an average Pakistani mostly contains cereals and is
deficient in protein especially of animal origin. In Pakistan, per capita availability of
chicken meat and eggs in the year 2008-09 was 3.5 kg and 50-60, respectively,
(Anonymous 2009), which is far lower than the developed countries, of which major
share go to the well off families, whereas, the poor families remain deprived. This has
been mainly due to slow development of poultry and livestock industries for the
production of poultry meat, eggs, milk and beef as compared to population growth
rate of the country.
i. Poultry industry in Pakistan
Before 1960, chickens were maintained in the country as backyard poultry
(Abedullah et al. 2007). Commercial poultry farming in Pakistan was started during
INTRODUCTION
2
1964 with the establishment of breeding farms, hatcheries, broiler and layer farms and
feed mills in the private sector and since then it has shown an extraordinary growth
and tremendous development and now it has acquired the status of a promising
enterprise all over the country. Poultry sector is one of the organized and a vibrant
segment of agriculture industry of Pakistan and has been playing a vital role in
bridging the gap between supply and demand of animal protein foods with its ever
increasing human population (Anonymous 2009). The share of poultry sector in
national GDP is about 1.12 percent and generates employment (direct/indirect) and
income for about 1.5 million people. Its contribution in agriculture value addition is
4.8 percent and livestock value addition is 9.8 percent. Poultry meat contributes about
24.8 percent of the total meat produced in the country. The current investment in
poultry industry is about Rs. 200 billion and it has shown a robust growth of 8-10
percent annually which is likely to increase up to 15-20 percent per annum
(Anonymous 2011). However, there still exists a gap between supply and demand of
animal protein of the nation, which is likely to widen if concerted efforts are not taken
to increase production of animal protein foods. The situation therefore calls for not
only strengthening the existing resources of production of animal protein foods but
also exploiting some suitable efficient alternate cheaper sources of production of
animal protein in the country. In this respect, commercial Quail production seems to
be one of the possible alternate sources possessing bright prospects required to off
load pressure on the already existing meager resources of production of animal
protein foods.
INTRODUCTION
3
ii. Japanese quail
According to American Ornithologists Union (1983) and also reported by
Howard and Moore (1984); Thear (1998); Mizutani (2003), Japanese quail (Coturnix
coturnix japonica) belongs to class Aves, order Galiformes, family Phasianidae and
the Kingdom Animalia like chickens. Quail as a species or sub-species belong to the
genus Coturnix and are native to all the continents. Several interbreeding sub-species
are recognized, the more important being the European quail (Coturnix coturnix
coturnix) and the Asiatic or Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) as shown in
Plate 1.1 and 1.2. Intensive quail production began in Japan in 1920s and the stock
was successfully introduced into North America, Europe and Asia between 1930s and
1950s. Through breeding programs, lines of Japanese quails specific for egg and meat
production have been developed. Japanese quail inhabits Russia and Eastern Asia,
including Japan, Korea, China, (Hoffmann 1988) and India (Finn 1911). It is a
migratory bird, spends winter season in China, Southeast Asia, the extreme
northwestern coast of Africa, and other parts of Africa, the Nile River valley from
Egypt to Kenya, and Angola. It migrates to India, northern Japan and Korea in
summer season (Hoffmann 1988; Alderton 1992). This omnivorous bird was first
kept and bred for song during World War-II (Minvielle 2004). Almost all of the song
quail in Japan became extinct during World War-II. It is believed that only few
domestic birds survived during World War-II in Japan (Howes 1964; Wakasugi
1984).
Plate-1.1. Japanese quail
Plate-1.2. Japanese quail (Left: Female, Right: Male)
INTRODUCTION
4
1.1. Japanese quail
1.2. Japanese quail (Left: Female, Right: Male)
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
5
Quail is efficient converter of feed, with each egg a female deposits an edible
package of 8 percent of her own body weight as compared to 3 percent in case of
chicken (Martin et al. 1998). Broiler quail rearing can be adopted due to the excellent
market potential for its meat which is high in protein (26%) and less in fat (3%).
Quail meat is also known for increasing the sexual instinct in human beings (Jadhav
and Siddiqui 2007). Japanese quails are now kept for the egg and meat production
(Cain and Cawley 2000). The Japanese quails being robust, disease resistant, easy to
maintain with less requirement for feed, space and equipment (Anonymous 1991;
Tikk and Tikk 1993; Baumgartner 1994; Yildirim and Yetisir 1998; Minvielle 2004).
Unrivaled quail are the typical small-farmer’s livestock. They earn the title on the
basis of their unrivaled ability for faster meat and egg production in greater quantity
than anything else on two legs. The ability of the female to reproduce its body weight
in any given year is another measure where the quail is without parallel (Haji and
Wahab 1991).
iii. Japanese quail as research model
Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) was first described as a research
model by Padgett and Ivey (1959). Wilson et al. (1961) suggested this small amazing
bird as a pilot animal for more expensive experiments on chicken and turkeys.
Woodard et al. (1973) stated that Japanese quail is a valuable bird for avian research.
Raising quail for commercial production underwent unequal development across the
world with high egg production in Japan, significant meat production in Spain and
France, but little or no production in Netherlands, Germany and UK (Minivelle
1998). During the same period, research with Japanese quail expanded from avian-
INTRODUCTION
6
science related topics to biology and medicine, as bird could be kept easily relatively
in large number in a small facility and be used as model animal for wide variety of
works, from embryology (Le Douarin and Barq 1969) to space related sciences
(Orban et al. 1999). At the event of World Poultry Congress, 2004, the quail has been
declared as the model avian species for future research (Minvielle 2004). Quails are
now commonly used as an experimental animal for biological research and vaccine
production especially Newcastle disease vaccine to which disease quails are resistant
(Anonymous 1991). A bibliography on Japanese quail research work done at the
Central Avian Research Institute (CARI), Izatnagar, UP, India has been compiled by
Srivastava (1987).
iv. Quail farming in Pakistan
Quail farming was introduced in Pakistan in early 1970, with the introduction
of exotic breeding stock of Japanese quails. However, quail production has remained
as one of the neglected components of poultry sector in the country (Anonymous
1990). Very little research work has been conducted on its breeding, incubation,
housing, nutritional requirements, feeding, management and disease control aspects in
Pakistan. About 4 decades back a breeding stock of hybrid Japanese quails was
imported in Pakistan with good genetic potential having better egg production
performance, egg quality parameters and hatching traits compared to local quail
called “Betair”. But unfortunately, due to continuous inbreeding, genetic potential of
the imported quail might have deteriorated. Simultaneously no serious attempt has
been made to improve the genetic potential of our native quail (Akram et al. 2008).
Although public and private sectors made efforts for the development of quail
INTRODUCTION
7
farming/industry, but the measures were not adequate and fall short of expectations
for producing high yield of quail meat at a reasonable low cost. The private sector
was not given adequate monetary and technical incentives. Even public sector
organizations dealing in quail and allied industries faced enormous hurdles due to
bureaucracy and lack of application of modern quail production technology. These
together with many other problems including poor quail management, low live body
weight, low meat yield, late ready to market age and poor quail processing in
comparison to the other developed countries are some of the important reasons for the
slow development of quail farming in Pakistan. The low live body weight and meat
yield appears to be a great hurdle for the development of commercial quail farming.
The situation therefore calls to take immediate concrete steps to improve genetic
potential of our local quail.
v. Purpose of study
Four close-bred flocks (3 local and one imported) of Japanese quails have
been being maintained at Avian Research and Training (ART) Centre, Department of
Poultry Production, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore,
Pakistan, with objectives of making attempts to improve their productive and growth
potentials. However, no serious attempt has yet been made to study productive
performance of these close-bred flocks of Japanese quails with different body weight
and its effect on subsequent growth of the progeny. Therefore, the present study has
been planned with the following objectives:
INTRODUCTION
8
To study the effect of different parental body weights on:
1. Productive performance, egg quality characteristics and hatching traits in four
close-bred flocks of adult Japanese quails.
2. Slaughter characteristics, proximate analysis of meat and blood biochemical
profile in four close-bred flocks of adult Japanese quails
3. Growth performance and slaughter characteristics of progenies obtained from
four close-bred flocks of Japanese quails.
Chapter 2
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1. Parent breeder flock
The review of literature in respect of productive performance of Japanese
quails on different parameters has been incorporated under two different sub-headings
i.e. close bred-flocks and body size.
2.1.1. Productive performance
a. Close-bred flocks
The use of genetic variation in different poultry stocks for improvement in
body weight is one of the strategies in the poultry breeding programs. The
improvement in performance of poultry stocks for body weight is well established
(Cole and Hutt 1973). The variation in body weight of close bred flocks of chickens
has been attributed to difference in genetic makeup of the different flocks (Hafez
1963; Marks 1971; Sefton and Siegel 1974; Shamma 1981; Darden and Marks 1988).
The significant effect of genetic group on body weight of chicken has been indicated
(Mohammed et al. 2005; Devi and Reddy 2005; Chatterjee et al. 2007). Oguz et al.
(1996) studied effect of line and sex on body weight in quails and they reported
significant effect of line on body weight of quails. The strain variation in body weight
of turkeys (Brenoe and Kolstad 2000; Taha and Farran 2009), chickens (Younis and
Abd El-Ghany 2003; El- Kaiaty and Hassan 2004; Habeb 2007; Lariviere et al. 2009)
and quails Vali et al. (2005) has been indicated. Rehman (2006) and Akram et al.
9
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
10
(2008) reported that the body weight differed significantly among different local and
imported flocks of Japanese quails. The body weight of male and female quails in
imported flocks was significantly higher than those of local quails. The significant
(p<0.01) effects of strains and generations on body weight of Japanese quails at
different ages have been reported (Mohammed et al. 2006). Abdullah et al. (2010)
reported higher (p<0.05) body weight in males of Hubbard classic broiler than
females.
b. Body Size
The variations in body weight of quails at different ages have been reported
by many investigators. The body weight at sexual maturity in quails has been reported
as 132.1g (Wilson et al. 1962), 145.2g (El-Ibiary et al. 1966), and 202.3g (Cerit 1997;
Oruwari and Brady 1988) as 123g at 10 weeks of age. Change in 4 week body weight
in high and low weight quails has been associated with corresponding changes in
mature body weight in Japanese quails (Nestor and Bacon 1982). El-Shafei (1993)
reported that body weight of a control group during consecutive 8 weeks from 12 to
19 weeks of age were 188.33, 189.34, 190.17, 196.16, 195.22, 194.49, 193.49 and
194.43g/bird at 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 weeks of age, respectively. Shoukry
et al. (1993) recorded body weights of Japanese quail at 11, 12, 13 and 14 weeks of
age as 185.0, 195.3, 193.2 and 193.9g, respectively. The body weight in Japanese
quails has been found to be influenced by age (Yalcin et al. 1995) and strain
differentiation (Hynkov et al. 2008). It has also been observed that body weight from
day-old to 20 weeks of age of selected lines was significantly higher than the control
line (Chaudhary et al. 2009). It has further been indicated that in the last generation,
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
11
the mean body weights at the age of 28 days in F and C lines of quails were 193 and
166g,respectively (16.4 percent total increase, or 5.5 percent per generation) showing
that selection increased body weight in Japanese quails (Varkoohi et al. 2010). Aseel
had significantly (p<0.001) higher body weight than Kadaknath chickens at adult age
(Haunshi et al. 2011).
ii. Egg production
a. Close-bred flocks
Different factors such as sexual maturity, fertility, hatchability, egg production
can influence productive performance of poultry birds (Brunson et al. 1956; Gilbreath
et al. 1962; Clayton and Robertson 1966; Merritt 1968; Craig 1969; Vaccaro and Van
Vleck 1972; Zelenka et al. 1986). For enhancement of egg production, genetic
variation has been used as a breeding tool. The improvement in performance of
poultry stocks for egg production is well established (Cole and Hutt 1973). Egg
production efficiency has also been reported to be influenced by the genotype, body
size, laying stage and rate of egg production (Woodard and Abplanalp 1967; Brody et
al. 1980; Krapu 1981; Brody et al. 1984). However, Chahil et al. (1975) reported that
egg yield could be improved by selective or cross breeding as well as by improving
environment and management conditions.
Egg production in Japanese quails has been reported to be affected by non-
genetic factors such as age of maturity and other environmental factors (Shamma
1981). According to Leeson et al. (1997) and Hocking et al. (2003) no detectable
differences were found between breeds within category (traditional and commercial
lines) in egg production (p>0.05). Similar findings indicating influence of many other
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
12
factors such as breed, mortality, body size, feed, season and breeder age on egg
production have also been reported (North and Bell 1990; Ipek and Sahan 2004).
Rehman (2006) reported non-significant difference in egg production percent among
different local and imported stocks of Japanese quails. El-Sagheer and Hassanein
(2006) reported that the medium and heavy size strains of chicken had significantly
(p<0.05) higher egg production than that of light strains. Higher egg production in
exotic breed (Rhode Island Red) than local breeds has been attributed to their better
genetic potential (Sazzad 1992; Akhtar et al. 2007). It has also been suggested that
heavy growth-selected strain had poorer egg production than all the other strains
(Wolanski et al. 2007). The genetic ability for egg production of the breed
Manchurian gold was reported to be higher as compared to the breed Pharaoh Quail
for the period up to the age of 150 days (Genchev and Kabakchiev 2009). The age of
partridge (Alectoris rufa) breeder can significantly affect onset of egg production
(Mourao et al. 2010).
b. Body Size
Egg production in the older hens was decreased due to physiological changes
leading to slow growth of follicles (Wilson and Cunningham 1984; Palmer and Bahr
1992). Whereas, egg production decreased in heavy size quails and increased in small
size quails of different strains (Nestor and Bacon 1982; Leeson et al. 1997). Renden
and McDaniel (1984) reported significantly (p<0.05) better egg production in the
control and small hens than heavy hens and also indicated that small hens were
significantly (p<0.05) more efficient than control hens during peak egg production.
Breeding stock’s reproductive capabilities resulting in lowered egg production have
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
13
been associated with increase in obesity (Siegel and Dunnington 1985). The total egg
production in quails is ten times higher than female’s body weight at six months
laying period, whereas, in chickens such a relationship is only attained by 12 months
egg production (Richtrova 1999). Aboul-Hassan et al. (1999) reported average egg
production per bird after 10 weeks of laying as 57.1 and 64.3 eggs for the selected
and control lines, respectively, when selection was made for high body weight at 6
weeks. Egg production was found to be affected by both the age and body weight in
the Japanese quails (Nazligul et al. 2001).
The average egg production in Japanese quail during first 10 weeks of
production after third generations of selection has been observed to be 62.1 and 58.2
eggs for selected and control lines, respectively (Aboul-Hassan 2001a). Kosba et al.
(2002) conducted a study to improve genetic potential of Japanese quails through four
generations of selection by using the independent culling levels technique and
developed two lines (L1 and L2). Egg production ranged between 33.83 to 37.14 eggs
for L2 and 19.35 to 26.04 eggs for L1 over the three generations with highly
significant differences among all sources of variance studied. Egg production has
been recorded as 56.12 eggs in Japanese quail (Abdel-Tawab 2006). Hassan et al.
(2008) observed significant (p<0.05) differences in hen day and hen housed egg
production due to body weight and age in broiler breeders. Lacin et al. (2008)
reported higher egg production and lower feed conversion ratio in light weight groups
than those of medium and heavy weight chickens. Hanan (2010) reported significant
(p<0.01) differences in percent egg production in Japanese quails.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
14
iii. Egg weight
a. Close-bred flocks
Egg weight has been extensively studied in Japanese quails (El-Ibiary et al.
1966; Marks 1979; Afanasiev 1991; Aboul-Hassan et al. 1999 and Gharib et al.
2006). El-Ibiary et al. (1966) reported egg weight per hen as 461.8g after 10 weeks of
egg production. The selection of quails for live body weight influenced egg weight
due to increase in size of ova and increased albumen secretion (Altan et al. 1998).
Aboul-Hassan et al. (1999) reported lower egg weight in selected quail line than
control line when the selection criterion was higher body weight. In Japanese quails,
egg weight was reported to be largely dependent on the type of birds, in the egg type,
it was 8-10g, in the combined type-10-11g, and for the broiler type-12-16g
(Afanasiev 1991). Gharib et al. (2006) observed that light weight Fayoumi chickens
produced significantly heavier eggs than the high weight line. The size and weight of
an egg not only depends upon the breed and strain but also varies to great extent from
one strain to the other and from one individual to another. As a result of these factors,
wide variation in egg weight may exist within a flock (Shoukat et al. 1988). Aboul-
Hassan (2001a) reported egg weight as 485.3 and 463.9g selected and control lines
respectively. El-Fiky et al. (2000) and Aboul-Hassan (2001a) reported that egg
weight in Brown strain of quails was greater than in White strain. Juliank (2002)
stated that egg size often increases with advancement of age in female birds. They
further elaborated that the egg size is generally changed by less than 10 percent and
female body size cannot contribute more than 20 percent for the variation in egg size
within species. Abdel-Tawab (2006) recorded egg weight as 472.32g in a base
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
15
population of Japanese quail. Singh et al. (2009) observed significant variation in egg
weight among different genetic groups. The highest egg weight was recorded in
Black Australorp (52.05g) than Assel (44.43g), followed by Rhode Island Red x Desi
(42.10g), Kadaknath (39.91g), Black Australorp x Desi (39.65g), Desi (39.57g) and
Assel x Desi (37.56g).
b. Body Size
A positive correlation between body weight and egg weight has been
indicated (Siegel, 1962; Festing and Nordskog 1967; Kinney 1969). A compromise
between body weight reduction and maintenance of acceptable egg weight in
commercial market is needed (Nordskog and Briggs 1968; Hocking et al. 1987).
Marks (1979) reported improvement in body weight and egg weight and decrease in
egg yield in selected lines of Japanese quails. Egg weight was significantly (p<0.05)
different between heavy and small hens and was directly related to body weight
(Renden and McDaniel 1984). The male chickens did not influence egg size of their
mates (Moss and Watson 1999). Kosba et al. (2002) conducted a study to improve
genetic potentials of Japanese quails through selective breeding up to four generations
by developing two lines (L1 and L2). These lines varied highly significantly for egg
weight up to 90 days of age. Egg size was associated with body size of birds (Strong
et al. 1978; Marks 1983; Leeson et al. 1991; Kirikci et al. 2007). It has also been
indicated that egg weight increased by increase in body weight and age in breeders
(North and Bell 1991; Hagger 1994; Leeson et al. 1997; Nazligul et al. 2001; Afifi et
al. 2010). Ipek et al. (2004) studied effect of live weight, male to female ratio and
breeder age on egg weight in Japanese quails. Female quails at the age of 6 weeks
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
16
divided into three groups, light (170-200g), medium (201-230g) and heavy (>230g),
were mated with males with live weight of 200-220g. Egg weight was significantly
less in the light group as compared to that of medium and heavy groups. Egg weight
increased in accordance with increase in breeder age. El-Fiky (2005) reported a range
of 10 week egg weight as 448.17 and 473.38g in selected line for higher body weight
and 450.51and 462.13g in the unselected control line. Vali et al. (2006) observed egg
weight in Japanese and Range quails as 11.23±0.03g and 11.17±0.05g, respectively,
which varied non-significantly (p>0.05). The highest egg weight in Japanese quails
has been reported as 13.37g (Megeed and Younis 2006). El-Sagheer and Hassanein
(2006) reported that Bovans brown (BV) and Hy-sex brown (HS) pullets of larger
body size exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher egg weight by about 1.8g at 20
weeks of age as compared with that of medium Bovans (MBV) and light Bovans
(LMV), respectively. Similar findings indicating breed variation in egg weight
between exotic Rhode Island Red (larger egg size) and local Lyallpur Silver Black
breeds have been indicated (Akhtar et al. 2007). Egg weight (64.58g) was lower in
low body weight group than in the medium (64.97g) and heavy groups (66.30g) of
chickens. Hanan (2010) reported highly significant differences in egg weight in
Japanese quails with highest values recorded at 14 and 18 weeks of age. Aseel had
significantly (p<0.001) higher egg weight than Kadaknath chickens at adult age
(Haunshi et al. 2011).
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
17
iv. Egg mass g/bird
a. Close-bred flocks
The mean egg mass/day in quails during first10 weeks of production cycle has
been reported to be between 9.8 to 11.8g (Sabri et al. 1993; El-Fiky and Aboul-
Hassan 1994) and 8.8 to 9.9g (El-Fiky and Aboul-Hassan 1995). The egg mass/day in
quail line selected for body weight and control unselected line was 8.1 to 9.3g,
respectively, (Aboul-Hassan et al. 1999), 9.5 to 8.3g in lines selected for egg
production and control lines 8.5 to 9.3g, respectively, (Aboul-Hassan 2001a), 8.53 to
9.22g in line selected for body weight and 8.18 to 8.90g in unselected line (El-Fiky
2005), for Brown strain 8.4 to 9.5g and for White strain 9.3 to 8.5g (El-Fiky et al.
2000 and Aboul-Hassan 2001a). The egg weight in a base population of Japanese
quail has been observed to be 9.18g/day by Abdel-Tawab (2006). However, Rehman
(2006) reported non-significant difference in egg mass among different local and
imported flocks of Japanese quails. The total egg mass obtained from an average
layer in the control period of 150 days was higher by 6.1 percent for the Manchurian
gold compared to Pharaoh Quail (Genchev and Kabakchiev 2009).
b. Body Size
Egg mass was significantly (p<0.05) different between heavy and small hens
and was directly related to body weight (Renden and McDaniel 1984). Egg mass is
also influenced by both the age and body weight in quails (Nazligul et al. 2001).
Sahota and Bhatti (2003) reported that black, dark brown and light brown varieties of
Desi chicken differed non-significantly in egg mass. The daily egg mass has been
reported from 8.53 to 9.22g and 8.18 to 8.90g, respectively, in line selected for body
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
18
weight and unselected control line of quails (El-Fiky 2005). Rehman (2006) reported
that the mean egg mass (g/bird) showed non-significant difference among different
local and imported stocks of Japanese quails, however, egg mass of local and
imported stocks increased with advancement of age from 6 to 12th weeks. Hanan
(2010) noted highly significant differences in egg mass in quails at different ages,
with the highest values at 14 and 18 weeks of age.
v. Feed conversion ratio-FCR (g/egg and g/egg mass)
a. Close-bred flocks
Growth rate and feed conversion efficiency are the closely related traits of
broilers which have been substantially improved, however, strain variation for these
and other related traits are still present in modern commercial broiler strain
(Emmerson 1997). The smaller birds consistently consumed less feed throughout
laying period, regardless of the strain and this resulted in loss of egg size (Leeson et
al. 1997). Jaroni et al. (1999) observed that Dekalb hens exhibited better feed
efficiency than Hi-sex hens thus indicating strain differences for feed efficiency. Feed
intake is affected by type of bird, energy level in the ration, environmental
temperature and floor space, hygienic conditions and rearing environments. As with
growing pullet, feed conversion is the best when the hen is young, it then gradually
decreases with age (Kingori et al. 2003). Rehman (2006) reported non-significant
difference in FCR (g)/dozen egg and FCR (g/g)/ egg mass between the sexes and
among different local and imported flocks of Japanese quails. Breed variation in feed
intake with higher values in the exotic Fayoumi than local Lyallpur Silver Black has
been indicated (Akhtar et al. 2007). Hassan et al. (2008) observed significant (p<0.05)
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
19
differences in feed consumption due to body weight and age in broiler breeders.
Lariviere et al. (2009) reported fairly high feed conversion ratio (5.09±0.4) at 84 days
of age in Ardennaise breed of chickens. Varkoohi et al. (2010) showed that selective
breeding can positively influence FCR in Japanese quail .The mean FCR in F and C
lines in the last generation of quails was 2.13 and 2.61, respectively, indicating 18.4
percent cumulative genetic improvement or 6.1 percent improvement per generation.
b. Body size
Breeding for lower body weight has not been successful, but there exists the
possibilities for reduction of feed consumption independent of production and body
weight (residual feed consumption). It is as yet uncertain to what extent animal stress
susceptibility will be affected by changes in residual feed consumption. Production
has resulted mainly in a corresponding increase in feed consumption for production
(Luiting et al. 1994). Feed intake is reported to increase with increase in body weight
because heavy birds consume more feed and lay larger eggs with larger egg yolk than
smaller size hens (Leeson et al. 1997). Feed consumption is reported to be affected by
both the age and body weight in quails (Nazligul et al. 2001). Kosba et al. (2002)
reported that feed conversion ratio ranged from 2.48 to 2.64 (feed/g egg) over the
three generations of quails subjected to selective breeding. Rehman (2006) reported
non-significant difference in FCR (g/dozen egg and FCR g/g egg mass) among
different local and imported flocks of Japanese quails. El-Sagheer and Hassanein
(2006) observed that heavy and medium birds of Hy-sex brown strain (HHS and
MHS, respectively) exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher feed conversion by 2.1
and 1.1 percent, respectively, as compared with that of light birds of Hy-sex brown
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
20
(LHS). Same findings also reported in Pheasant by Aydin and Bilgehan (2007). Lacin
et al. (2008) observed significant differences in feed intake and feed conversion ratio
among heavy, medium and small size groups of Lohmann hen. Abdullah et al. (2010)
reported higher (p<0.05) feed intake and feed conversion ratio in Hubbard classic
broilers with higher figures for males than females. Renden and McDaniel (1984)
reported significant (p<.05) difference in daily feed intake of heavy and small hens
and it was directly related to their body weight. The feed efficiency was the highest
in the control hens with both the control and small hens significantly more efficient
than the heavy hens.
2.2. Egg quality characteristics
The egg quality traits possess great significance in poultry breeding due to
their influence on production performance in next generations and their performance,
breeding performance and quality and growth of the chicks (Altinel et al. 1996;
McDaniel et al. 1978; Islam et al. 2001). Breed, strain and age of hens, egg storage,
nutrition and diseases directly influence size and composition of eggs (Cook and
Briggs 1997; Juliet and Roberts 2004). The significant variation in weight of egg
solids with non-significant difference in yolk albumen ratio have been indicated (Ahn
et al. 1997). Furthermore, some of the egg quality traits have significant and direct
effects on the market value of commercial flocks. In the egg processing enterprises,
the weight of eggshell, albumen and the yolk that form the egg as well as their rates
affect the amount and price of the product (Altan et al. 1998).
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
21
i. Egg weight
a. Close-bred flocks
The internal and external egg quality traits, especially in chicken eggs and
correlation between them have been thoroughly studied (Poggepel 1986; Narahari et
al. 1988). Padhi et al. (1998) reported breed variation in egg quality and egg weight of
chickens. The maximum egg weight in Japanese quails was recorded as 11.28g,
(Selim and Seker 2004), in chickens 52.95±0.59g, (Yadav et al. 2009), Guinea fowl
39.24±0.15g (Singh et al. 2008) and in shank feathered strain of local hill fowl
49.82±0.37g. The corresponding figures for clean shank strain of local hill fowl were
56.77±0.56g. The clean shank strain produced large size eggs than feathered strain
(Kumar et al. 2008). However, in another experiment it was observed that the egg
weight varied non-significantly in the local and imported flocks of Japanese quails
(Rehman 2006). Aseel x Rhode Island Red crossbred had significantly better egg
weight (56.27g) as compared to other three crossbreds, Kadaknath x Brown Cornish,
Aseel x Brown Cornish and Kadaknath x Rhode Island Red (Gupta et al. 2007).
Significant difference between Vanaraja and White Leghorn chicken for egg weight
has also been reported (60.79±0.78g and 54.29±0.73g, respectively) (Haunshi et al.
2006). The variation in egg weight in chickens has been suggested to be associated
with breed, strain and size of birds, rate of egg production, nutrition and
environmental conditions (Baishya et al. 2008; Zita et al. 2009). Onbasilar et al.
(2011) reported that the egg weight influenced shell thickness, yolk and albumen
indices, Haugh unit, yolk and albumen percentage, yolk to albumen ratio and shell
percentage in Pekin ducks.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
22
b. Body Size
The egg weight of quails is reported to enhance with advancing age and
increase in body size (Nazligul et al. 2001). El-Fiky (2005) reported 10 weeks egg
weight in line of quail selected for body weight between 448.17g and 473.38g and
between 450.51g and 462.13g in the unselected control line. Vali et al. (2006) Egg
weight in Japanese and Range quails has been recorded as 11.23±0.03g and
11.17±0.05g, respectively, showing non-significant difference (p>0.05), whereas, in
Japanese quails it was 13.37g (Megeed and Younis 2006). El-Sagheer and Hassanein
(2006) reported that Bovans brown (BV) and Hi-sex brown (HS) pullets of higher
body weight exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher egg weight by about 1.8g at 20
weeks of age as compared with that of medium Bovans (MBV) and light Bovans
(LMV), respectively. Similar findings indicating breed variations in egg weight
between exotic Rhode Island Red and local Lyallpur Silver Black have been reported
(Akhtar et al. 2007). Egg weight was found to be lower in low body weight chickens
(64.58g) than those of medium (64.97g) and heavy (66.30g) size (Lacin et al. 2008).
Hanan (2010) reported highly significant differences in egg weight of Japanese quail
at different ages.
ii. Egg shell weight
a. Close-bred flocks
Non-significant difference was observed for shell thickness amongst the
breeds and varieties of chickens (Padhi et al. 1998). Khurshid et al. (2003) reported
that egg shell weight had positive correlation with egg length and width. Similarly,
the eggs obtained from Aseel x Rhode Island Red crossbred had significantly better
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
23
egg quality as compared to other three cross-breds, Kadaknath x Brown Cornish,
Aseel x Brown Cornish and Kadaknath x Rhode Island Red (Gupta et al. 2007). The
strain variation for egg weight has been associated to their body size as heavy size
strain produced greater egg shell weight and the lightest strain had a lighter egg shell
weight (Silversides et al. 2006). The greater egg shell weight in heavy size birds has
been suggested to be due to their low egg production resulting in greater calcium
deposition in egg shells (Wolanski et al. 2007). The egg shell weight in shank
feathered and clean shank feathered strains of Local hill fowl was 6.28±0.11g, and
6.48±0.05g, respectively (Kumar et al. 2008).
b. Body Size
Scheinberg et al. (1953) reported that the egg size may be a factor influencing
the shell quality traits. The genotype can influence egg shell weight (Zita et al. 2009).
In heavy body weight chickens maintained under backyard system, egg shell weight
was found to be 6.57±0.15g (Yadav et al. 2009).
iii. Egg shell thickness
a. Close-bred flocks
Strain variation for egg shell thickness has been reported (Eisen and Bohren
1963; Pandey et al. 1986; Dev and Mahipal 2004). Significant differences in egg shell
thickness between Vanaraja and White Leghorn chicken, 0.427±0.012mm and
0.342±0.015mm, respectively at 40 weeks of age has been reported by Haunshi et al.
(2006). (Rehman 2006) reported significant (p<0.05) differences in egg shell
thickness among local and imported flocks of Japanese quails. The egg shell
thickness in Local-1 strain was significantly higher than those of other local and
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
24
imported strains. Aseel x Rhode Island Red crossbred had significantly better egg
shell thickness than other crossbred groups (Gupta et al. 2007). Egg shell thickness in
shank feathered and clean feathered strains of Local hill fowl was recorded as
0.405±0.003mm and 0.418±0.005mm, respectively (Kumar et al. 2008). Higher egg
shell thickness was recorded in Giriraja chicken in comparison to Farm chicken,
Market and Indigenous chickens (Baishya et al. 2008). In another study the egg shell
strength of the Manchurian Golden quail eggs was observed to be significantly
(p<0.05) greater by 4.6 percent compared to the Pharaoh quail eggs (Genchev and
Kabakchiev 2009). Onbasilar et al. (2011) reported that shell thickness was
influenced by egg weight.
b. Body Size
Egg shell thickness has been reported to decrease with increase in body
weight and advancement of age in Japanese quails (Nazligul et al. 2001). The egg
shell strength has been associated with its shell thickness (Deketelaere et al. 2002).
Selim and Seker (2004) stated that almost all internal egg quality traits changed at the
significant level depending on the change in the egg weight with respect to the
external quality traits of the egg. As a result, it has been considered that it could be
possible to use the egg weight in determining the egg shell weight, shell thickness and
the shell ratio instead of using these traits that are the determinants of the eggs hell
quality of the quail eggs. Nwachukwu et al. (2006) could not find difference in egg
shell thickness due to genetic variation. This observation is in line with the earlier
reports that larger body size birds had larger egg length, egg width and better internal
qualities than lighter body size birds (Ricklefs 1983). Basmacioglu and Ergul (2005)
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25
and Lacin et al. (2008) observed non-significant effect of body weight on egg shell
strength and egg shell thickness. The average value of egg shell thickness was
reported as, 0.38±0.003mm in 38 weeks old Guinea fowl (Singh et al. 2008) and
0.42±0.006mm in backyard chickens (Yadav et al. 2009).
iv. Haugh unit
a. Close-bred flocks
Strain variation in haugh unit values has been indicated (Dev and Mahipal
2004; Baishya et al. 2008). Selim and Seker (2004) reported haugh unit value as
85.73 percent. Haugh unit was reported to be significantly (p<0.05) higher for the
reciprocal crossbreds (Nwachukwu et al. 2006). Heavy body size birds had better
internal egg qualities than smaller ones (Ricklefs 1983). It has been observed that
albumen height (Wolanski et al. 2007) and haugh unit (Afifi et al. 2010) are
associated with age of the birds. The 46 weeks-old strain 10 had the highest albumen
height (5.22mm) as compared with 57, 54 and 52 weeks-old strains 9, 5, 3 which had
albumen heights of 4.36, 4.38mm, and 4.20mm, respectively. They further indicated
that both age and strain may influence weight of internal contents (yolk and
albumen). Aseel x Rhode Island Red crossbred has been reported to have better haugh
unit values (70.22) and egg quality than other three crossbred groups, Kadaknath x
Brown Cornish, Aseel x Brown Cornish and Kadaknath x Rhode Island Red (Gupta et
al. 2007).
Kumar et al. (2008) reported differences in haugh unit values of shank
feathered strain (80.03±0.92) and clean shank strain (77.72±1.13). Different haugh
unit values have been recorded in different strains of chickens (Baishya et al. 2008).
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26
Non-significant differences in haugh unit bwtween Vanaraja and White Leghorn
chicken (80.26±1.44 and 81.85±1.42, respectively), at 40 weeks of age have been
reported (Haunshi et al. 2006). Similarly, non-significant differences in haugh unit
values among local and imported flocks of Japanese quails (Rehman 2006) and in
different strains of chickens (Afifi et al. 2010) have been indicated.
b. Body Size
Renden and McDaniel (1984) reported that haugh unit values were related to
body size of the birds. Haugh unit is reported to decrease with increase in body size
and advancement of age in quails (Nazligul et al. 2001). Lacin et al. (2008) reported
that body weight significantly affected haugh unit values. Haugh unit was reported to
be significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the production cycle and egg weight of the
birds (Onbasilar et al. 2011).
v. Yolk index
a. Close-bred flocks
Non-significant strain differences among local and imported flocks for yolk
index in Japanese quails have been reported (Rehman 2006). Similarly, non-
significant differences between Vanaraja and White Leghorn breeds of chicken for
yolk index (0.3686±0.006 and 0.365±0.007) have been indicated (Haunshi et al.
2006). Significant difference in yolk index of different cross-breds and other breeds
of chickens have been indicated (Gupta et al. 2007; Baishya et al. 2008; Haunshi et al.
2011). In a similar study Kumar et al. (2008) recorded yolk index in shank feathered
and clean shank strains as 0.451±0.005 and 0.423±0.007, respectively. Similar results
have been reported by Nawar (2009) who indicated significant (p<0.05) differences
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
27
among genetic groups for yolk index. Tumova et al. (2007) reported that genotype
significantly (p<0.001) influenced yolk index.
b. Body Size
Yolk index was reported to be significantly (p<0.05) higher for the reciprocal
crossbreds (Nwachukwu et al. 2006). This observation is in line with the earlier
reports of Ricklefs (1983) indicating that larger size birds had better internal egg
quality than smaller birds. Selim and Seker (2004) studied internal and external
quality traits of the quail eggs as well as the phenotypic correlation between these
traits. Totally 202 eggs, collected in three sequential days from 90 female quails, 20
weeks-old were used for this study. The average yolk index was found to be 36.70
percent. Yolk and albumen did not differ by strain (Joseph and Moran 2005). Lacin et
al. (2008) reported that yolk index was not influenced by body weight in chickens.
2.4. Hatching traits
i. Dead germ and dead in shell percent
The embryonic mortality during the early period was reported to be non-
significant (Soliman et al. 1994; Reis et al. 1997; Seker et al. 2004). Ahmad et al.
(2000) found that light breeds had less embryonic mortality than the heavy breeds.
Medium size eggs (50-60g) had lower late embryonic mortality (18.82 percent) than
either too small (less than 50g) or too large (>60g) size eggs. Late embryonic
mortality was significantly affected by breed, size and shape of eggs. Joseph and
Moran (2005) reported that different selection strategies affected development of the
chick embryo and distribution of dead germs was similar among hen sources.
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28
Rehman (2006) reported that all the parameters of hatching traits were significantly
(p<0.05) different among different local and imported stocks of Japanese quails.
ii. Fertility percent
Many factors such as sex ratio, rate of egg production, age of broiler flock and
other environmental conditions can influence fertility in quails (Kulenkamp et al.
1973). Marks (1979) reported that with increase in body weight fertility percent
decreased in Japanese quails. Several factors can decrease fertility percent in birds
such as increased obesity (Siegel and Dunnington 1985), increased female to male
ratio (Kocak and Ozkan 2000), large breed size and age (Ahmad et al. 2000; Ipek et
al. 2004). Gharib et al. (2006) observed significantly higher fertility percent in
smaller size line of Fayoumi chickens. The fertility was observed to be better in quail
breeders during 10th to 19th weeks of age and male to female ratio of 1:2 to 1:5 gave
better fertility and hatchability (Abdul Mujeer et al. 1988). Continuous selection for
low body weight has been indicated to decrease fertility in birds (Yoshihito and
Okamoto 2003). Improvement in fertility could be achieved by improving
environmental conditions (Magda et al. 2010).
The fertility percent in Japanese quails (Table-2.1) indicated that minimum
figure reported for this trait ranged from 66.40 to 85.80 percent (El-Fiky et al. 1996)
and the maximum was reported as 93.90 percent (Gildersleeve et al. 1987).
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29
Table-2.1. Fertility percent in Japanese quails at different ages
S. No. Age (weeks) Fertility percent References
A. 06-week
1. 67 Marks (1980)
2. 72.9 Aboul-Hassan et al. (1999)
B. 13-16 week
1. 80.9 Blohowiaik et al. (1984)
C. 15-week
1. 72-92 Wilson et al. (1961)
D. Mixed-weeks
1. 75.7 El-Ibiary et al. (1966)
2. 84.0 Line (1978)
3. 88.4 Marks (1979)
4. 66.7-85.8 Sachdev et al. (1985)
5. 83.4 Sreenivasaiah and Joshi (1987)
6. 93.9 Gildersleeve et al. (1987)
7. 81.0 El-Fiky and Aboul-Hassan
(1994)
8. 66.4-85.8 El-Fiky et al. (1996)
9. 81.7 El-Fiky (2002)
10. 84.3 (Brown strain)
80.9 (White strain)
El-Fiky et al. (2000a)
iii. Hatchability percent
Hatchability bears a great economic significance in broiler production because
of its relationship with number of chicks produced (Wolc et al. 2009). Many factors
can influence hatchability percent, such as strain, health, nutrition, age of the flock,
egg size, weight, storage duration, conditions and egg quality (Heier et al. 2002;
Kingori 2011) and genetic factors (Meijerhoff 1992; Liptoi and Hidas 2006).
Hatchability is associated with female rather than male (Wolc and Olori 2009).
a. Close-bred flocks
Many factors such as breeder age, egg production rate and storage conditions
of eggs can influence hatchability in quails (Chahil et al. 1975; Heier and Jarp 2001).
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30
Breed variation in hatchability percent with smaller size breeds having better
hatchability results have been indicated (Ahmad et al. 2000; Gharib et al. 2006). It
has been reported that the external and internal egg quality traits in chickens (Hurnik
et al. 1978; Nordstrom and Ousterhout 1982) and quails (Narahari et al. 1988; Peebles
and Marks 1991) had significant effects on the hatchability of incubated and fertile
eggs. Abdul Mujeer et al. (1988) observed better hatchability percent in 10 to 19
weeks-old Japanese quail parents, with highest hatchability recorded at 14 and 12
weeks of age, respectively. The influence on hatchability of various environmental
and management factors in the production period, frequency of egg collection
(Fasenko et al. 1991), time of egg storage (Lapao et al. 1999; Heier and Jarp 2002),
egg storage conditions (Brake et al. 1997), egg shell quality (Peebles and Brake 1987;
Roque and Soares 1994) and mating ratio (Sainsbury 1992). Improvement in
hatchability could be achieved by improving environmental conditions (Magda et al.
(2010).
b. Body Size
The influence of parent body weight of female (Fasenko et al. 1992) and male
(Bramwell et al. 1996) on hatchability has been reported. Ipek et al. (2004) reported
that live weight, male to female ratio and breeder age had a significant effect on
hatchability percent. The effect of male: female ratio on the hatchability of fertile
eggs was found to be non-significant, whereas, the effect of this ratio on the
hatchability of total eggs was significant. Begin and Maclaury (1974) observed
differences in hatchability of fertile quail eggs with an increase in age of breeder
females, hatchability being inversely proportional with age. Woodard et al. (1973)
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31
reported that hatchability of fertile eggs declined with advancement of age in quails.
Marks (1979) reported that with the increase in body weight, hatchability percent
decreased in Japanese quails. Continuous selection for low body weight has been
indicated to decrease hatchability in birds (Yoshihito and Okamoto 2003). Tunso
(1996) observed significantly better hatchability and day-old chick weight in Japanese
quails from the larger size eggs.
The hatchability percent in Japanese quails (Table-2.2) show that the
minimum range for this parameter has been reported as 44.50 to 50.8 percent (Marks
1979) and the maximum figures of 81.8 percent have been reported by Blohowiaik et
al. (1984).
Table-2.2. Hatchability percent in Japanese quails at different ages
S. No. Age (weeks) Hatchability percent References
A. 06-week
1. 64.2 Aboul-Hassan et al. (1999)
B. 09-10 weeks
1. 80.2-88.4 Woodard and Abplanalp (1967)
2. 81.8 Blohowiaik et al. (1984)
C. 10-week
65.0-88.9 Chahil et al. (1975)
D. Mixed weeks
1. 63.0 Wilson et al. (1961)
2. 44.5-50.8 Marks (1979)
3. 70.7-84.1 Sachdev et al. (1985)
4. 79.0 Sreenivasaiah and Joshi (1987)
5. 73.2 Narahari et al. (1988)
6. 72.2 Bunaciu et al. (1994)
7. 68.2-78.5 El-Fiky et al. (1996)
8. 62.7 (Brown strain)
57.0 (White strain)
El-Fiky et al. (2000a)
9. 73.9 El-Fiky (2002)
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32
2.5. Slaughter characteristics
2.5.1. Carcass characteristics
i. Final live body weight
a. Close-bred flocks
Effects of breed, sex and body weight on the carcass composition of chickens
have been indicated by (Broadent et al. 1981; Marks 1990; Ahn et al. 1995; Cherian
et al. 1996; Bartov and Plavnik 1998; Smith and Pesti 1998; Wiseman and Lewise
1998; Peebles et al. 1999; Young et al. 2001; Le Bihan et al. 2001; Musa et al. 2006a;
Jaturasitha et al. 2008; Ojedapo et al. 2008 and Zhao et al. 2009).
Om et al. (1984) reported that the heredity among other factors could affect
carcass yield. Significant differences between breeds and strains for carcass traits
have been indicated by many workers (Singh et al. 1983; El-Labban 1999; Habeb
2007). Oguz et al. (1996) observed that body and carcass weights were influenced by
line of quails which had no significant effect on the yields of carcass. However,
carcass contents of male quails were affected by line. Similar findings indicating
significant line effect on slaughter weight, carcass weight and yield of female quails
have been reported by Levent et al. (1999). They further observed that average
slaughter weight and carcass weight over the generations in the female and male
quails were 197.53g, 122.05g and 173.92g, 124.93g, respectively. Minvielle et al.
(2000) observed sex differences in dressed weight of quails with slightly higher
values in females than males. The lines selected for 4-week body weight for 19
generations were heavier than the unselected control line by 10.3 to 45.3 percent at
different ages. Live body-weight and absolute weight of carcass did not show a
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33
consistent trend in two growth selected and one control line of Japanese quail
(Dhaliwal et al. 2004). Significant differences for dressing yield in chicken breeds
(Jai et al. 2004; Musa et al. 2006; Munira et al. 2006) and strain variation in quails
(Vali et al. (2005) have been reported. Taha and Farran (2009) reported strain
differences (p<0.05) in breast yield of turkeys with males having higher breast meat
yield than females. Khaldari et al. (2010) reported a significant difference in carcass
weight component between the sexes at 4-weeks of age (p<0.01) with females quails
having higher figures than males. Baiomy and Hassanien (2011) indicated non-
significant effects of breed and sex on carcass traits except for the dressing yield. The
male exhibited higher breast weight and lower carcass yield than female birds (Lopez
et al. 2011).
b. Body Size
The body weight and age have been reported to significantly (p<0.05)
influence dressed carcass weight in broilers (Pandey et al. 1985) and different breeds
(Singh and Essary 1974). Among other factors, heredity has been found to affect the
carcass yield (Om et al. 1984). Tserveni-Gousi and Yannakopoulos (1986) reported
significantly greater carcass yield in male than female quails, although the carcass
weight was similar. Yalcin et al. (1995) conducted a study to evaluate the relationship
between slaughter ages and carcass characteristics of Japanese quail slaughtered at 5,
6, 7, 8 and 9 weeks of age. They found that body weight and eviscerated weight were
affected by age. El-Full et al. (2001) recorded live body weight in Japanese quail as
155.2g, 190.9g when slaughtered at 5 and 7 weeks of age, respectively.
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34
ii. Dressing percentage
a. Close-bred flocks
Dressing percentage represents the carcass yield in relation to live body
weight or edible body parts. This trait is influenced by many factors such as dressing
percentage, breed, body size, slaughtering age, sex, quality of feed and processing
methods (Carlson et al. 1975). Different dressing percentage values in Japanese quails
at different ages have been reported by many researchers (Wilson et al. 1961; Dawson
et al. 1971; Bacon and Nestor 1983; Jones et al. 1979; El-Fiky 1991; Kosba et al.
1992; El-Full et al. 2001) which have been presented in Table-2.3. Variation was
attributed to relatively large body size in Bob White quail than Japanese quails. The
dressing yield of 72 percent in broilers (Hayse and Marion 1973) and 71 percent in
turkeys (Dobson 1969) has been reported. Growth and different carcass traits have
been reported to be positively correlated Jaap et al. (1950); Davis and Hutto (1953);
Bouwkamp et al. (1973). Becker et al. (1981) observed no difference in fat content of
carcass in 5 different broiler strains.
Differences in dressing percentage between different varieties of Desi
chickens have been reported by Sahota et al. (2003a). Dressing percentage was
observed to be significantly (p<0.01) different in Anka and Rugao breeds of chickens
which also significantly (p<0.05) differed between male and female in Anka breed
and non-significantly in Rugao breed (Musa et al. 2006). Etuk et al. (2006) reported
higher dressing percentage in male ducks (72.01-74.90 percent) than the females
(69.09-70.98 percent).
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35
b. Body Size
The body weight and age significantly (p<0.05) influenced dressing
percentage (Pandey et al. 1985) between breeds of broilers (Singh and Essary 1974).
Dressing percentage in male was significantly better than female birds (Turgut
Kirmizibayrak 2002). Dressing percentage for the Padovana breed of chicken was
found to be slightly lower than that reported for commercial broilers (Havenstein et
al. 2003; Cortinas et al. 2004). Jai et al. (2004) reported significant differences in
dressing percentage among the three breeds of Black Nicobari compared to Brown
Nicobari and Barred Desi. The maximum dressing percentage was recorded in Aseel
× Brown Cornish followed by that of Rhode Island Red × Aseel and Kadaknath ×
Aseel (Mondal et al. 2007). Dressing percentage in indigenous male chicken
(70.11±0.66 percent) was reported to be significantly different (p<0.01) than that of
female counterpart (Iqbal et al. 2009).
The dressing percentage in Japanese quails reported by many researches has
been presented in Table-2.3. The minimum dressing percentage of 32.5 in 18 week-
old Bob White quails (Dawson et al. 1971) and the maximum dressing percentage of
77.00 in 9 week-old Japanese quails (Jones et al. 1979 and El-Fiky 1991) have been
reported.
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36
Table-2.3. Dressing percentage in Japanese quails at different ages
S. No. Age (weeks) Dressing percentage References
Mixed sexes
A 05-week
1. 65.5 El-Full et al. (2001)
B 06-weeks
1. 69.4 Wilson et al. (1961)
2. 59.3-67.3 Bacon and Nestor (1983)
3. 65.3 El-Full et al. (2001)
C 07-weeks
1. 65.2 El-Full et al. (2001)
D 09-weeks
1. 77.00 Jones et al. (1979; El-Fiky 1991)
2. 68.1-69.6 Kosba et al. (1992)
E 10-weeks
1. 39.0 (Bob white quail) Dawson et al. (1971)
F 18-weeks
1. 32.5 (Bob white quail) Dawson et al. (1971)
2.5.2. Giblets
The carcass weight in 9 week-old Japanese quails was recorded as 113.6g
(Jones et al. 1979) which was observed to be affected by body weight (Bacon and
Nestor 1983). In 6 weeks-old quail, meat, bone and giblet percent of 46.9, 11.6 and
6.5 (Mousa 1993) and carcass and giblet weight of 90.4 and 6.43g, respectively
(Sharaf 1994) have been reported. The carcass yield in quail was found to increase
with advancement in age (El-Full 2000).
i. Liver weight
The proportionate yield of liver was observed to be greater in female quails
than in males and liver weight and part yield could be accurately predicted by body
weight (Tserveni-Gousi and Yannakopoulos 1986). Yalcin et al. (1995) reported that
the age had no significant effect on the weight of liver. The liver and liver lipid
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
37
contents in quails were affected by line (Oguz et al. 1996; Levent et al. 1999). Sklan
et al. (2003) reported higher liver proportions in heavier chicks. Dhaliwal et al. (2004)
observed that weight of liver increased from 68 weeks but their weight expressed as
percent of eviscerated weight did not show a consistent trend. Muammer Tilki (2004)
stated that selection at 4 week body weight was associated with increase in giblets
percentages in Japanese quail. Non-significant breed differences in liver weight
(Munira et al. 2006) and giblet weight (Jai et al. 2004) have been reported, whereas,
Musa et al. (2006) reported breed variation for liver weight.
ii. Heart weight
Oguz et al. (1996) observed that heart weight was affected by line of quails.
Musa et al. (2006) studied Anka and Rugao chicken breeds maintained under the
same environment and management and found that heart weight differed non-
significantly (p>0.05). The black strain of Japanese quails was observed to be
superior to brown for all the slaughter characters except the breast weight, however,
significant effect was observed for the heart weight (Kumari et al. 2008). 296 birds
from 37 lines of commercial broiler, layer, and traditional chickens slaughtered at 6
and 10 weeks of age had moderately high relative heart
weight and greater heart
weight at 10 than at 6 weeks of age. Broiler carcasses had a relatively smaller
proportion of heart weight (Sandercock et al. 2009). Yalcin et al. (1995) conducted a
study to evaluate the relationship between slaughter ages and carcass characteristics
of Japanese quail slaughtered at 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 weeks of age. They reported that the
age had no significant effect on the heart weight. Heart weight increased from 68
weeks of age but heart weight expressed as percent of eviscerated weight did not
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38
show a consistent trend. Selection at 4 week body weight was found to be associated
with increase in giblets percentage in Japanese quail (Dhaliwal et al. 2004). Etuk et
al. (2006) reported non-significant sex differences (p>0.05) for heart weight in ducks.
The giblet weight as 40.46±2.46g was recorded in Aseel × Brown Cornish (Mondal et
al. 2007).
iii. Gizzard weight
Yalcin et al. (1995) conducted a study to evaluate the relationship between
slaughter ages and carcass characteristics of Japanese quail slaughtered at 5, 6, 7, 8
and 9 weeks of age and reported that the age could not significantly affect gizzard
weight. Oguz et al. (1996) observed that gizzard weight in quails was affected by line.
In native geese the mean values of gizzard weight in males and females was recorded
as 173.3g 165.5g, respectively (Turgut Kirmizibayrak 2002). Munira et al. (2006)
reported non-significant differences in weight of gizzard between breeds. Black strain
of Japanese quails was found to be superior to brown for all the slaughter characters
except the breast weight. Significant effect was observed for the gizzard weight
(Kumari et al. 2008).
2.5.3. Visceral organs
A negative relationship between body size and different reproductive traits in
Japanese quails similar to chickens and turkeys has been indicated (Marks 1980 a). A
positive correlation between ovarian follicles and body size during the growing
period in Japanese quails has also been reported (Anthony et al. 1996), however, age
of sexual maturity and follicle number was negatively correlated in two lines of quails
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
39
(Reddish et al. 2003). At the start of sexual maturity ovary weight was observed to be
greater than 1 or 2 weeks before maturity (Yannakopoulos et al. 1995).
In Japanese quails, sex organ weights and yields in both the sexes were found
to be similar between lines. Average ovarian, oviduct and testes weights over the
generations in the female and male quails were recorded as 5.27g, 6.03g and 4.80g,
respectively (Levent et al. 1999). Yalcin et al. (1995) conducted a study to evaluate
the relationship between slaughter ages and carcass characteristics of Japanese quail
slaughtered at 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 weeks of age. Eviscerated weight was found to be
affected by age. Oguz et al. (1996) observed that weight of testes; ovary and yield of
testes were affected by line. Evisceration loss in heavy weight females was higher
than males in Muscovy ducks (Snyder 1962; Varadarajulu and Muralimohan Rao
1976; Ahmed et al. 1980). Punyavee et al. (2000) observed higher testes weight in
Shanghai chickens as compared to Rhode Island Red. Bhatti et al. (2003) reported
breed differences in length of intestine with higher figure in Nick chick layers than
other breeds of chickens which was attributed to higher production in Nick chick.
Jaturasitha (2004) reported higher intestinal percentage in male than female chickens.
Rehman (2006) observed significant difference (p<0.05) in intestinal weight and
length among imported and local stocks of Japanese quails. He further reported non-
significant effect of close-bred flocks on reproductive tract weight and length, ovarian
follicular number and testes weight in imported and local stocks of Japanese quails.
The findings of the study conducted by Iqbal (2011) in Aseel chickens indicate higher
(p<0.05) intestinal weight (68.5±10.9g) in male than female (44.8±2.93g) at 12 weeks
of age, however, differences were non-significant between sexes at 15 weeks of age.
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40
The intestinal length was greater (p<0.05) in male birds (162.3±5.5cm) than females
(144.7±3.7cm) at 15 weeks of age, however, non-significant differences were
recorded between sexes at 12 weeks of age and also among the four varieties of Aseel
at both 12 and 15 weeks of age. Non-significant (p>0.05) differences were observed
in ovary and testes weight among four varieties of Aseel at 12 and 15 weeks of age
2.6. Proximate analysis
i. Breast meat
a. Close-bred flocks
Genetic variation among strains and lines of chicken for dressed and
eviscerated carcasses yields, carcass parts, edible meat, skin, and bone has been
documented in the literature. The positive correlations between growth rate and yield
has been indicated by Jaap et al. (1950); Davis and Hutto (1953); Bouwkamp et al.
(1973). Differences could not be detected in carcass fat in five commercial broiler
strains (Becker et al. 1981). Oguz et al. (1996) conducted an experiment on quails to
evaluate the effects of line and sex on carcass characteristics and reported effect of
line on breast and thigh. Farran et al. (2000) observed significantly higher protein
content in Ross males than in Lohmann and Arbor Acres males (18.8 vs. 18.3 and
18.2 percent, respectively). Similarly, the moisture content of Ross males (67.5
percent) was noted to be significantly higher than that of Arbor Acres (65.9 percent),
but not significantly different from that of Lohmann males (67.0 percent). Female
body composition results, however, did not differ significantly among the three
strains and averaged 18.7, 66.1, and 12.1 percent for protein, moisture, and fat,
respectively. Przywarova et al. (2001) conducted an experiment to evaluate effect of
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
41
sex on carcass characteristics and body weight of 3 lines of Japanese quails
slaughtered at 68 days of age. Higher weights (p<0.01) of breast meat were obtained
in lines 03 (28.53g) and line 20 (27.97g). Genchev et al. 2005 reported breed
differences in proximate composition of quail meat.
Significant breed variation in protein and moisture in meat and no such
difference in muscles has been observed (Fujimura et al. 1996). Bhatti et al. (2003a)
reported non-significant difference (p>0.05) in crude protein, crude fat, total ash and
moisture contents regardless of sex and strains of chickens. Higher fat content in
breast meat in female chicken was recorded than in male breast. The similar
observations indicating higher percentage of abdominal fat in female than in male
chickens have been reported by Chen et al. (1996). The effect of strain, age and sex
on the composition of carcass revealed that moisture percentage was not significantly
affected by strain and sex. However, it decreased with increase in age. Crude protein
contents generally increased with age in both the sexes of all the four strains of
broilers. Fat contents increased with age in all the four strains. Female broilers of all
strains had significantly greater fat contents than the male broilers (p<0.05). Between
the male and female broilers, Hubbard strain had significantly more fat percentage,
followed by Indian River, Ross and Lohmann. There was no effect on the ash
contents of carcass due to sex and strain, through it decreased with increase in age
(Ahmad 1989).
Vali et al. (2005) reported non-significant differences in breast meat weight in
both the sexes of quails. The carcass weight of male was found to be significantly
higher in all the lines as compared to females. Musa et al. (2006) reported that semi-
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
42
eviscerated, eviscerated, breast muscle and leg muscle weight were significantly
(p<0.01) different in Anka and Rugao breed. Males compared to females showed
significantly (p<0.01) higher semi-eviscerated, eviscerated and breast muscle weight
within two breeds. However, weight of leg muscle was found to vary non-
significantly. Zaman et al. (2009) reported non-significant difference in the mean
percentage of moisture, crude protein, ether extract and ash content in thigh meat in
both the sexes of Nageswari ducks. Tang et al. (2009) reported higher moisture and
protein and lower lipid contents in breast than thigh muscle. Breed variation in
protein, fat and ash content in breast muscle has been indicated (Pomianowski et al.
2009). Turkey meat contained protein, fat, ash and moisture 20.4, 3.85, 1.0, 74.8
percent, respectively (Paleari et al. 1998). The moisture, crude protein, fat and ash
percentages in breast fillets were recorded as 75.0±0.2, 22.5±0.2, 0.87±0.08, and
1.3±0.00, respectively (Abdullah and Matarneh 2010).
b. Body Size
Tserveni-Gousi and Yannakopoulos (1986) stated that breast is a major
portion of the body in Japanese quails consisting about 34.6 and 32.1 percent of their
body weight in male and female quails, respectively, however, breast weight is not
affected by sex. Yalcin et al. (1995) observed that breast meat composition was
significantly affected in quails by age. Fuzhu Liu and Zhuye Niu (2008) observed that
White Lueyang chicken attained market weight at the later age and had lower breast
meat yield than leg meat yield (p<0.05 r p<0.01). Moisture and lipids (ether extract)
of both the breast and thigh muscle were lower for White Lueyang chicken than
Arbor Acres breeder (p<0.01), but protein and ash components of both breast muscle
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
43
and thigh muscle were higher for White Lueyang chicken than Arbor Acres breeder.
Lariviere et al. (2009) reported that Ardennaise breed had breast meat yield varying
from 11.02-11.62 percent at 84 days.
ii. Thigh meat
a. Close-bred flocks
No differences could be detected in carcass fat in five commercial broiler
strains (Becker et al. 1981). Dry matter and protein percentage were similar for the
Padovana breed than the Thai indigenous chicken to those reported for other chicken
breeds (Castellini et al. 1994; Castellini et al. 2002), whereas, percentage protein,
ether extract and ash were higher in these breeds and commercial broilers
(Wattanachant et al. 2004). Oguz et al. (1996) reported that breast and thigh weight
were affected by line of quails. The protein content of meat was reported to be similar
in different strains of chickens (Fujimura et al. 1996).
b. Body Size
Tserveni-Gousi and Yannakopoulos (1986) reported that bigger portion of
body weight in both the sexes of Japanese quail was the thigh and its’ yield was not
affected by sex and weight of leg and parts could be predicted by body weight. Yalcin
et al. (1995) reported that thigh meat composition was affected by age of quails.
DeMarchi et al. (2005) reported no sex differences in proximate composition of
breast meat of chicken except dry matter and ash contents. Breast chemical
composition did not differ at different ages except for protein percent. Musa et al.
(2006) reported that chicken breeds differed non-significantly (p>0.05) in leg muscle
weight.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
44
2.7. Blood biochemical profile
2.7.1. Blood chemistry
In poultry blood chemistry was established to some extent for chicken (Ross
et al. 1976; 1978), quail (Faqi et al. 1997), duck (Farhat and Chavez 2000), ostrich
(Verstappen et al. 2002) and turkey (Huff et al. 2008).
i. Glucose
a. Close-bred flocks
Blood biochemical traits are important indicators in breeding for high
productivity (Obeidah et al. 1978). Bacon et al. (1980) reported that the level of
several blood constituents is quite different in female birds when various reproductive
states are compared. Avian blood glucose values have been reported to range from
110-350mg/dl (Sturkie 1965) and from 200 to 500mg/dl (Coles 1977). The blood
glucose level was reported to be higher in chickens than in mammals (Sermpan and
Achara 2000). Vijay et al. (2010) observed significantly (p<0.01) greater serum
glucose concentration (mg/dl) in female (182.15±0.05g/100ml) than male
(169.45±0.41g/100ml) quails. There is reported to be no significant difference with
regard to serum protein, glucose and phosphorus contents between breeds of broilers
(Saleem et al. 1996). The effect of strain on some blood constituents in local strains
of chickens have been indicated by some investigators (El-Kaiaty and Hassan 2004;
Hassan et al. 2006; Habeb 2007; Farhat et al. 2009). Bhatti et al. (2001) observed
blood glucose in Desi and Naked neck hens as 226.736±15.20, 231.818±31.376mg/dl,
respectively. No difference in blood glucose, total protein and albumin between two
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
45
breeds was noted suggesting that an identical genetic mechanism might have
regulated blood chemical composition.
b. Body Size
The serum glucose concentration in Rhode Island Red chicken varied between
sexes during all ages (Flora and Sangeetha 2000). Plasma glucose levels are affected
by many factors e.g., body size and age (Cerolini et al. 1990; rate of lay (Suchy et al.
2001; Gyenis et al. 2006; Pavlik et al. 2009). Alm El-Dein et al. (2008) observed that
body weight at 8 and 12 weeks of age, body weight gain during periods from 8-12
and 16-20 weeks and both body weight and age at sexual maturity were positively
correlated with glucose level. Positive and significant correlation was found between
calcium levels with glucose level. It is concluded that laying hens had high calcium
and low glucose levels at early age (8 weeks). Mary and Gomathy (2008) observed
that glucose level in turkeys increased with advancement of age from 0-3 weeks, then
decreased gradually with advancement of age after 12-18 weeks. Bahie El-Deen et al.
(2009) reported that the low body weight quail had significantly higher estimates for
glucose than the medium and high body weight groups (192.47 vs. 190.60 and 187.62
mg/dl). Plasma glucose in chicken was found to range between 190.7-270.7mg/dl
which was on lower side in high and medium than the small size chickens indicating
relationship between glucose requirement and body size (Amira et al. 2009). Higher
(p<0.01) glucose level was observed in male Japanese quails than females (Scholtz et
al. 2009). The physiological parameters possessing higher heritability, genetic and
phenotypic correlations with growth rate could be improved through selection for
body weight in Japanese quail (Farhat et al. 2010).
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
46
ii. Total protein
Work (1996) reported increase in total protein value with age in pelecaniform
birds. Wolf et al. (1985) found that in brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) total
protein values increased with age. However, in domestic fowls (Brandt et al. 1951)
and Japanese quail (Nirmalan and Robinson 1971) the total protein value decreased
with age. Sykes (1971) indicated that urea/uric acid is the end product of metabolism
of protein/amino acid. Bhatti et al. (2001) reported total proteins in Desi and Naked
neck hens as 5.203±1.078 and 4.533±0.797mg/dl, respectively. Sermpan and Achara
(2000) reported that total protein level was lower in chickens than those of mammals.
Olayemi et al. (2002) observed non-significant differences in total protein values
between young and adult Nigerian ducks. Olayemi et al. (2002) reported total protein
(5.91g/dl) and albumin (2.81gldl) in adult Nigerian ducks which were found higher
than those reported by Makinde and Fatunmbi (1985). In adult White England
turkeys, Olayemi et al. (2002) observed total protein (3.93g/dl) and albumin
(1.55g/dl), however, Oyewale et al. (1988) reported a lower albumin (1.55gldl) and
total protein values (4.95gldl) in Nigerian fowl than those obtained in Nigerian ducks
(Olayemi et al. (2002). Flora and Sangeetha (2000) observed significant difference in
total protein values in growing RIR chickens, which varied non-significantly between
sexes. Habeb (2007) observed non- significant differences in plasma total protein
between two strains of chickens. Malarmathi et al. (2009) observed that plasma
protein in black strain of Japanese quails was 4.10 g/dl.
Bahie El-Deen et al. (2009) observed significantly higher estimates for total
protein (3.96g/dl) in heavy size quails than the medium and low body weight groups
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
47
(3.69 and 3.75g/dl). Mary and Gomathy (2008) reported that total serum protein in
turkeys increased with age till 26-34 weeks during the period of active growth and
then gradually declined. Total serum protein concentrations in adult female Japanese
quails was found to be higher (p<0.01) than males (Scholtz et al. 2009). Vijay et al.
(2010) reported that male and female quails differed non-significantly in serum
values of total protein, calcium and phosphorus. A positive correlation between total
serum protein and body weight has been reported in Japanese quails (Sato 1985).
iii. Albumin
Work (1996) reported increase in serum albumin values with age in
pelecaniform birds. Wolf et al. (1985) found that in brown pelicans (Pelecanus
occidentalis), albumin decreased with advancement of age. Flora and Sangeetha
(2000) observed highly significant difference in serum albumin in RIR chickens
during different ages, whereas, it differed non-significantly between sexes. Olayemi
et al. (2002) reported albumin level (2.81gldl) in adult Nigerian ducks which were
higher than those reported by Makinde and Fatunmbi (1985). In White England adult
turkeys, Olayemi et al. (2002) observed albumin level (1.55g/dl) whereas, Oyewale et
al. (1988) reported a lower albumin level (1.55gldl) in Nigerian fowl than those
obtained in Nigerian ducks (Olayemi et al. (2002). Olayemi et al. (2002) observed
non-significant differences between young and adult Nigerian ducks (Anas
platyrhynchos) for albumin values. Albumin concentrations in adult female Japanese
quails was found to be higher (p<0.01) than males (Scholtz et al. 2009). The blood
albumin in Desi and Naked neck hens was recorded as 1.624±0.224 and
1.562±0.287mg/dl, respectively (Bhatti et al. 2001).
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
48
iv. Cholesterol
Serum cholesterol concentration was not influenced by strain variation and
laying conditions (Bhatti et al. 2002) and the lowest values (86.54mg/dl) were
recorded in cross breds and the highest (130.72mg/dl) (p<0.0I) were in RIR and there
was non-significant difference between broiler (107.58mg/dl) and Fayoumi
(123.92mg/dl) birds (Tanzeela et al. 2000). Blood cholesterol was reported to
significantly vary in different birds at different stages (Yeh et al. 1996). The plasma
cholesterol level (150.72 mg/dl) was found to vary significantly between sexes in
quails (Malarmathi et al. 2009). Bahie El-Deen (2009) observed that cholesterol
concentration in quails was reduced at 13 week of age (peak egg production) than
during other production periods. This could be due to depression in serum cholesterol
during high egg production period on account of cholesterol shift from the blood to
the ovarian tissue for egg yolk formation seems to be a metabolic phenomenon for
meeting a continued serum cholesterol demand to replenish losses during egg
formation production (Mady 1990). Mary and Gomathy (2008) reported that
cholesterol values in both the sexes of turkeys were ascending with age from the day
of hatch to 12-18 weeks and it fluctuated from group to group before reaching the
lowest value in above 50 weeks age group. The cholesterol level was found higher
(p<0.01) in adult female Japanese quails than males (Scholtz et al. 2009).
v. Urea
Sykes (1971) indicated that urea/uric acid is the end product of metabolism of
protein/amino acid. Olayemi et al. (2002) reported non-significant differences in urea
values between young and adult Nigerian ducks. The urea concentration (7.20 mg/dl)
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
49
observed in adult Egyptian duck by Soliman et al. (1966) was lower than the value
observed in adult Nigerian ducks by Olayemi et al. (2002). The high urea value as
well as the high total plasma protein value probably reflected the adequate state of
nutrition in Nigerian ducks (Olayemi et al. 2002).
2.7.2. Plasma macro minerals
Different studies were undertaken to associate performance with some
physical and chemical constituents of blood in chickens (Mady 1990; El-Bogdady et
al. 1993). The mean calcium concentrations in adult Egyptian ducks were reported as
104 mg/dl by Soliman et al. (1966). Bacon et al. (1980) reported that the level of
several blood plasma constituents was quite different in female than male birds.
Significant differences between local strains for serum concentrations of calcium
have been reported by El-Kaiaty and Hassan (2004). Similarly, Hassan et al. (2006)
found significant difference in serum calcium concentrations between SM, MAT and
EL-Salam chicks. Habeb (2007) observed that the female chicks of SM strain
exhibited the highest value for plasma calcium. It was further stated that not
significant differences could not be detected within or between the two strains, in
phosphorus concentration. Positive and significant correlation was found between
calcium levels and glucose levels. Laying hens had high calcium concentrations at 8
weeks of age (Alm El-Dein et al. 2008). Hanan (2010) reported highly significant
increase in calcium and phosphorus levels with advancement of age. Abdelrahim
Ahmed (2009) observed not significant differences in plasma calcium and sodium
levels between three breeds of Sudanese indigenous chickens. The lowest values of
calcium were observed at 8 and 10 weeks of age with non- significant differences in
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
50
levels of phosphorus up to 18 weeks of age. Increase in the level of calcium with
increased egg production has been attributed to steroid hormones which are
implicated in regulation of calcium metabolism in laying hens throughout several
modes of action as deposition of calcium within the medullar portion of long bones
(Johnson 1986). A considerable increase in plasma calcium levels at the beginning of
laying period of hens and subsequent gradual increase in calcium level has been
observed by Cerolini et al. (1990); Gyenis et al. (2006); Pavlik et al. (2009). Bhatti et
al. (2002) reported increased serum calcium and phosphorus concentration (p<0.05)
during laying. However, Pavlik et al. (2009) reported that plasma phosphorus
concentrations decreased from 22 to 75 weeks of age in laying birds.
Enaiat et al. (2010) found that Silver Montazah chicks had significantly
(p<0.01) higher plasma calcium concentration than Matruoh chicks. On the contrary,
no appreciable differences could be detected between the two strains in plasma
phosphorus concentrations. Balasch et al. (1973) observed that Na and K values in
Galliformes were 153.90-168.17mmol/l and 2.25-3.58mmol/l, respectively. Olayemi
et al. (2002) reported that the adult Nigerian duck had higher sodium 149.40 vs.
133.60mmol/l, potassium 6.00 vs. 3.88mmol/l but lower calcium 8.56 vs. 9.89mg/dl.
Olayemi et al. (2002) reported that Na and K levels in the young (8-10 weeks-old)
Nigerian ducks were not significantly different from those of the adult duck (50-80
week old). Nazifi et al. (2011) reported significant (p<0.05) difference in blood
phosphorus concentration between both the sexes of Iranian chukar partridges
(Alectoris chukar). Bhatti et al. (2002) reported increased serum phosphorus
concentration (p<0.05) during laying. Abdelrahim Ahmed (2009). Potassium is
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
51
essentially needed for many important functions such as osmotic, acid base and water
balance and also involves in different enzymatic actions and a balance is necessary
between potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium (McDowell 1993). With
increase in pH of the body fluids, potassium concentration and alkalinity in the cells
increase, resulting into more alkalinity in the urine (Donald et al. 1988).
2.2 Progeny flock
2.2.1 Growth performance
The growth and productive performance in birds depends on genetic makeup
and environmental conditions (Ahmad and Singh 2007). Growth is an important
character in animal production which is used to evaluate their production
performance and efficiency of management. Many factors such as genetic makeup,
diet, management and housing conditions, sex ratio and parental age play an
important role in improving growth rate in animals and birds (Parks 1971). Growth
rate is stated to be affected by gene and environment interaction (Hafez 1963). It is
generally assumed that the weight of an egg determines the body weight and quality
of chick at hatching time and affects the post-embryonic growth of birds (Bray and
Iton 1965). Different growth attributes in different species of birds have been
discussed (Ricklefs 1968). The growth is determined by recording body weight gain
during different ages (Cole 1966). Many factors influencing growth rate may be
studied (Bakker 1974). Numerous research workers have studied the growth rate of
Japanese quails under different environments (Marks and Kinney 1964; El-Ibiary et
al. 1966; Lepore and Marks 1971; Sefton and Siegel 1974; Marks 1975; El-Fiky
1991; Shebl et al. 1996; Aboul-Hassan 1997; Bahie El-Deen 1999; Aboul-Hassan
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
52
2000; Abdel-Fattah 2006; Mahmoud 2006). William and Willey (1950); Kosin et al.
(1952) and Jalal et al. (1972) observed that the egg weight had significant effect on
the day-old chick weight and its subsequent growth performance up to 10 weeks of
age. The relationship between egg weight and day-old chick weights is affected by
both heredity and environment. The egg weight is one of the most important factors
influencing hatchability and performance of birds (Ghani et al. 1985).
a. Close-bred flocks
The literature available on hatch time of Japanese quail is very scanty on
account of birds being sensitive for handling and their very small body size.
However, salient research findings in this respect are reported here. Different body
weight values in Japanese quails at different ages have been reported by many
researchers (Lepore and Marks 1971; Marks 1975; 1980; 1993; Oguz et al. 1996;
Aboul-Hassan 2000, 2001a; El-Fiky 2005; Abdel-Fatah 2006; Megeed and Younis
2006; Abdel-Tawab 2006) and have been presented in Table-2.4. El-Fiky (2005)
reported improvement in hatching weight consequent to selection breeding for body
weight in quails. Shoukat et al. (1988) and Suarez et al. (1997) observed variation in
day-old chick weight hatched from different egg weight groups. The day-old chick
weight has been reported to be influenced by strain and age. Ahmad et al. (2000)
reported highly positive correlation between egg weight and hatching weights of
chicks. Breed and egg size also had significant effect on hatching weight. Numerous
investigators reported significant differences in body weight and rate of growth at
different ages between some local strains of chickens (Younis and Abd El-Ghany
2003; El-Kaiaty and Hassan 2004; Habeb 2007). Joseph and Moran (2005a)
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53
conducted a study by obtaining hatching eggs from 3 maternal strains of broilers
(strains A and B were selected for growth rate and strain C was selected for high
breast-meat yield). The day-old chick weight was significantly higher for strain B due
to better egg weight.
b. Body Size
The Japanese quails have been regarded as a bird possessing an efficient
growth rate (Marks 1971; Sefton and Siegel 1974; Darden and Marks 1988). The
variation in body weight of quails at different ages may be due to variation in their
genetic makeup and also due to different environmental conditions under which they
are maintained, however, females consistently attain greater body weight (Wilson et
al. 1961; El-Ibiary et al. 1966; Marks and Lepore 1968; Narayan 1976). It has been
further observed that selected males produced significantly (p<0.01) heavier body
weight in broilers at 6 weeks of age (Van Wambeke et al. 1981). It has been indicated
that quail chicks with better body weight at hatching time attain higher body weight at
market age due to better skeletal muscle growth (Sklan et al. 2003). In broilers,
increase in body weight has been observed up to 35 days of age (81g/day) and then
after this age, body weight decreased (Abdullah and Matarneh 2010). Kawahara and
Saito (1976) reported higher heritability and larger genetic variance in male quails for
total body and muscle weight than females. Significant effect of hatch weight on 2nd
week body weight in quails have been reported (Saatci et al. 2003; Saatci et al. 2006;
Shokoohmand et al. 2007; Kumari et al. 2009; Alkan et al. 2010).
The previous findings indicated that several factors, including, species, breed,
egg nutrient levels, egg environment, egg size (Wilson 1991, 1991a), weight loss
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54
during the incubation period, weight of the shell and other residues at hatch (Tullett
and Burton 1982), shell quality, and incubator conditions (Peebles and Brake 1987)
may influence hatching weight of chicks. In addition, many factors such as seasonal
effects (because of changes in maternal metabolism), genotype, incubation period
(Wilson 1991a), body weight, and hen age (Benoff and Renden 1983; Tserveni-Gousi
1987), as well as correlated responses due to genetic selection (Rodda et al. 1977;
Akbar et al. 1983; Fletcher et al. 1983), may alter egg weight-chick weight
relationships. The earlier findings also indicated that maternal effect on chick weight
was possibly mediated via egg composition of both the genetic and the environmental
origin. Furthermore, no significant genetic correlation of the direct genetic effect on
chick weight and egg composition was found (Hartmann et al. 2003).
The body weight of Japanese quails reported by different research workers
have been presented in Table-2.4. The body weight in day-old quails is reported to
range between 6.0g (Lepore and Marks 1971) to 9.3g (Marks 1993; Oguz et al. 1996).
The body weight in 2 weeks-old quails has been observed to range between 32.5g
(Aboul-Hassan 2000) to 71.89g (Megeed and Younis 2006) with higher body weight
in female than male quails. The lowest and the highest body weight range in male and
female quails was reported as 80.6 and 80.6g (Mousa 1993) and 127.25 and 132.17g
respectively, (Abdel-Fattah 2006) at 4-weeks of age and 92.90 to 108.20g in male and
103.10-132.80g in female (Colins et al. 1970) and 140.40 and 164.50g in male and
female quails, respectively, at 6-weeks of age (Kosba et al. 1996).
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55
Table-2.4. Body weight (g) in Japanese quails at different ages
S.
No.
Age
(weeks)
Body weight (g) References
Male Female Mixed
sexes
A. 0-day
1. - - 6.0 Lepore and Marks (1971)
2. - - 6.3-6.6 Marks (1975)
3. - - 8.8 Marks (1980)
4. - - 6.30 Shoukat et al. (1988)
5. - - 9.3 Marks (1993) and Oguz et
al. (1996)
6. - - 8.3-8.6 Aboul-Hassan (2000, 2001a)
7. - - 8.11 El-Fiky (2005)
8. - - 8.38-8.48 Abdel-Tawab (2006
9. - - 8.96 (Megeed and Younis (2006)
10. - - 7.05 Abdel-Fattah
(2006)
B. 02 weeks
1. - - 43.6 Lepore and Marks (1971)
2. 37.8-43.4 38.7-45.1 - Sefton and Siegel (1974)
3. 41.0 45.1 El-Fiky (1991)
4. - - 36.4 Mousa (1993)
5. - - 32.5 Aboul-Hassan (2000)
6. - - 46.4
(Brown
strain)
Aboul-Hassan (2001a)
- - 40.2
(White
strain)
7. 54.06 54.80 - Abdel-Fattah (2006)
8. - - 71.89 Megeed and Younis 2006)
C. 04-weeks
1 82.0-84.2 85.5-88.0 - Sefton and Siegel (1974)
2 87.3-93.5 94.5-108.2 - Chahil et al. (1975)
3 85.3 87.3 - Darden and Marks (1988)
4 80.6 80.6 Mousa (1993)
5 99.5 (Brown
strain)
82.2 (White
strain)
101.6
(Brown
strain)
84.3 (White
strain)
- Aboul-Hassan (2000)
6 - - 108.1
(Brown)
100.9
(White)
Aboul-Hassan (2001a)
7 127.25 132.17 - Abdel-Fattah (2006)
D. 04-06-
weeks
1. - - 116.78-
170.45
(Megeed and Younis 2006)
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56
S.
No.
Age
(weeks)
Body weight (g) References
Male Female Mixed
sexes
E. 06-weeks
1 92.9-108.2 103.1-132.8 - Colins et al. (1970)
2 - - 107 Lepore and Marks (1971)
3 100.3-102.7 109.8-113.1 - Sefton and Siegel (1974)
4 126.7 Strong et al. (1978)
5 116.0 135.0 - Blohowiak et al. (1984)
6 - - 108.7 Kadry et al. (1986)
7 128.1 140.8 - El-Fiky (1991)
8 - - 130.5 Mousa (1993)
9 140.4 164.5 - Kosba et al. (1996)
10 132.5 151.4 - Aboul-Hassan (1997)
11 140.2-148.1
(Brown
strain)
140.2-144.1
(White
strain)
154.1-156.0
(Brown
strain)
149.9-156.0
(White
strain)
- Aboul-Hassan (2000 and
2001a)
12 171.40 182.87 - Abdel-Fattah (2006)
ii. Weight gain
Growth rate at different ages are useful selection criteria in most of the
breeding programs in animal production (Bakker 1974). Ricklefs (1985) reported that
the major improvement due to selection for growth occurred during first two weeks
post hatch and expressed as relative or exponential growth rate. Sefton and Siegel
(1974) observed higher rate of growth in female quails (2.578g/day) than males
(2.46g/day) from 0 to 2 weeks of age and 2.41 vs. 2.17g/day from 0-6 weeks,
respectively. Marks (1978) reported higher growth rate in female quails than males
during from day-old to 6 weeks of age. A similar pattern of growth rate in quails was
observed by Aboul-Hassan (2001). It has been reported that Japanese quails attained
adult body size at 10 weeks of age with male and female body weight of 110 and
135g, respectively (Wilson et al. 1961).
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57
Shoukat et al. (1988) and (Wilson 1991) indicated a positive correlation
between day-old chick weight and subsequent growth rate in quails. Egg weight had a
major contribution in chick weight, however, a number of other factors such as age,
strain, weight, season, nutrition, micro environment, and disease (Wilson 1991a;
Wilson and Suarez 1993) body weight and hen age (Benoff and Renden 1983;
Tserveni-Gousi 1987) and correlated responses due to genetic selection (Rodda et al.
1977; Akbar et al. 1983; Fletcher et al. 1983) may change egg weight chick weight
relationships. Significant strain variation in weight gain of broilers has been reported
(Joya et al. 1979). Abdullah et al. (2010) reported higher (p<0.05) overall average
daily gain in Hubbard classic broilers with higher figures for males than females.
Yakubu et al. (2006) reported strain variation (p<0.05) in body weight gain in broilers
at the age of 4-week. The similar strain variation in body weight gain in Aseel
chicken at different ages has also been indicated by Iqbal (2011).
The weight gain (g/day) in Japanese quails reported by different workers has
been presented in Table-2.5. The minimum average daily gain of 1.36 g (Lepore and
Marks 1971) has been observed at 2-weeks in quails, whereas, the maximum figure of
5.30 g average daily gain from 2-4 weeks in quails has been reported by Aboul-
Hassan (2001a).
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
58
Table-2.5. Weight gain (g/day) in Japanese quails at different ages
S. No. Age (weeks) Weight gain (g/day) References
Mixed sexes
A. 0-2 week
1. 2.64 Lepore and Marks (1971)
2. 2.34 Sefton and Siegel (1974)
3. 2.43 Sefton and Siegel (1974)
4. 2.91-3.07 Darden and Marks (1989)
5. 1.66 Aboul-Hassan (1997)
6. 1.91-2.62 (Brown strain)
1.70-2.06 (White strain)
Aboul-Hassan (2000)
7. 2.70 Aboul-Hassan (2001a)
B. 0-3 week
1. 4.8 Jones and Hughes (1978
C. 0-04 week
1. 2.34-2.40 Sefton and Siegel (1974)
D. 0-06 week
1 2.46-2.57 Sefton and Siegel (1974)
E. 02-04 week
1. 2.17-2.41 Sefton and Siegel (1974)
2. 5.4-5.82 (Brown strain)
4.90-5.02 (White strain)
Aboul-Hassan (2001a)
3. 5.30 Aboul-Hassan (2001a)
F. 02-06 week
1. 3.21 Lepore and Marks (1971)
2. 3.12 Sefton and Siegel (1974)
3. 3.17 Marks (1978)
4. 3.57 Darden and Marks (1989)
5. 5.02 Aboul-Hassan (1997)
G. 04-06 week
1. 1.36 Lepore and Marks (1971)
2. 1.54 Sefton and Siegel (1974)
3. 2.02 Marks (1978)
4. 3.30 Aboul-Hassan (1997)
5. 1.46-2.30 (Brown strain)
1.12-2.0 (White strain)
Aboul-Hassan (2000 and
2001a)
6. 1.50 Aboul-Hassan (2001a)
iii. Feed intake and Feed conversion ratio (FCR)
It has been reported that maintenance requirement of feed increased in birds
with increase in their body weight which reduced availability of energy required for
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
59
their growth (May et al. 1998; Smith et al. 1998; Smith and Pesti 1998; Coetzee and
Hoffman 2001), thus having detrimental effect on feed intake and feed conversion
ratio (Rondelli et al. 2003). Significant strain variation in feed intake has been
reported in chicken (Joya et al. 1979; Proudfoot and Hulan 1987; Leeson et al 1997).
The variation in feed intake and feed conversion ratio due to sex has also been
observed (Balogun et al. 1997; Ajayi and Ejiofor 2009).
Sahota et al. (2003) reported significant (p<0.01) differences in feed
conversion efficiency in progenies of Desi chickens in comparison to their parents.
Khantaprab and Tarachai (1998) reported significant (p>0.05) breed difference in
feed conversion ratio (FCR) in 8 weeks-old ducks. Marks (1980) observed that feed
conversions for two lines (P and T) selected for 4-week high high body weight were
superior to that of a non-selected control line following 42 generations of selection
indicating that selection for increased body weight also resulted in improved feed
utilization. Renden and McDaniel (1984) reported that daily feed intake was
significantly (p<.05) different between heavy and light hens and were directly related
to their body weight. Feed efficiency was greatest in control hens with both control
and light hens significantly more efficient than heavy hens. It has been further
indicated that chicks hatched from larger and medium eggs were heavier at day-old,
gained considerably more weight up to 6-weeks of age (Farooq 1989). Selection to
decrease feed conversion ratio increases body weight and weight gain and decreases
feed intake and residual feed intake as a correlated response (Varkoohi et al. 2010).
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
60
iv. Mortality percent
Livability in broilers may depend on day-old chick quality and farm
management (Wilson 1991a, 1997; Joseph and Moran 2005a; Tona et al. 2005;
Decuypere and Bruggeman 2007). The ability of a chick to survive during first week
is associated with quality of day-old broiler (Goodhope 1991). Mortality rate during
first week can influence subsequent performance of the flock. A higher mortality rate
is reported in chicks hatched from smaller eggs than those of larger eggs (Among et
al. 1984). However, Vieira and Moran (1999) reported the highest overall mortality in
chicks hatched from heavy eggs (Bokhari and Singiorgi 1977; Constantini and
Panella 1982; Shoukat et al. 1988). Wilson (1991) indicated that weight of the newly
hatched chick was correlated with post-hatch growth and chick mortality. El-Fiky et
al. (1996) and El-Fiky et al. (2000) reported early and late mortality rate between 5.0
to 9.5 percent and 16.50 to 22.2 percent and 5.07 to 5.18 percent and 16.50 to 18.25
percent in Japanese quails. Yassin et al. (2009) reported significant differences in first
week mortality in broilers hatched from different broiler breeders. Awobajo et al.
(2009) observed significant breed differences (p<0.001) in early mortality rate. Heier
et al. (2002) observed mortality rate during 1st week as 1.54 and 0.48 percent.
2.2.2. Slaughter characteristics
2.2.2.1. Carcass characteristics
Besides body weight gain, different carcass attributes play an important role in
determining economics of meat production in broiler quails.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
61
i. Slaughter weight and dressing percentage
The carcass components in broilers have been reported to be influenced by the
dietary enzymes besides genetic makeup (Thakur and Kulkarni 1991). Toelle et al.
(1991) has stated that genetic correlations of body weight with carcass measurements
in Japanese quails were positive and tended to be moderate to high. Punyavee et al
(2000) reported differences in dressing percentage between native and imported
breeds of chickens. The carcass weight variation in different quail lines has been
observed (Levent et al. 1999). Jaturasitha et al. (2004) reported lower dressing
percentage in exotic chickens than the native breed. Similar variation in dressing
percent (Zhao et al. 2009; Lopez et al. 2011) and slaughter yield (Yakubu et al. 2006)
in broiler strains have been reported. Higher dressing percent was noted in male than
female quails (Sandip 2010). Sex variation in dressing yield of broilers with male
broilers possessing higher dressing percent than female broilers has been indicated by
Lopez et al. (2006).
2.2.2.2. Giblets
Oguz et al. (1996) reported similar variations in different lines of quails.
Similarly, Punyavee et al (2000) reported higher weight of liver and gizzard in native
breed of chicken than the fast growing breeds. Female quails had higher weight of
liver than male quails. An identical trend of liver weight in quails was reported by
Sandip (2010). Bacon and Nestor (1983); Tserveni-Gousi and Yannakopoulos (1986)
reported that heart weight in Japanese quails were influenced by their live body
weight.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
62
2.2.2.3. Visceral organs
The intestinal length in Desi hens was larger than in other three strains of
chicken (Bhatti et al. 2003). Rehman (2006) observed significant difference (p<0.05)
in intestinal length among imported and local stocks of Japanese quails. Greater
intestinal length was observed in female than in male quails (Sandip 2010).
Chapter 3
MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1. Location and period
The present study was conducted to evaluate the productive performance of
four close-bred flocks of Japanese quails with different body weights and its effect on
subsequent progeny growth at Avian Research and Training (ART) Centre,
Department of Poultry Production, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
(UVAS) Lahore, Pakistan. The duration of the proposed study was one year.
3.2. Experimental birds
Four close-bred flocks of Japanese quails namely, Major, Kaleem, Saadat and
Zahid already maintained at Avian Research and Training (ART) Centre, Department
of Poultry Production, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore,
Pakistan. These strains were used in the present study by designating their name as
Imported (Major), Local-1 (Kaleem) Local-2 (Saadat) and Local-3 (Zahid).
A total of 432 adult (12 weeks old) quails, comprising 108 males and 324
females were used. The birds were randomly picked up from the available stock and
then divided into 108 experimental units (replicates comprising one male and three
females of each). These experimental units were randomly assigned to 12 treatment
groups having 4 close-bred flocks (imported, local 1, local 2, and local 3) x 3 female
body sizes (different ranges for each flock, i.e. Heavy, Medium and Small illustrated
63
MATERIALS AND METHODS
64
in Table-3.2) with randomized complete block design in factorial arrangements
having 9 replicates in each treatment as illustrated in Table-3.1.
Table-3.1. Experimental plan
Parental body
weights
Close-bred flocks
in each treatment
Replicates Quails/replicate
♂ ♀
H x H*
H x M
H x S
Imported
Local-1
Local-2
Local-3
3(1, 2, 3)
♂ ♀
04(1+3)
M x H
M x M**
M x S
Imported
Local-1
Local-2
Local-3
3(1, 2, 3) 04 (1+3)
S x H
S x M
S x S***
Imported
Local-1
Local-2
Local-3
3(1, 2, 3) 04 (1+3)
H* = Heavy
M** = Medium
S*** = Small
Table-3.2. Different body weight categories (g)
Body weights ♂ ♀
Heavy 270-315 300-350
Medium 225-270 250-300
Small 180-225 200 -250
MATERIALS AND METHODS
65
3.3. Experimental cages and houses
All the experimental units were maintained in specially remodeled individual
compartments (each measuring 30x20x15 cm) providing separate breeding, feeding
and egg collection space in French made multi-deck cages equipped with separate
nipple drinkers. These multi-deck cages were placed in one of the well ventilated
octagonal quail houses measuring (10.05x3.65x2.74 meter) as shown in Plates 3.1,
3.2 and 3.3.
3.4. Quail management
The maximum and minimum temperature of the quail houses was recorded
daily. Natural day light was provided to the birds at start of the experiment and then
light hours were increased by half an hour weekly till 16 hours light per day. Fresh
and clean drinking water was provided at all the times through automatic nipple
drinkers as shown in Plate 3.4.
3.5. Experimental ration
The birds were fed quail breeder ration ad libitum. The ration was prepared
from Hi-Tech Feed industries (Pvt.), Lahore, Pakistan, according to NRC standards
(1994), containing Metabolizable energy (M.E) = 2900 kcal/kg, Crude protein (C.P) =
20%, Calcium (Ca) = 3% and available Phosphorus = 0.4%.
3.6. Experimental data
The following data were recorded to study the response of different male and
female body weights from different close bred flocks on productive performance of
Japanese quails and its subsequent effect on progeny growth through-out the study.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
66
Plate-3.1. Japanese quail houses
Plate-3.2. French made multi-deck Japanese quail battery cages with automatic
nipple drinkers
MATERIALS AND METHODS
67
Plate-3.3. Individual replicates in French made multi-deck battery cages with
automatic nipple drinkers
Plate-3.4. Automatic watering system of Japanese quails
MATERIALS AND METHODS
68
3.6.1. Parent breeder flock
3.6.1.1. Productive performance
i. Body weight (g)
The experimental birds were tagged individually for their proper identification
and average initial body weight of the individual experimental quails at the start of
the experiment and then subsequent body weights at weekly intervals were recorded
for male and female birds separately for each experimental replicate. Final body
weight was also noted at the end of the experiment. The experimental birds were
weighed carefully by using a sophisticated electronic digital balance. Thus by reading
the scale the measured weight was recorded for each of the bird individually.
ii. Egg production
Fresh eggs were collected separately from different replicates and weighed on
daily basis using an electronic digital balance and then stored separately by putting
egg laying date and weight on the individual egg to calculate average weekly egg
weight and total egg mass/week.
iii. Feed intake (g)
At the start of every week, 1000g feed was weighed and kept in individual
feed boxes for each replicate and offered twice at morning and evening to each of the
replicate from their respective box. At the end of each week, feed intake was recorded
by subtracting feed refused at week end from the initial quantity of the feed offered at
start of the week. Feed intake was calculated using the following formula:
Feed intake Feed offered – Feed refused
MATERIALS AND METHODS
69
As both the male and female quails were kept together and male body weight
was about 10 percent lesser than the female body weight, therefore male feed intake
was recorded as 90 percent of the feed intake of female quails as per method followed
by Akram et al. (2008).
iv. Feed conversion ratio (FCR)
Feed conversion ratio (FCR) per egg and per gram egg mass was worked out
for individual female using the following formula:
FCR/egg Feed consumed �g�
No. of eggs
FCR/g egg mass Feed consumed �g�Mass of egg �g�
v. Mortality
A complete record of the mortality if any of the experimental birds was
maintained on daily basis.
3.6.1.2. Egg quality characteristics
The egg quality test was performed on freshly collected eggs in the Egg
quality testing laboratory. For this purpose, one fresh egg was picked up randomly
from each replicate (108 eggs) on the last day of each week. Each egg was weighed
carefully on electronic digital balance and then broken into a glass Petri dish to record
the following parameters.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
70
i. Egg weight (g)
Each egg was weighed on electronic digital balance and egg weight was
recorded in grams.
ii. Egg shell weight (g)
Each egg shell weight was also weighed on electronic digital balance and
recorded in grams.
iii. Egg shell thickness (mm)
The egg shell thickness was measured by using an electronic digital
micrometer in millimeters (mm). The egg shell was cleaned, washed and air dried at
room temperature until constant weight and then it`s thickness was measured from the
equator lines.
iv. Haugh unit
Albumen height was noted at two different places in centimeters (cm) using
spherometer. The height of the egg albumen was measured between yolk and outer
edge of thick albumen. The quality of albumen was measured in terms of albumen
index by dividing the height of albumen by its average diameter. In order to correct
for difference in egg weight the albumin height was converted into Haugh unit as
reported by Haugh (1937) using the following formula:
HU 100 Log H ! "√G�30W.'( ! 100� ) 1.9+
100
MATERIALS AND METHODS
71
Where,
HU = Haugh unit
H = Thick albumen height (mm)
G = (Constant) = 32.2
W = Weight of egg in grams
v. Yolk index
A tripod micrometer was used for measuring the height of yolk. Average
width of yolk was taken by a slide caliper. The quality of yolk was measured in terms
of yolk index by dividing the height of yolk by its average width. Yolk index was
calculated by using the following formula:
Yolk Index Height of the yolkWidth of the yolk
vi. Blood and meat spots
Blood and meat spots were also determined in each egg.
3.6.1.3. Hatching traits
Daily eggs laid were stored properly after fumigation at a storage temperature
of 15°C in egg storage cabinet. After completion of 14 days, eggs stored from
different close-bred flocks were set in 108 separate hatching baskets. The eggs were
incubated for a period of 17 days in Victoria incubators (Italian made) under standard
conditions of incubation as described by North and Bell (1991). At completion of the
hatchings, following hatching parameters were recorded for each setting.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
72
i. Dead germ percentage
Dead germ was identified during the break out analysis and its percentage was
calculated by the following formula:
Dead germ % No. of dead germNo. of eggs set
4 100
ii. Dead in shell percentage
Dead in shell were identified through break out analysis. The percentage was
calculated by using the following formula:
Dead in shell % No. of dead in shellNo. of eggs set
4 100
iii. Infertile egg percentage
The clear eggs were identified as infertile eggs. The infertile/clear egg
percentage was calculated by using the following formula:
Infertile egg % No. of clear eggsNo. of eggs set
4 100
iv. Hatchability percentage
Hatchability percentage was calculated by using the following formula:
Hatchability % No. of active chicksNo. of eggs set
4 100
v. Mal-positions
Mal-positioned chicks were also determined in each hatch.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
73
3.6.1.4. Slaughter characteristics
At the termination of the experiment, two breeder quails (one male and one
female each from parent breeder flock) from each replicate (total 72 quails) were
picked up at random and were kept off feed for 5-6 hours prior to slaughter, to keep
their intestines and crop free from undigested feed (feed withdrawal period). The
birds were slaughtered by humanely “Halal” Muslim method to ensure complete
bleeding. The birds were individually weighed on sophisticated electronic digital
balance prior to slaughter and all the organs were also weighed separately to record
the following parameters:
A. Carcass characteristics
B. Relative weight/length and number (g, cm, #/100g BW) of visceral organs
C. Proximate analysis
D. Blood biochemical profile
A. Carcass characteristics
i. Dressing percentage
a. Live weight (g)
b. Dressed weight (g)
ii. Relative weight (g/100g BW) of giblets
a. Liver
b. Heart
c. Gizzard-with contents
d. Gizzard-without contents
MATERIALS AND METHODS
74
i. Dressing percentage
Two breeder quails (one male and one female each) slaughtered as described
above were dressed with wet scalding method. After removal of feathers, shanks,
head, lungs, giblet and viscera, the weight of carcass was recorded and the dressing
percentage was determined on the basis of dressed meat including skin. It was
calculated by dividing the carcass weight over live weight before slaughter multiplied
by 100, using the following formula:
Dressing % Dressed weightLive weight
4 100
ii. Relative weight (g/100g BW) of giblets
The weight of the giblet i.e., liver, heart and gizzard (with and without
contents) during evisceration of the birds after slaughtering of each breeder quail was
recorded separately.
B. Relative weight, length and number (g, cm, #/100g BW) of visceral organs
i. Intestinal weight
ii. Intestinal length
iii. Reproductive tract weight
iv. Reproductive tract length
v. Mature ovarian follicle numbers
vi. Testes weight
MATERIALS AND METHODS
75
C. Proximate analysis
Proximate analysis of the meat samples taken separately from breast and thigh
portion of the slaughtered breeder quails at the termination of the experiment was
carried out following the Official Methods of A.O.A.C (1995) in Nutrition laboratory,
Department of Food and Nutrition of this University. The following parameters were
determined:
i. Crude protein percent
ii. Ether Extract percent
iii. Dry matter percent
iv. Ash percent
Plate-3.5. Japanese quail meat
The method of proximate analysis followed for breeder quail meat is detailed as
under:
MATERIALS AND METHODS
76
i. Crude protein percent
One gram of dried and ground meat sample was digested in Kjeldahl flask
with 5 gm of catalyst mixture containing K2SO4, CuSO4 and FeSO4 (90:10:1) and 30
ml of concentrated sulphuric acid (H2SO4). The contents of the flasks were heated till
a clear transparent solution was obtained. After cooling, the contents of the flask were
diluted up to 250 ml in a volumetric flask by adding distilled water. 10 ml of diluted
solution was mixed with 10 ml of 40% sodium hydroxide solution and the mixture
was distilled with steam in micro Kjeldahl distillation apparatus. The ammonia so
produced was collected in 10 ml of 2% boric acid solution having 2 drops of methyl
red as indicator. The distillate was titrated against 0.1N sulphuric acid to determine
the volume of NH3 evolved. The percentage of nitrogen was calculated according to
the following formula:
Nitrogen % 0.1N H2SO4 4 0.0014 4 250
W1 4 104 100
The crude protein percentage of the sample was worked out by the following
formula:
Crude Protein % N % 4 6.25
ii. Ether extract percent
A known weight (W1) of the oven dried meat sample was taken in an
extraction thimble. It was plugged with fat free cotton. The sample was extracted with
petroleum ether (40 to 60°C) in Soxhlet’s apparatus by fixing the condensation rate at
80 drops per minute. The process was continued for about six hours. The content of
MATERIALS AND METHODS
77
the receiving flask was transferred to a tarred and previously weighed Petri dish.
Ether was evaporated by placing it in an oven at 60°C, till it attained a constant
weight (W2). Percentage of ether extract was calculated with the help of the
following formula;
Ether Extract % W2W1
4 100
iii. Dry matter percent
The dry matter percentage of meat sample was calculated according to the
following formula:
DM % 100 –Moisture %
iv. Ash Percent
A known amount of meat sample (W1) was taken in tarred and previously
weighed crucible. It was heated on an oxidizing flame till disappearance of smoke.
The crucible was then placed in muffle furnace at about 600°C till complete oxidation
of organic matter. The weight of ash (W2) was recorded and percentage of ash was
calculated by the following formula:
Ash % W1W2
4 100
D. Blood biochemical profile
i. Blood serum chemistry
About 5 ml blood was collected in sterile test tubes from Jugular vein of each
of the 72 randomly selected breeder quails during slaughtering and kept until serum
MATERIALS AND METHODS
78
samples were extracted from them and put into vaccutainer tubes then stored at -20°C
for measuring blood glucose, cholesterol, total protein, urea and albumin (mg/dl) in
Chemistry section of Quality Operations Laboratory (QOL), Faculty of Veterinary
Sciences of this University, using the following procedures:
a. Glucose
Determination of serum glucose concentration in all blood samples was
performed by GOD-PAP-Method using available commercial Human cat # 10260 by
measuring absorbance in the chemistry analyzer made by Merck, Micolab-300.
b. Total Protein
Total serum protein was estimated by Biuret Method (Gornall et al. 1949)
using commercial cat # 157004 measuring absorbance in the chemistry analyzer made
by Merck, Micolab-300.
c. Albumin
Determination of albumin concentration in all blood samples was performed
using commercial kit Biocon Germany by measuring absorbance in the chemistry
analyzer made by Merck, Micolab-300.
d. Cholesterol
Determination of Serum cholesterol concentration in all the blood samples
was performed by CHOD-POP-Method using available commercial cat # 10017 by
measuring absorbance in the chemistry analyzer made by Merck, Micolab-300.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
79
e. Urea
Determination of urea concentration in all the blood samples was performed
by Berthelot Method using commercial cat # 10505 by measuring absorbance in the
chemistry analyzer made by Merck, Micolab-300.
ii. Plasma macro minerals
2 ml blood samples were collected from Jugular vein of 72 breeder quails
during slaughtering and kept in a Heparin coated vacutainer tubes (Vacutainer,
Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, NJ). The blood samples were kept in refrigerated
condition during transportation to the laboratory and then were centrifuged at 3000
rpm for 10 minutes and plasma was harvested and frozen (-20 ºC) until assay (Awan
et al. 2001). Digestion of the blood samples was made by using 10% Trichloro-acetic
acid (TCA). After digestion and dilution, samples were analyzed for Ca, P, Na, K and
Mg by using spectrophotometer and atomic absorption spectrophotometer,
respectively (Singh et al. 2005; AOAC 1995) in Nutrition laboratory, Department of
Food and Nutrition of this University. The following macro plasma minerals were
determined:
a. Calcium (Ca)
b. Phosphorus (P)
c. Sodium (Na)
d. Potassium (K)
e. Magnesium (Mg)
MATERIALS AND METHODS
80
3.6.2. Progeny flock
3.6.2.1. Growth performance
On completion of hatching, day-old quail chicks from each replicate were
weighed individually by using sophisticated digital balance. The chicks in each
replicate were placed in French made brooding batteries under standard management
conditions. The quail chicks were fed a balanced broiler starter feed ad libitum
(broiler starter crumbs feed grinded into mash form). The birds had free access to
clean and fresh drinking water through drinking nipple lines. The inside brooding
temperature in battery cages for first week was maintained between 31ºC and 35ºC
and then weekly reduced by 3ºC up to the age of 3 weeks. The quail brooding battery
cages are shown in Plate 3.6.
Initial body weight at hatching and there after weekly body weight of quail
chicks up to 3 weeks were recorded. The following progeny growth parameters were
recorded up to the age of 3 weeks:
i. Day-old quail chicks weight (g)
ii. Body weight (g)
iii. Weight gain (g)
iv. Feed intake (g/bird)
v. Feed conversion ratio-FCR (feed/g gain)
Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was worked out for individual chicks on the
basis of body weight gain using the following formula:
FCR Feed intake �g�Weight gain �g�
vi. Mortality rate (%)
MATERIALS AND METHODS
81
Plate-3.6. Day-old Japanese quail chicks in French made multi-deck brooding
battery cages
3.6.2.2. Slaughter characteristics
At the end of the 3rd week, two quails from progeny broiler flock (one male
and female each) from each replicate (total 216 quails) were picked up at random and
were kept off feed for 5-6 hours prior to slaughter to keep their intestines free from
undigested feed. The birds were slaughtered following humanely “Halal” Muslim
method to ensure complete bleeding. The birds were weighed individually on
sophisticated electronic digital balance prior to slaughter and all the organs were also
weighed separately to record the following parameters:
A. Carcass characteristics
B. Visceral organs
MATERIALS AND METHODS
82
A. Carcass characteristics
i. Dressing percentage
a. Live weight (g)
b. Dressed weight (g)
ii. Relative weight (g/100g BW) of giblets
a. Liver
b. Heart
c. Gizzard-empty
B. Relative length (cm/100g BW) of visceral organs
a. Intestinal length
3.6.2.3. Economic impact
The economic impact of the present study was worked out on the basis of live
body weight and the cost of feed per quail in the progeny of four different close-bred
flocks (Imported, local-1, local-2 and local-3) and three different body weight
categories (heavy, medium and small). The return per quail was calculated on the
basis of sale of dressed quail meat keeping also in view the variation in dressing
percentage and mortality rate in the quail progeny secured from different close-bred
flocks and body weight categories of the parent quails. The return per broiler quail
was finally worked out.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
83
3.7. Statistical Analysis
The data thus collected were analyzed using ANOVA techniques (Steel et al.
1997) with Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) under factorial
arrangement for further interpretation using general linear model (GLM) procedures
(SAS 9.1, 2002-03) portable software, assuming following mathematical model:
YAB µ ) SA )WB ) εAB
Where,
Y = each observation
µ = Population mean
Si = Number of flocks treated as blocks (i = 4)
Wj = Weight categories treated as treatments (j = 3)
εij = Random error associated with i flocks and j weight categories
The comparison of means was made using Duncan’s Multiple Range (DMR)
test (Duncan 1955).
84
Chapter 4
RESULTS
The results of this study regarding effect of different parental body weights in
4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails on their productive performance, egg quality,
hatching and slaughtering traits, proximate and blood biochemical analyses have been
presented in this chapter. The results in respect of progeny growth performance,
slaughter traits and economics as influenced by different parent body weights of
quails are also given.
4.1. Parent breeder flock
4.1.1. Productive performance
The results in respect of productive performance of parent breeder in 4 close-
bred flocks (Imported, Local-1, Local-2 and Local-3) of Japanese quails in terms of
body weight (g), egg production (production percentage/bird, egg number/bird), egg
weight (g), egg mass (g/bird), feed conversion ratio (weekly FCR, (g feed/egg) and
(g feed/g egg mass)) and mortality rate are shown in Tables 4.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 4.7.
4.1.1.1. Body weight (g)
The mean body weight (g) of imported flock of Japanese quails was
significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of all the local flocks for the whole study
period (Table-4.1). The maximum mean body weight (284.28±4.06g) was recorded in
birds from imported flocks and minimum (271.48±2.96g) in local-3. With respect to
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85
body size categories, there was significant (p<0.05) difference in their mean body
weight for the whole study period. The maximum mean body weight (305.18±2.74g)
was recorded in heavy weight category and minimum (246.56±1.37g) in small body
size birds. The interaction between flocks and body size was also significant
(p<0.05). The maximum mean body weight (316.75±7.35g) was observed in imported
flock with heavy weight category and minimum (242.23±2.66g) in local-2 flock with
small category (Table-4.1).
The average weekly mean body weight in imported flock remained on the
higher side than of the local flocks. Similarly, heavy weight category birds showed
maximum body weight followed by those of medium and small size groups.
4.1.1.2. Egg production
i. Production percentage/bird
The difference in mean egg production percentage/bird in four close-bred
flocks of Japanese quails was not significant during the whole study period (Table-
4.2). With respect to body size categories, there was significant (p<0.05) difference in
their mean egg production percentage for the whole study period. The maximum
mean egg production percentage (73.47±1.38) was recorded in small weight category
and minimum (63.54±2.40) in heavy body size birds. However, interaction between
flocks and body size exhibited significant (p<0.05) difference. The maximum mean
egg production percentage (75.54±2.14) was observed in the local-1 in small weight
category, whereas, minimum (59.01±6.45) was observed in imported flock with
heavy category during the whole experimental period (Table-4.2).
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The average weekly egg production percentage/bird in local-3 flock remained
on the higher side than that of imported and local-1 and 2 flocks. The small weight
category birds showed maximum egg production percentage than those from heavy
and medium size groups.
ii. Cumulative egg number/bird (#)
The difference in mean cumulative egg number/bird during 31 weeks of the
experimental study was not significant in all the local and imported flocks (Table-
4.3). With respect to body size categories, a significant (p<0.05) difference was
observed in their mean egg number during the whole study period. The maximum
mean egg number (151.46±2.82) was recorded in small weight category and
minimum (130.82±4.93) in heavy body size birds. The interaction between flocks and
body size was significant (p<0.05) in cumulative egg number. The maximum mean
egg number (155.63±4.30) was recorded in local-1 flock with small weight category,
while, minimum (121.31±13.06) in imported flock with heavy weight category
(Table-4.3).
The average weekly egg number in local-3 flock remained on the higher side
than that of local-1, 2 and imported flocks. The birds in the small weight category
showed maximum egg number than the heavy and medium size groups.
iii. Egg weight (g)
The difference in weekly mean egg weight (g) in imported flock of Japanese
quails was significantly (p<0.05) higher than all the local flocks for the entire study
period (Table-4.4).The maximum mean egg weight (12.36±0.10g) was recorded in
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87
imported flock and minimum (12.20±0.09g) in local-3. With respect to body size
categories, there was significant (p<0.05) difference in their mean egg weight for the
whole study period. The maximum mean egg weight (12.82±0.04g) was recorded in
heavy weight category and minimum (11.67±0.02g) in small body size birds.
However, interaction between flocks and body size was not significant. The
maximum mean egg weight (12.96±0.08g) was recorded in the imported flock with
heavy weight category, whereas, minimum (11.63±0.04g) was observed in local-3
flock with small category (Table-4.4).
The weekly mean egg weight (12.36±0.10g) in imported flock was higher
than in local-2 (12.26±0.10g), local-1 (12.22±0.10g) and local-3 (12.20±0.09g)
flocks. The heavy weight category birds showed maximum egg weight (12.82±0.04g)
followed by medium (12.29±0.03g) and small (11.67±0.02g) size groups.
iv. Egg mass (g/bird)
The difference in weekly mean egg mass (g/bird) in all the close-bred flocks
of Japanese quails was not significant (Table-4.5). With respect to body size
categories, a not significant difference was also found in their mean egg mass.
However, interaction between flocks and body size was significant (p<0.05) in their
mean egg mass. The maximum increase in mean egg mass (61.88±3.25) was
observed in local-3 flock in medium weight category and minimum (50.95±5.34) was
recorded in imported flock with heavy category during the entire experimental period
(Table-4.5).
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88
The average weekly egg mass in local-3 flock remained on the higher side
than in imported, local-1 and 2 flocks. The small weight category birds showed
maximum egg mass than the birds from heavy and medium size.
4.1.1.3. Feed conversion ratio (FCR)
i. Weekly FCR (g feed/egg)
The difference in mean feed conversion ratio (g feed/egg) in all the four close-
bred flocks of Japanese quails was not significant during the study period (Table-4.6).
With respect to body size categories, significant (p<0.05) difference was observed in
their mean FCR for the entire study period. The higher mean FCR (48.22±1.39) was
recorded in the heavy weight category and lower (42.74±0.84) in the small body size
birds. However, interaction between flocks and body size was significant (p<0.05)
difference. The higher mean FCR (51.00±2.32) was found to be higher in the local-2
with the heavy weight category and the lower (41.13±1.39) was observed in the local-
1 flock with small category (Table-4.6).
The average weekly feed conversion ratio (g feed/egg) in local-1 flock
remained higher than that of the imported, local-2 and 3 flocks. The heavy weight
category birds had maximum FCR (g feed/egg) than those of medium and small size
birds.
ii. Feed conversion ratio-FCR (g feed/g egg mass)
The difference in mean feed conversion ratio (g feed/g egg mass) of imported
and local-3 flocks of Japanese quails was significant (p<0.05) from other local flocks,
whereas, difference between local-1 and local-2 was not significant (Table-4.7). The
higher feed conversion ratio (g feed/g egg mass) (4.85±0.21) was observed in the
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89
local-1 and lower (3.73±0.12) in the imported flock. With respect to body size
categories, a significant (p<0.05) difference was found in their mean FCR (g feed/g
egg mass) for the whole study period. The higher mean FCR (g feed/g egg mass)
(4.76±0.17) was recorded in heavy weight category and lower (4.14±0.10) in small
body size birds. Difference in FCR between heavy local-1 and heavy local-3 was
significant (p<0.05). Similarly, difference between medium local-1, imported and
local-3 was significant (p<0.05). The difference between imported small and local-2
small was also significant in respect of interaction between flocks and body size
(Table-4.7).
The average weekly feed conversion ratio (g feed/g egg mass) in the imported
flock was significantly (p<0.05) better than in all other local flocks. The heavy weight
category birds had the poorest FCR (g feed/g egg mass) and then next in order were
medium and small size quails.
4.1.1.4. Mortality
The results of this study indicated that mortality rate remained nil in the
experimental breeder quails during the entire experimental period.
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90
Table-4.1. Mean body weight (g) in 4 close-bred breeder flocks of Japanese
quails with different body weight categories during 31 weeks
*CBF
Categories
Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; g) ---------------------------
Heavy 316.75±7.35a 303.75±5.19
b 300.58±5.25
b 299.64±2.86
b 305.18±2.74
E
Medium 284.55±2.97c 276.55±2.92
cd 275.17±2.78
cd 269.53±2.93
d 276.45±1.52
F
Small 251.53±2.85e 247.22±2.60
e 242.23±2.66
e 245.26±2.68
e 246.56±1.37
G
Mean 284.28±4.06A
275.84±3.35B 272.66±3.42
B 271.48±2.96
B
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.2. Mean egg production percent/bird (%) in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories during 30 weeks
*CBF
Categories
Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
----------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; %) ---------------------------
Heavy 59.01±6.45c 66.28±4.01
abc 61.29±4.77
bc 67.60±3.83
abc 63.54±2.40
F
Medium 67.77±3.93abc
66.23±2.43abc
65.33±3.92abc
74.47±3.98a 68.45±1.83
F
Small 74.60±1.89a 75.54±2.14
a 71.08±3.83
abc 73.20±3.04
ab 73.47±1.38
E
Mean 66.95±2.77 69.35±1.86 65.90±2.45 71.75±2.10
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.3. Mean cumulative egg number/bird (#) in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories during 30 weeks
*CBF
Categories
Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
---------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; #) ---------------------------
Heavy 121.31±13.06c 136.67±8.28
abc 126.37±9.90
c 138.94±7.90
abc 130.82±4.93
F
Medium 139.76±8.13abc
136.61±4.99abc
135.20±7.99abc
153.02±8.23a 141.14±3.76
EF
Small 152.67±3.87a 155.63±4.30
a 146.78±7.86
bc 150.80±6.28
ab 151.46±2.82
E
Mean 137.91±5.67 142.96±3.81 136.11±5.06 147.58±4.34
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
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Table-4.4. Weekly mean egg weight (g) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
with different body weight categories during 30 weeks
*CBF
Categories
Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
---------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; g) ---------------------------
Heavy 12.96±0.08a 12.81±0.07
ab 12.810.07±
ab 12.72±0.10
b 12.82±0.04
E
Medium 12.33±0.04c 12.23±0.12
c 12.35±0.04
c 12.25±0.07
c 12.29±0.03F
Small 11.80±0.06d 11.63±0.05
d 11.61±0.05
d 11.63±0.04
d 11.67±0.02
G
Mean 12.36±0.10A 12.22±0.10
B 12.26±0.10
AB 12.20±0.09
B
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.5. Weekly mean egg mass (g/bird) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails with different body weight categories during 30 weeks
*CBF
Categories
Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
---------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; g) ---------------------------
Heavy 50.95 ± 5.34b 56.73 ± 3.26
ab 52.44 ± 4.04
ab 57.92 ± 3.10
ab 54.51 ±1.99
Medium 56.20 ± 3.22ab
54.82 ± 1.93ab
54.99 ± 3.28ab
61.88 ± 3.25a 56.97 ±1.50
Small 58.52 ± 1.61ab
59.48 ± 1.87ab
56.08 ± 2.88ab
56.92 ± 2.26ab
57.75 ±1.08
Mean 55.22 ± 2.15 57.01 ± 1.40 54.50 ± 1.93 58.91 ± 1.66
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.6. Feed conversion ratio (g feed/egg) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails with different body weight categories during 30 weeks
*CBF
Categories
Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
---------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; g) ---------------------------
Heavy 45.94±3.58abc 49.35 ±2.91ab
51.00 ±2.32a 46.61±2.25
abc 48.22 ±1.39
E
Medium 46.32±2.57abc
47.92±1.57abc
47.63±2.22abc
42.61± 2.85bc
46.12 ±1.18E
Small 41.89 ±1.05c 41.13 ±1.39c 44.01±2.11
abc 43.93±2.03
abc 42.74 ±0.84
F
Mean 44.72 ±1.50 46.13 ±1.34 47.54 ±1.35 44.38 ±1.37
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
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Table-4.7. Feed conversion ratio (g feed/g egg mass) in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories during 30 weeks
*CBF
Categories
Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
---------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; g) ---------------------------
Heavy 3.66±0.30e 5.63±0.24
a 5.04±0.27
ab 4.70±0.22
bc 4.76±0.17
E
Medium 3.86±0.20de
5.01±0.39ab
4.53±0.34bcd
4.13±0.23cde
4.38±0.16F
Small 3.67±0.09e 3.91±0.16
cde 4.62±0.25
bcd 4.37±0.20
bcde 4.14±0.10
F
Mean 3.73±0.12C 4.85±0.21
A 4.73±0.16
AB 4.40±0.12
B
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
4.1.2. Egg quality characteristics
The results in respect of egg quality characteristics of parent breeder in 4
close-bred flocks of Japanese quails (Imported, Local-1, Local-2 and Local-3) in
terms of egg weight (g), egg shell weight (g), egg shell thickness (mm), haugh unit,
yolk index and blood and meat spots are shown in Tables 4.8, 9, 10, 11 and 4.12.
i. Egg weight (g)
The mean egg weight (g) in the imported flock of Japanese quails was
significantly (p<0.05) different from local-1 and local-2 flocks, however, difference
between imported and local-3 flocks was not significant. The mean egg weight was
not significantly different in local-1 and local-2 flocks (Table-4.8). The maximum
mean egg weight (12.44±0.08g) was recorded in imported flock and minimum
(12.27±0.09g) in the local-1. With respect to body size categories, a significant
(p<0.05) difference in their mean egg weight was noted for the whole study period.
The maximum mean egg weight (12.85±0.03g) was recorded in heavy weight
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category and minimum (11.80±0.04g) in small body size birds. The interaction
between flocks and body size was also significant (p<0.05). The maximum mean egg
weight (12.94±0.07g) was observed in the imported flock with heavy weight
category, whereas, minimum (11.71±0.09g) in the local-2 flock with small category
(Table-4.8).
The average egg weight in the imported flock remained higher than in all the
local flocks. Similarly the heavy weight category birds showed maximum egg weight
followed by those in the medium and small size groups.
ii. Egg shell weight (g)
The difference in mean egg shell weight (g) in the imported flock of Japanese
quails was significant (p<0.05) than those of all the local flocks (Table-4.9). The
maximum mean egg shell weight (1.28±0.015g) was recorded in imported flock and
minimum (1.22±0.011g) in local-1. With respect to body size categories, there was
significant (p<0.05) difference in their mean egg shell weight. The maximum mean
egg shell weight (1.30±0.009g) was recorded in the heavy weight category and the
minimum (1.17±0.006g) in small body size birds. The interaction between flocks and
body size was significant (p<0.05). The maximum mean egg shell weight
(1.35±0.022g) was observed in the imported flock with heavy weight category and
minimum (1.15±0.011g) in local-3 flock with small category (Table-4.9).
The average egg shell weight trend reflected that imported flock remained on
higher side, whereas, all the other local flocks on lower side. Similarly, heavy weight
category birds showed maximum egg shell weight followed by that of medium and
small size birds.
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iii. Egg shell thickness (mm)
The mean egg shell thickness (mm) in imported flock of Japanese quails was
significantly (p<0.05) different from all other local flocks. However, difference
between local-1, local-2 and local-3 flocks was not significant (Table-4.10). The
maximum mean egg shell thickness (0.30±0.005mm) was found in local-2 and
minimum (0.28±0.003mm) in imported flock. With respect to body size categories,
there was significant (p<0.05) difference in their mean egg shell thickness. The
maximum mean egg shell thickness (0.31±0.002mm) was recorded in heavy weight
category and minimum (0.27±0.001mm) in small body size birds. The interaction
between flocks and body size was also significant (p<0.05). The maximum mean egg
shell thickness (0.33±0.005mm) was observed in local-2 flock with heavy weight
category and minimum (0.26±0.002mm) in imported with small category (Table-
4.10).
The highest egg shell thickness was in local-2 flock followed by local-3,
local-1 and imported flocks. Similarly, birds of heavy weight category showed
maximum egg shell thickness followed by that of medium and small size quails.
iv. Haugh unit
The mean haugh unit value was not significantly different among imported
and all local flocks of Japanese quails (Table-4.11). With respect to body size
categories, results were significantly (p<0.05) different in mean haugh unit values.
The maximum mean haugh unit value (86.09±0.33) was recorded in heavy weight
category and minimum (83.25±0.18) in small body size birds. The interaction
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95
between flocks and body size was significant (p<0.05). The maximum mean haugh
unit (86.37±0.58) was observed in local-3 flock with heavy weight category and
minimum (82.88±0.51) in imported flock with small category (Table-4.11).
The average haugh unit pattern showed that local-2 flock remained on higher
side, whereas, local-3, imported and local-1 flocks on lower side. Similarly, birds of
heavy weight category showed maximum haugh unit value followed by that of
medium and small size.
v. Yolk index
The mean yolk index of imported flock of Japanese quails was significantly
(p<0.05) different from local-2 and local-3 flocks except local-1 (Table-4.12). The
maximum mean yolk index (0.049±0.001) was recorded in imported flock and
minimum (0.047±0.000) in local-2 and 3. With respect to body size categories, mean
yolk index in heavy group of quails was significantly (p<0.05) different as compared
to medium and small groups which were not significantly different from each other.
The maximum mean yolk index (0.05±0.00) was recorded in heavy weight category
and minimum (0.04±0.00) in medium and small body size birds. The interaction
between flocks and body size was also significant (p<0.05). The maximum mean yolk
index (0.05±0.003) was observed in imported flock with heavy weight category and
minimum (0.04±0.000) in imported flock with medium and small and in local-1, 2
and 3 flocks with heavy, medium and small category (Table-4.12).
The average yolk index trend indicated that imported flock remained on
higher side than the local flocks on lower side. Similarly, birds of heavy weight
category showed maximum yolk index followed by that of medium and small size.
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96
vi. Blood and meat spots
Blood and meat spots were not observed during the course of this study.
Table-4.8. Mean egg weight (g) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails with
different body weight categories studied during egg qualities
*CBF
Categories
Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
----------------------- (Mean ± **SE; g) -----------------------
Heavy 12.94±0.07a 12.75±0.07
a 12.84±0.09
a 12.86±0.05
a 12.85±0.03
E
Medium 12.44±0.06b 12.31±0.06
b 12.36±0.07
b 12.41±0.07
b 12.38±0.03
F
Small 11.94±0.05c 11.76±0.08
c 11.71±0.09
c 11.78±0.08
c 11.80±0.04
G
Mean 12.44±0.08A 12.27±0.09
B 12.30±0.10
B 12.35±0.09
AB
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.9. Mean egg shell weight (g) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
with different body weight categories during egg qualities
*CBF
Categories
Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
---------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; g) ---------------------------
Heavy 1.35±0.022a 1.28±0.013
b 1.28±0.015
b 1.31±0.010
b 1.30±0.009
E
Medium 1.29±0.018b 1.23±0.014
c 1.21±0.009
c 1.20±0.009
c 1.23±0.008
F
Small 1.20±0.009c 1.16±0.009
d 1.16±0.010
d 1.15±0.011
d 1.17±0.006
G
Mean 1.28±0.015A 1.22±0.011
B 1.22±0.012
B 1.22±0.013
B
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
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97
Table-4.10. Mean egg shell thickness (mm) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails with different body weight categories during egg qualities
*CBF
Categories
Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
---------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; mm) ---------------------------
Heavy 0.30±0.003cd
0.31±0.002bc
0.33±0.005a 0.32±0.004
ab 0.31±0.002
E
Medium 0.28±0.004fg
0.30±0.006cde
0.29±0.003de
0.29±0.004ef 0.29±0.002
F
Small 0.26±0.002h 0.27±0.002
gh 0.27±0.002
gh 0.27±0.004
gh 0.27±0.001
G
Mean 0.28±0.003B 0.29±0.003
A 0.30±0.005
A 0.29±0.004
A
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.11. Mean haugh unit in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails with
different body weight categories during egg qualities
*CBF
Categories
Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
---------------------------- (Mean ± **SE) ---------------------------
Heavy 86.30±0.77a 85.36±0.70
ab 86.35±0.67
a 86.37±0.58
a 86.09±0.33
E
Medium 84.87±0.53bc
84.29±0.42bcd
84.70±0.45abc
84.18±0.55bcd
84.51±0.24F
Small 82.88±0.51d 83.32±0.30
dc 83.28±0.28
dc 83.52±0.36
dc 83.25±0.18
G
Mean 84.68±0.44 84.32±0.32 84.78±0.36 84.69±0.37
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.12. Mean yolk index value in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails with
different body weight categories during egg qualities
*CBF
Categories
Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
---------------------------- (Mean ± **SE) ---------------------------
Heavy 0.05±0.003a 0.04±0.000
b 0.04±0.000
b 0.04±0.000
b 0.05±0.00
E
Medium 0.04±0.000b 0.04±0.000
b 0.04±0.000
b 0.04±0.000
b 0.04±0.00
F
Small 0.04±0.000b 0.04±0.000
b 0.04±0.000
b 0.04±0.000
b 0.04±0.00
F
Mean 0.049±0.001A 0.048±0.000
AB 0.047±0.000
B 0.047±0.000
B
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
98
4.1.3. Hatching traits
The results regarding the effect of different parental body weights of male and
female Japanese quails on the hatching traits (dead germ percentage, dead in shell
percentage, infertile egg percentage, hatchability percentage and mal-positions) in
four close-bred flocks (Imported, Local-1, Local-2 and Local-3) recorded during the
study is shown in Tables 4.13, 14, 15 and 4.16.
i. Dead germ percentage
In the present study, dead germ percentage was significantly (p<0.05)
influenced by different parental body weight in different close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails (Table-4.13). The minimum dead germ percentage (2.68±0.34) was
recorded in local-3 flock in the S male x H female parental group which did not
significantly differ from that of all the other parental groups in the same flock. The
second lowest dead germ percentage (3.74±0.93) was recorded in imported flock in S
male x H female which was not significantly different from all the other parental
groups in the same flock except H male x H female (10.42±0.89). In local-2 flock,
dead germ percentage (4.52±0.54%) was observed in H male x S female which was
not significantly different from that of all the parental groups in the same flock. In
local-1 flock, the lower dead germ percentage (4.22±0.87) was noted in S male x S
female flock which differed non-significantly from all of the other parental groups in
the same flock. The dead germ percentage among different close-bred flocks was
significantly (p<0.05) differed. The interaction between parental body weight and
close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05).
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99
ii. Dead in shell percentage
The results of the present study show significant (p<0.05) effect of parental body
weight on dead in shell percentage in H male x M female (in imported, local-1 and
local-2 flocks), H male x S female (in imported and local-1 flocks), M male x M
female (imported and local-1 flocks), M male x S female (imported and local-1
flocks), S male x H female (imported and local-1 flocks) (Table-4.14). The lowest
dead in shell percentage (2.25±0.83) was recorded in S male x H female in local-2
flock followed by that of H male x M female (2.93±1.78) in the same flock and M
male x M female (2.95±1.50) in imported flock, M male x H female (3.08±1.28), H
male x S female (3.66±0.12), H male x H female(3.70±0.87), M male x M female
(3.71±0.78) and S male x S female(3.76±1.42) in local-2 flock, H male x M
female(3.93±0.85) and S male x M female(4.00±0.66) in imported flock, S male x M
female(4.05±0.98) in local-2 flock, S male x H female(4.12±2.11) in imported flock
and S male x M female(4.28±1.48) in local-3 flock. In local-1 flock the highest dead
in shell percentage (12.36±2.72) was noted in M male x M female which was
significantly (p<0.05) different from that of H male x H female (6.32±2.59), M male
x H female (6.83±0.87), M male x M female (5.44±0.77), S male x M female
(6.88±2.04) and S male x S female (7.03±0.36) in the same flock. The dead in shell
percentage in different close-bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different in all the
parental groups except in H male x H female, M male x H female, S male x M female
and S male x S female. The interaction between parental size and close-bred flocks
was significant (p<0.05).
RESULTS
100
iii. Infertile egg percentage
In the present study, different parental body size significantly (p<0.05)
influenced infertility percentage in Japanese quails (Table-4.15). The minimum
infertility percentage (6.95±1.09) was noted in S male x S female parent of imported
flock which was significantly (p<0.05) different from that of M male x H female
(29.19±2.07) and H male x H female (28.59±6.74) in the same flock. In the local-1
and 2 flocks, lower infertility percentage was recorded in H male x S female
(12.30±1.28, 10.92±2.53 and 10.67±2.84 respectively) which was not significantly
different in all the other parental groups in their respective flocks. In local-3 flock, the
lower infertility percentage (9.97±1.68) was noted in M male x M female which was
significantly (p<0.05) different from that of H male x H female (26.34±3.45) and S
male x M female (34.06±16.62) in the same flock. The infertile egg percentage in all
the close-bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different from each other. The
interaction between parental body size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05).
iv. Hatchability percentage
In the present study, different parental body weights significantly (p<0.05)
influenced hatchability percentage in Japanese quails (Table-4.16). The highest
hatchability percentage (71.25±13.47) was recorded in M male x S female parent of
local-3 flock which was significantly (p<0.05) different from that of S male x M
female (43.77±15.99) in the same flock. In local-1 and local 2 flocks, the higher
hatchability percentage was recorded in H male x H female (65.88±4.21) and M male
x H female (65.23±6.19), respectively. Hatchability in local-1 and local-2 flocks was
not significantly different. The higher hatchability percentage (65.24±4.41) was noted
RESULTS
101
in S male x S female in imported flock which differed significantly (p<0.05) from
that of M male x H female (42.39±4.14) and H male x H female (45.30±3.73) in the
same flock. The hatchability percentage in H male x H female in imported flock was
only significantly (p<0.05) different from H male x H female local-1 flock, however,
it was not significantly different in H male x H female imported flock from that of
local-2 and local-3 flocks in the same parental group. Hatchability percentage in H
male x M female, H male x S female groups was not significantly different among the
entire parental groups. The interaction between parental body size and close-bred
flocks was significant (p<0.05).
v. Mal-positions
During the course of this study no mal-positions were noted.
RESULTS
102
Table-4.13. Dead germ percentage influenced by 3 different parental body weight categories in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE**; %) ---------------------------
Imported 10.42
±0.89abcA
6.99
±1.26abcdeA
5.49
±1.71abcdeA
6.69
±1.78abcdeA
5.71
±0.83abcdeA
8.95
±0.35abcdeA
8.06
±1.80bacdeA
3.74
±0.93deA
5.48
±1.32abcdeA
Local-1 5.26
±0.42abcdeB
9.06
±4.81abcdeA
8.30
±1.69abcdeA
10.95
±1.56abB
9.17
±0.92abcAB
11.14
±1.25aB
10.56
±4.56abcA
7.36
±0.76abcdeB
4.22
±0.87cdeB
Local-2 4.99
±1.94abcdeAB
4.52
±0.54bcdeB
5.49
±1.32abcdeA
5.96
±1.08abcdeAB
7.88
±1.82abcdeAB
5.95
±2.31abcdeAB
4.82
±1.35abcdeAB
5.63
±0.75abcdeAB
8.79
±1.04abcdeAB
Local-3 5.37
±0.82abcdeAB
8.95
±3.45abcdeA
7.63
±0.77abcdAe
5.70
±3.59abcdeAB
4.90
±0.69abcdeA
8.49
±1.04abcdeAB
2.68
±0.34eAB
7.03
±1.52abcdeAB
5.97
±1.57abcdeA
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
103
Table-4.14. Dead in shell percentage influenced by 3 different Parental body weight categories in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE**; %) ---------------------------
Imported 4.97
±1.56bcdA
3.93
±0.85bcdA
6.47
±0.45bcdA
4.39
±1.07bcdA
2.95
±1.50cdA
5.51
±1.96bcdA
4.12
±2.11bcdA
4.00
±0.66bcdA
5.09
±0.58bcdA
Local-1 6.32
±2.59bcdA
7.94
±1.18acB
8.70
±1.47abB
6.83
±0.87bcdA
5.44
±0.77bcdB
8.81
±1.32abB
12.36
±2.72aB
6.88
±2.04bcdA
7.03
±0.36bcdA
Local-2 3.70
±0.87bcdA
2.93
±1.78cdC
3.66
±0.12bcdAB
3.08
±1.28bcdA
3.71
±0.78bcdAB
6.06
±2.54bcdAB
2.25
±0.83dAB
4.05
±0.98bcdA
3.76
±1.42bcdA
Local-3 6.03
±1.92bcdA
7.00
±0.83bcdABC
6.84
±1.88bcdAB
5.40
±1.22bcdA
5.19
±1.26bcdAB
6.46
±0.94bcdAB
7.37
±1.75bcdAB
4.28
±1.48bcdA
7.51
±1.47bcdA
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
104
Table-4.15. Infertile egg percentage influenced by 3 different parental body weight categories in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE**; %) ---------------------------
Imported 28.59
±6.74abcA
16.34
±4.10bcdeA
13.97
±5.45bcdeA
29.19
±2.07abA
13.17
±5.04cdeA
14.29
±5.52bcdeA
17.95
±3.21bcdeA
15.20
±0.78bcdeA
6.95
±1.09eA
Local-1 14.19
±6.36bcdeB
17.45
±3.36bcdeA
12.30
±1.28deA
13.04
±6.81deB
16.41
±3.72bcdeA
13.54
±3.72cdeA
14.82
±1.83bcdeA
12.34
±2.18deB
13.37
±2.45cdeB
Local-2 21.97
±3.10abcdeAB
16.29
±4.37bcdeA
10.92
±2.53deA
15.29
±0.78bcdeAB
11.70
±1.96deB
12.11
±2.25deB
14.27
±0.66bcdeA
12.62
±0.89deB
15.10
±3.57bcdeB
Local-3 26.34
±3.45abcdAB
16.46
±0.20bcdeA
10.67
±2.84eA
18.05
±3.39bcdeAB
9.97
±1.68eAB
19.04
±4.53bcdeAB
13.09
±1.03deB
34.06
±16.62aC
14.38
±2.92bcdeB
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
105
Table-4.16. Hatchability percentage influenced by 3 different parental body weight categories in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE**; %) ---------------------------
Imported 45.30
±3.73cdeA
58.42
±3.41abcdeA
58.55
±3.89abcdeA
42.39
±4.14eA
60.81
±3.35abcdeA
51.67
±6.93abcdeA
49.37
±6.57bcdeA
59.72
±2.46abcdeA
65.24
±4.41abA
Local-1 65.88
±4.21abB
57.80
±3.96abcdeA
58.28
±5.47abcdeA
61.54
±9.33abcdB
52.16
±6.92abcdeA
59.03
±5.64abcdeA
60.70
±9.54abcdeB
59.46
±4.16abcdeA
63.08
±2.11abcdB
Local-2 53.68
±1.55abcdeAB
50.45
±2.61bcdeA
62.77
±3.14abcdA
65.23
±6.19abB
59.27
±1.42abcdeA
57.56
±5.57abcdeA
64.87
±2.66abcB
63.34
±1.40abcdB
56.62
±1.34abcdeAB
Local-3 52.13
±2.27abcdeAB
58.58
±6.22abcdeA
60.12
±3.28abcdeA
55.80
±3.82abcdeAB
63.22
±0.33abcdB
71.25
±13.47aB
60.75
±1.23abcdeAB
43.77
±15.99deAB
60.38
±2.24abcdeAB
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
106
4.1.4. Slaughter characteristics
The results in respect of slaughter characteristics in male and female breeder
quail parents of 4 close-bred flocks (Imported, Local-1, Local-2 and Local-3)
recorded at the termination of the experiment have been presented as under:
4.1.4.1. Carcass characteristics
The mean final live body weight (g), dressed weight (g) and dressing
percentage of the quails are shown in Tables 4.17, 4.18 and 4.19.
i. Final live body weight (g)
The difference in mean live body weight (g) of imported and local flocks of
male and female Japanese quails was not significant (Table-4.17). However, with
respect to body size categories a significant (p<0.05) difference was found in their
mean live body weight in both the sexes. The maximum mean live body weight
(281.50±8.03g) was recorded in heavy weight category males and minimum
(168.17±7.59g) in small body size birds. However, the maximum mean live body
weight (332.00±9.49g) was recorded in female with heavy weight category and
minimum (274.17±5.07g) in small body size birds (Table-4.17). The interaction
between flocks and body size was not significant in male, whereas, significant
(p<0.05) effect was recorded in female quails. The maximum mean live body weight
(350.67±20.17g) was observed in imported flock with heavy weight category and
minimum (260.67±12.73g) was found in imported flock with small category (Table-
4.17).
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107
The mean live body weight trend showed that male birds of local-1 flock
remained on higher side than that of imported and other local flocks. Similarly, heavy
weight category male birds had maximum live body weight followed by that of
medium and small size categories. However, the mean live body weight trend showed
that female birds of imported flock remained on higher side than that of local flocks.
Similarly, heavy weight category female birds had maximum body weight followed
by that of medium and small size.
ii. Dressed (carcass) weight (g)
The difference in dressed (carcass) weight (g) of imported and local flocks of
Japanese quails was significant (p<0.05) in female quails, while, male exhibited non-
significant difference when slaughtered at 31 week of age (Table-4.18). The
maximum dressed weight (176.44±15.07g) in female was recorded in birds from
imported flock and minimum (143.77±7.65g) in local-2 (Table-4.18). With respect to
body size categories, a significant (p<0.05) difference was found in both the sexes.
The maximum dressed weight (148.00±3.60g) was observed in male with heavy
weight category, whereas, minimum (128.16±4.49g) in small weight category. In
female, maximum dressed weight (178.58±10.46g) was observed also with heavy
weight category, whereas, minimum (141.83±3.53g) in small weight category (Table-
4.18). The interaction between flocks and body size was also significant (p<0.05) in
both the sexes. The maximum dressed weight (155.00±5.77g) was observed in male
quails of imported flock with heavy weight category, while, minimum
(127.33±2.33g) in local-1 flock with small weight category. In female, maximum
dressed weight (255.00±13.22g) was observed in imported flock with heavy weight
RESULTS
108
category, while, minimum (132.00±6.80g) in local-2 flock with small weight category
(Table-4.18).
The dressed weight trend in both the sexes showed that imported flock
remained on higher side than those of local flocks. Heavy weight category birds
showed maximum dressed weight followed by that of medium and small size.
iii. Dressing percentage
The difference in dressing percentage in imported and local flocks of male
Japanese quails was not significant, while, difference in female birds of imported
flock was significant (p<0.05) from all local flocks (Table-4.19). The maximum
dressing percentage (57.27±2.30) was recorded in birds from imported flocks and
minimum (48.03±1.51) in local-2 flock (Table-4.19). With respect to body size
categories, not significant difference was found in dressing percentage in both the
sexes (Table-4.19). The interaction between flocks and body size was not significant
in male quails, whereas, it was significant (p<0.05) in females. The maximum
dressing percentage (64.15±0.17) was observed in imported flock with heavy weight
category, and minimum (47.52±0.64) in local-2 flock with medium category (Table-
4.19).
The trend in respect of dressing percentage showed that birds of both the
sexes of imported flock remained on higher side than that of local flocks. Similarly,
heavy weight category birds had maximum dressing percentage followed by that of
medium and small size in male and small and medium size in female.
RESULTS
109
Table-4.17. Final live body weight (g) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
-------------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; g) --------------------------------
Heavy Male 281.00±11.78 289.33±14.33 268.33±25.18 287.33±17.57 281.50±8.03E
Female 350.67±20.17a 310.00±30.35
abc 333.67±11.34
ab 333.67±10.26
ab 332.00±9.49
E
Medium Male 257.00±15.39 275.00±25.16 279.00±12.12 261.67±9.27 168.17±7.59EF
Female 302.00±18.90bc
274.33±16.74c 290.33±2.33
bc 280.67±12.12
c 286.83±6.77
F
Small Male 241.67±6.00 264.67±14.94 264.67±14.83 235.00±32.78 250.75±9.23F
Female 260.67±12.73c 281.00±6.00
c 272.67±13.61
c 282.33±5.78
c 274.17±5.07
F
Mean Male 259.89±8.19 276.33±10.06 269.67±9.47 261.33±13.39
Female 304.44±15.69 288.44±11.53 298.89±10.42 298.89±9.97
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.18. Dressed weight (g) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails with
different body weight categories at 31 week
CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE; g) -------------------------
Heavy Male 155.00±5.77a
154.33±5.36a 132.67±7.26
ab 150.00±2.51
a 148.00±3.60
E
Female 255.00±13.22a 160.67±18.49
b 161.33±20.21
b 167.33±5.89
b 178.58±10.46
E
Medium Male 136.00±11.37ab
131.67±4.37ab
148.33±14.65a 142.67±7.31
ab 139.66±4.75
EF
Female 167.67±22.55b 143.67±6.98
b 138.00±3.00
b 138.67±9.69
b 147.00±6.58
F
Small Male 127.67±3.28ab
127.33±2.33ab
140.00±9.86ab
117.67±14.3b 128.16±4.49
F
Female 136.67±5.84b 148.00±4.72
b 132.00±6.80
b 150.67±7.21
b 141.83±3.53
F
Mean Male 139..55±5.55 137.77±4.68 140.33±5.96 136.77±6.78
Female 176.44±15.07A 150.77±6.39
B 143.77±7.65
B 152.22±5.68
B
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at P<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
110
Table-4.19. Dressing percentage (%) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
------------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; %) --------------------------------
Heavy Male 55.19±0.71 53.41±0.79 49.97±3.20 52.53±2.84 52.77±1.09
Female 64.15±0.17a 51.64±1.10
b 48.08±4.68
b 50.31±3.05
b 53.55±2.24
Medium Male 52.85±2.29 48.49±3.74 53.02±4.09 54.46±0.84 52.21±1.45
Female 55.04±4.18b 52.45±1.00
b 47.52±0.64
b 49.34±1.93
b 51.09±1.33
Small Male 52.85±1.27 48.41±2.86 53.420.74 50.38±1.41 51.26±0.96
Female 52.62±3.04b 52.70±1.84
b 48.51±2.23
b 53.51±3.68
b 51.83±1.32
Mean Male 53.63±0.87 50.10±1.60 52.14±1.61 52.45±1.11
Female 57.27±2.30A 52.26±0.70
B 48.03±1.51
B 51.05±1.61
B
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
4.1.4.2. Relative weight (g/100g BW) of giblets
The results in respect of mean relative weights (g/100g BW) of liver, heart,
and gizzard (with and without contents) of both the sexes of breeder quails recorded
at the end of the experiment are presented in Tables 4.20, 21, 22 and 4.23.
i. Liver
Imported and all the local male and female breeder flocks of Japanese quails
were not significantly different in mean relative weight of liver during this study
(Table-4.20). The body size categories and the interaction between flocks and body
size were non-significant effect on the mean relative weight of liver in both the sexes
of quails (Table-4.20).
The trend in respect of mean liver weight showed that local-3 male flock
remained on higher side than that of imported and other local flocks; however local-2
RESULTS
111
female flock remained on higher side than that of imported and other local flocks.
Similarly, medium weight category quails had maximum relative weight of liver
followed by that of heavy and small size birds in both the sexes.
ii. Heart
The difference in relative weight of heart of male quails in local-3 flock was
significantly (p<0.05) higher than in local-1 flock, however, it was not significantly
different from local-2 and imported flocks (Table-4.21). The maximum relative mean
weight of heart (0.96 ±0.08) was recorded in birds from Local-3 flock and minimum
(0.73±0.07) in local-1. In female birds, the relative mean heart weight of imported
and all local flocks was not significantly different (Table-4.21). With respect to body
size categories, there was non-significant difference in their relative mean weight of
heart in both the sexes. However, the interaction between flocks and body size in
male quails was significant (p<0.05). The maximum relative mean weight of heart
(1.17±0.11) was observed in local-3 flock with heavy weight category and minimum
(0.63±0.09) in local-2 flock with small category. However, female birds showed non-
significant difference in their mean liver weight (Table-4.21).
The relative mean heart weight trend showed that local-3 male flock remained
on the higher side than that of other local and imported flocks. Similarly, heavy
weight category male birds had maximum heart weight followed by that of small and
medium size birds. The local-2 female flock remained on higher side in heart weight
than that of imported and other local flocks. Similarly, small weight category female
birds had maximum heart weight followed by heavy and medium size.
RESULTS
112
iii. Gizzard weight-with contents
The relative weight of gizzard (with contents) in local-1 male flock was
significantly (p<0.05) different from imported and other local flocks. The difference
among other groups was not significant (Table-4.22). The maximum relative mean
weight of gizzard (with contents) (2.28±0.16) was recorded in birds from imported
flock and minimum (1.78±0.11) in local-1. However, female birds exhibited not
significant difference in different flocks for this parameter (Table-4.22). With respect
to body size categories, there was non-significant difference in their relative mean
weight of gizzard in both the sexes (Table-4.22). The interaction between flocks and
body size in male birds was significant (p<0.05). The maximum relative mean weight
of gizzard (2.59±0.19) was observed in local-3 flock with medium weight category
and minimum (1.65±0.27) in local-1 flock with medium category, whereas, female
birds showed non-significant difference (Table-4.22).
The trend in respect of mean gizzard weight (with contents) showed that
imported male flock remained on the higher side than that of local flocks. Similarly,
heavy weight category male birds had maximum gizzard weight followed by that of
medium and small size. However, in female birds, the mean gizzard weight (with
contents) trend showed that local-3 flock remained on higher side and imported and
other local flocks remained low. Similarly, small weight category female birds had
maximum gizzard weight followed by heavy and medium size.
iv. Gizzard weight-without contents
The difference in mean relative weight of gizzard (without contents) in local-2
male flock was significantly (p<0.05) higher only than local-1 male flock. The
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113
difference from imported and local-3 flocks was not significant (Table-4.23). The
maximum mean gizzard weight (1.80±0.11) was recorded in local-2 flock and
minimum (1.38±0.10) in local-1. However, female birds showed non-significant
difference in the relative mean weight of gizzard (Table-4.23). With respect to body
size categories, there was non-significant difference in their relative mean gizzard
weight in both the sexes (Table-4.23). The interaction between flocks and body size
also was significant (p<0.05) in both the sexes. The maximum mean gizzard weight
(2.11±0.13) in male birds was observed in local-2 flock with medium weight category
and minimum (1.16±0.24) in local-1 flock with medium category, whereas, in female
birds the maximum mean gizzard weight (2.52±0.78) was recorded in imported flock
with small weight category and minimum (1.48±0.19) in imported flock with medium
size (Table-4.23).
The trend in respect of mean gizzard weight (without contents) indicated that
local-3 female flock was the highest than imported and other local flocks. Similarly,
medium weight male birds had maximum gizzard weight, followed by heavy and
small size birds. In female birds the mean gizzard weight trend showed that local-3
flock remained on higher side and imported and other local flocks remained low.
Similarly, small weight female birds had maximum gizzard weight followed by that
of heavy and medium size birds.
RESULTS
114
Table-4.20. Relative weight (g/100g BW) of liver in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
------------------------ (Mean ± **SE; g/100g BW) -----------------------
Heavy Male 1.66±0.24 1.45±0.07 1.93±0.64 1.93±0.15 1.74±0.16
Female 2.38±0.56 2.42±0.23 3.26±1.01 2.90±0.07 2.74±0.27
Medium Male 1.78±0.30 1.86±0.48 1.84±0.25 1.93±0.24 1.85±0.14
Female 2.29±0.45 2.65±0.04 3.04±0.55 3.17±0.36 2.79±0.20
Small Male 1.96±0.17 1.60±0.19 1.29±0.28 1.64±0.23 1.62±0.11
Female 2.66±0.16 2.67±0.39 2.37±0.14 2.15±0.70 2.46±0.18
Mean Male 1.80±0.12 1.63±0.16 1.69±0.23 1.84±0.11
Female 2.45±0.22 2.58±0.13 2.89±0.36 2.74±0.27
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.21. Relative weight (g/100g BW) of heart in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
----------------------------(Mean ± **SE; g/100g BW) -------------------------
Heavy Male 0.84±0.08ab
0.73±0.04b 0.74±0.09
b 1.17±0.11
a 0.87±0.06
Female 0.84±0.03 0.81±0.06 1.02±0.22 0.75±0.04 0.85±0.06
Medium Male 0.98±0.06ab
0.70±0.17b 0.90±0.14
ab 0.71±0.08
b 0.82±0.06
Female 0.89±0.05 0.76±0.01 0.92±0.07 1.12±0.14 0.92±0.05
Small Male 0.94±0.12ab
0.76±0.18b 0.63±0.09
b 0.99±0.12
ab 0.83±0.07
Female 0.80±0.05 0.89±0.08 1.01±0.17 0.94±0.14 0.91±0.05
Mean Male 0.92±0.05AB
0.73±0.07B 0.76±0.06
AB 0.96±0.08
A
Female 0.84±0.02 0.82±0.03 0.98±0.08 0.93±0.08
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
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Table-4.22. Relative weight (g/100g BW) of gizzard (with contents) in 4 close-
bred flocks of Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31
week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
------------------------ (Mean ± **SE; g/100g BW) -------------------------
Heavy Male 2.03±0.02ab
2.03±0.11ab
1.96±0.28ab
2.12±0.32ab
2.04±0.09
Female 2.04±0.17 1.92±0.18 2.82±0.42 2.87±0.39 2.41±0.18
Medium Male 2.47±0.43ab
1.65±0.27b 2.58±0.22
a 2.59±0.19
a 2.32±0.17
Female 1.96±0.28 2.18±0.16 2.52±0.21 2.90±0.07 2.39±0.13
Small Male 2.33±0.30ab
1.66±0.18b 2.12±0.13
ab 1.95±0.15
ab 2.02±0.11
Female 2.94±0.66 2.41±0.21 2.30±0.13 2.31±0.28 2.49±0.18
Mean Male 2.28±0.16A 1.78±0.11
B 2.22±0.14
A 2.22±0.15
A
Female 2.31±0.26 2.17±0.11 2.55±0.16 2.69±0.17
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.23. Relative weight (g/100g BW) of gizzard (without contents) in 4 close-
bred flocks of Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31
week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
------------------------ (Mean ± **SE; g/100g BW) -------------------------
Heavy Male 1.54±0.18ab
1.50±0.10ab
1.63±0.24ab
1.75±0.23ab
1.61±0.09
Female 1.49±0.11b 1.68±0.13
ab 2.04±0.20
ab 1.59±0.22
b 1.70±0.09
Medium Male 1.82±0.43ab
1.16±0.24b 2.11±0.13
a 1.58±0.18
ab 1.67±0.15
Female 1.48±0.19b 1.61±0.08
b 1.68±0.08
ab 2.31±0.11
ab 1.77±0.10
Small Male 1.65±0.09ab
1.41±0.19ab
1.66±0.09ab
1.44±0.15ab
1.54±0.06
Female 2.52±0.78a 1.84±0.15
ab 1.87±0.13
ab 1.87±0.11
ab 2.02±0.19
Mean Male 1.67±0.14AB
1.38±0.10B 1.80±0.11
A 1.59±0.10
AB
Female 1.83±0.29 1.71±0.07 1.86±0.09 1.92±0.13
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
116
4.1.4.3. Relative weight, length and number (g, cm, #/100g BW) of visceral
organs
The results in respect of mean relative weight of intestine, intestinal length,
reproductive tract weight and length, number of mature follicles and testes weight in
breeder quails recorded at the end of the experiment are presented in Tables 4.24, 25,
26, 27, 28 and 4.29.
i. Intestinal weight (g)
The local-1 and local-2 male flocks were significantly (p<0.05) different in
mean relative weight of intestine than local-3 male flock. Mean relative weight of
intestine in imported flock was not significantly different from local-3 flock (Table-
4.24). The maximum intestinal weight (3.37±0.21g) was recorded in birds from local-
3 flock and minimum (2.47±0.36g) in local-2. However, in female birds the mean
intestinal weight of imported and all the local flocks was not significantly different
(Table-4.24). With respect to body size categories, a non-significant difference was
found in their mean intestinal weight in both the sexes. The interaction between
flocks and body size was also significant (p<0.05) in male birds. The maximum mean
intestinal weight (3.58±0.33) was recorded in local-3 flock with medium weight
category and minimum (1.77±0.70) in local-2 flock with heavy size. Female birds
showed non-significant difference in their mean intestinal weight (Table-4.24).
The intestinal weight trend showed that local-3 flock remained on higher side
than that of imported and other local flocks in both the sexes. Similarly, male birds of
medium weight category had maximum intestinal weight followed by those of small
RESULTS
117
and heavy size, whereas, female birds of heavy weight category had maximum
intestinal weight followed by small and medium size.
ii. Intestinal length (cm)
The mean relative intestinal length was not significantly different among male
quails of imported and all local flocks, however, female quails were significantly
(p<0.05) different (Table-4.25). The maximum mean intestinal length
(24.06±0.95cm) in female birds was recorded in local-1 and minimum
(21.02±1.12cm) was observed in local-2 flock (Table-4.25). With respect to body size
categories, male quails were not significantly different in their mean intestinal length,
whereas, female quails had significant (p<0.05) difference in their mean intestinal
length. The maximum mean intestinal length (23.41±0.84cm) was recorded in quails
of medium weight category and minimum (20.49±1.08cm) in heavy body size birds.
The interaction between flocks and body size in female quails showed significant
(p<0.05) difference, whereas, male found to be not significant in this respect. The
maximum mean intestinal length (25.85±0.42cm) was found in local-3 flock with
medium weight category and minimum (17.43±0.53cm) in local-2 flock with heavy
category (Table-4.25).
The trend in respect of mean intestinal length indicated that local-3 male flock
remained on the higher side than that of imported and other local flocks. Similarly,
heavy weight category quails had maximum intestinal length followed by those of
small and medium size. However, in female birds, the mean intestinal length was
greater in local-1 flock than that of imported and other local flocks. The medium
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118
weight female category birds had maximum intestinal length followed by those of
small and heavy size.
iii. Reproductive tract weight (g)
The mean relative weight of reproductive tract in imported quail flock was not
significantly different from that of all local flocks (Table-4.26). In respect of body
size categories, it was found to have non-significant effect on the mean weight of
reproductive tract. The interaction of flocks and body size was also not significant
(Table-4.26).
The imported flock had greater weight of reproductive tract than those of all
the local flocks. However, birds of small weight category had maximum reproductive
tract weight followed by those of heavy and medium size.
iv. Reproductive tract length (cm)
The difference in relative reproductive tract length between local-1 and
imported groups were not-significant. Imported and local-1 flocks were significantly
(p<0.05) different than local-2 and local-3 flocks (Table-4.27). The maximum length
(12.18±0.58cm) of mean reproductive tract was recorded in birds from local-1 flock
and minimum (9.71±0.65cm) in local-3. With respect to body size categories,
significant (p<0.05) difference in reproductive tract length was noted between small
and heavy groups (Table-4.27). The maximum length of mean reproductive tract
(11.67±0.85cm) was recorded in small weight category quails and minimum
(9.99±0.49cm) in heavy body size birds. The interaction between flocks and body
size was also significant (p<0.05). The maximum mean reproductive tract length
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119
(15.70±0.83cm) was observed in imported flock with small weight category and
minimum (8.89±0.59cm) in local-3 flock with heavy category (Table-4.27).
The greater length of reproductive tract was observed in local-1 flock and
lesser in imported and other local flocks. Similarly, small weight category birds had
maximum length of reproductive tract followed by those of medium and heavy size.
v. Mature ovarian follicle numbers (#)
The mean relative numbers of mature ovarian follicles in imported and all
other local flocks of Japanese quails was not significantly different (Table-4.28).
Body size categories also had not significant effect on the mean number of mature
ovarian follicles. However, the interaction between flocks and body size was
significant (p<0.05). The maximum mean number of mature ovarian follicles
(1.65±0.05) was observed in imported flock with small weight category and
minimum (0.88±0.49) in local-3 flock with heavy category (Table-4.28).
The local-2 flock was found to be on the higher side and imported and other
local flocks remained low in respect of mature ovarian follicles number. Similarly,
birds of small weight category had maximum follicle numbers followed by those of
medium and heavy size birds.
vi. Testes weight (g)
The mean relative weight of testes in imported flock of Japanese quails was
not significantly different from all local flocks (Table-4.29). Body size categories had
non-significant effect on weight of testes in quails. The interaction between flocks
and body size was also not significant (Table-4.29).
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120
The imported flock had greater weight of testes than that of other local flocks.
Similarly, small weight birds had maximum weight of testes followed by medium and
heavy size quails.
Table-4.24. Relative intestinal weight (g/100g BW) in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
------------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; g/100g BW) --------------------------------
Heavy Male 2.80±0.07ab
2.64±0.16ab
1.77±0.70b 3.35±0.30
a 2.64±0.24
Female 4.54±0.27 3.76±1.05 4.04±0.14 5.01±0.55 4.34±0.30
Medium Male 2.93±0.47ab
2.59±0.11ab
2.80±0.32ab
3.58±0.33a 2.97±0.18
Female 3.50±0.18 3.75±0.34 3.65±0.68 4.75±0.46 3.91±0.24
Small Male 2.84±0.13ab
2.58±0.18ab
2.85±0.78ab
3.19±0.54a 2.87±0.21
Female 5.29±1.00 4.17±0.43 3.63±0.62 3.75±0.89 4.21±0.38
Mean Male 2.86±0.14AB
2.60±0.07B 2.47±0.36
B 3.37±0.21
A
Female 4.44±0.39 3.89±0.35 3.77±0.27 4.50±0.38
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.0
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.25. Relative intestinal length (cm/100g BW) in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; cm/100g BW) -------------------------
Heavy Male 20.62±3.04 20.12±3.17 21.91±2.58 21.44±4.08 21.02±1.40
Female 19.66±2.15cd
24.31±2.72abc
17.43±0.53d 20.58±1.12
abc 20.49±1.08
F
Medium Male 22.91±1.79 18.53±2.28 18.74±2.07 21.78±0.98 20.49±0.97
Female 20.31±1.40bcd
24.23±1.48abc
23.26±1.77abc
25.85±0.42a 23.41±0.84
E
Small Male 18.26±1.35 21.91±2.94 22.08±0.84 21.56±1.92 20.95±0.94
Female 25.34±1.84ab
23.64±1.04abc
22.37±1.36abcd
21.90±0.74abcd
23.31±0.68E
Mean Male 20.63±1.28 20.18±1.49 20.91±1.12 21.60±1.33
Female 21.77±1.28AB
24.06±0.95A 21.02±1.12
B 22.78±0.89
AB
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
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Table-4.26. Relative reproductive tract weight (g/100g BW) in 4 close-bred flocks
of Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Categories
Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
-------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; g/100g BW) -------------------------
Heavy 3.08±0.59 3.57±0.79 3.41±0.38 3.48±0.87 3.38±0.29
Medium 4.02±0.93 3.14±0.71 3.03±0.15 2.50±0.79 3.17±0.34
Small 5.01±1.43 3.04±0.73 3.37±0.90 3.26±0.51 3.67±0.47
Mean 4.03±0.59 3.25±0.38 3.27±0.29 3.08±0.39
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.27. Relative reproductive tract length (cm/100g BW) in 4 close-bred
flocks of Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Categories
Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
---------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; cm/100g BW) --------------------------
Heavy 9.06±0.28d 12.30±0.94
bc 9.71±0.53
cd 8.89±0.59
d 9.99±0.49
F
Medium 10.29±0.73bcd
13.21±1.34ab
10.89±0.48bcd
9.34±1.58cd
10.93±0.64EF
Small 15.70±0.83a 11.04±0.51
bcd 9.02±1.38
d 10.90±1.04
bcd 11.67±0.85
E
Mean 11.68±1.07A 12.18±0.58
A 9.88±0.52
B 9.71±0.65
B
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.28. Relative mature ovarian follicles numbers (#/100g BW) in 4 close-bred
flocks of Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Categories
Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
----------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; #/100g BW) -------------------------
Heavy 0.94±0.06ab
1.28±0.11ab
1.51±0.22ab
0.88±0.49b 1.15±0.14
Medium 1.29±0.12ab
1.23±0.19ab
1.37±0.01ab
1.09±0.38ab
1.25±0.10
Small 1.65±0.05a 1.30±0.10
ab 1.25±0.18
ab 1.29±0.09
ab 1.37±0.07
Mean 1.30±0.11 1.27±0.07 1.37±0.09 1.09±0.19
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
122
Table-4.29. Relative testes weight (g/100g BW) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Categories
Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
----------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; g/100g BW) ---------------------------
Heavy 2.89±0.45 2.45±0.28 1.82±0.79 2.45±0.68 2.40±0.27
Medium 3.67±0.83 2.78±0.38 2.66±0.69 3.01±0.19 3.03±0.27
Small 3.53±0.90 2.69±0.26 2.64±0.58 3.67±0.89 3.13±0.33
Mean 3.36±0.39 2.64±0.16 2.38±0.37 3.05±0.37
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
4.1.4.4. Proximate analysis
The proximate composition of breast and thigh meat samples in 4 close-bred
parental flocks of both the sexes of quails determined at the termination of the
experiment have been presented as under:
4.1.4.4.1. Breast meat composition
The results in respect of proximate composition of breast meat of both the
sexes of Japanese quails have been given in Tables 4.30, 31, 32 and 4.33.
i. Crude protein percent
The difference in mean crude protein percent in breast meat of female
Japanese quails was not significant from that of male quails (Table-4.30). Body size
categories had not significant effect on percent crude protein in breast meat of both
the sexes. The interaction between flocks and body size was also not significant in
both the sexes of quails (Table-4.30).
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The crude protein percent in breast meat of imported male flock was found to
be higher than that in other local flocks. The small male birds had maximum percent
crude protein followed by that of medium and heavy size birds. However, percent
crude protein in breast meat of female was higher in local-1 flock than that of
imported and other local flocks. Similarly, heavy weight female birds had maximum
crude protein percent followed by those of medium and small size.
ii. Ether extract percent
The difference in ether extract percent in breast meat of both the male and
female Japanese quails was not significant (Table-4.31). Body size categories had
significant (p<0.05) effect on the percent ether extract in male quails only. The
maximum ether extract percent (4.42±0.2) in breast meat of male was observed in
medium weight birds and minimum (4.10±0.18) in heavy weight category (Table-
4.31). The interaction between flocks and body size was found to be significant
(p<0.05) in male and female quails. The maximum ether extract percent (4.96±0.39)
in breast meat of male quails was noted in local-2 flock with medium weight
category, whereas, minimum (3.12±0.73) in imported flock with small weight.
However, in female quails maximum ether extract percent (5.32±0.65) in breast meat
was observed in imported flock with heavy weight category and minimum (3.48±0.5)
in imported flock with medium weight birds (Table-4.31).
The higher ether extract percent in breast meat was found in local-1 flock of
male quails and lesser values were observed in imported and other local flocks.
Medium weight category male birds had maximum ether extract percent followed by
those of heavy and small size quails. However, local-1 female flock was found to
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124
remain on higher side in ether extract percent in breast meat than that of imported and
other local flocks. Similarly, heavy weight female birds had maximum ether extract
percent in breast meat followed by that of small and medium size.
iii. Dry matter percent
The difference in dry matter percent in breast meat of male Japanese quails
was significant (p<0.05) whereas, female was not significantly different in this
respect (Table-4.32). The maximum dry matter percent (95.63±0.17) in breast meat of
male quails was observed in local-3 flock and minimum (94.79±0.12) in the imported
flock (Table-4.32). Body size categories had not significant effect on the dry matter
percent in breast meat of both the sexes (Table-4.32). The interaction between flocks
and body size was significant (p<0.05) in both the male and female quails. The
maximum dry matter percent (95.85±0.20) was observed in breast meat of male
quails in local-3 flock with heavy weight category and minimum (94.23±0.39) in
local-2 flock with heavy weight category, whereas, in female, maximum dry matter
percent (95.18±0.26) in breast meat was observed in imported flock with small
weight category and minimum (94.00±0.11) also in the imported flock with heavy
weight category birds (Table-4.32).
The dry matter percent in breast meat of male birds in local-3 flock was higher
than that of imported and other local flocks. The medium weight male quails had
maximum dry matter percent in their breast meat followed by that of small and heavy
size quails. However, the dry matter percent in breast meat of female local-3 flock
remained on higher side than that of imported and other local flocks. Similarly,
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125
medium weight category female birds had maximum dry matter percent in their breast
meat followed by those of small and heavy size.
iv. Ash percent
The ash percent in breast meat of male quails was not significantly different,
however, it was significantly (p<0.05) different in female quails (Table-4.33). The
maximum ash percent (1.53±0.05) in female quails was in local-2 flock and minimum
(1.30±0.02) in local-1. However, maximum ash percent (1.53±0.05) was found in
local-2 female flock and minimum (1.30±0.07) in imported (Table-4.33). Body size
categories had significant (p<0.05) effect on the ash percent in female, whereas, not
significant difference was noted in breast meat ash percent of male quails. The
maximum ash percent (1.54±0.06) was found in breast meat of female quails of small
weight category and minimum (1.31±0.05) in medium body size birds (Table-4.33).
The interaction between flocks and body size was significant (p<0.05) in female
quails, whereas, not significant in male quails. The maximum ash percent (1.70±0.17)
in female quails was observed in local-3 flock with small weight category and
minimum (1.16±0.12) in breast meat of imported flock with medium weight category
(Table-4.33).
The mean ash percent in breast meat of male birds was higher in local-3 flock
and lower in imported and other local flocks. The medium weight male birds had
maximum ash percent in breast meat followed by small and heavy size birds.
However, the average mean ash percent in female was found to be higher in local-2
flock than that of imported and other local flocks. Similarly, small weight female
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126
quails had maximum ash percent in the breast meat followed by those of heavy and
medium size.
Table-4.30. Crude protein percent (%) in breast meat in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
------------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; %) -----------------------------
Heavy Male 20.35±1.03 18.81±0.75 19.74±1.12 21.34±0.91 20.06±0.49
Female 21.72±0.77 21.72±1.02 20.79±1.77 20.62±0.95 21.21±0.53
Medium Male 21.75±1.69 20.21±0.58 19.85±0.79 20.56±1.26 20.59±0.54
Female 20.76±0.79 21.58±1.62 18.80±1.08 19.59±1.71 20.18±0.66
Small Male 20.91±1.71 21.72±0.72 20.35±0.80 20.12±0.25 20.77±0.47
Female 18.75±0.64 18.37±0.96 18.92±0.55 19.45±1.03 18.87±0.37
Mean Male 21.00±0.78 20.24±0.54 19.98±0.47 20.67±0.49
Female 20.41±0.57 20.55±0.82 19.50±0.70 19.88±0.66
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.31. Ether extract percent (%) in breast meat in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
---------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; %) --------------------------
Heavy Male 3.95±0.19ab
4.27±0.32ab
3.63±0.31ab
4.57±0.49ab
4.10±0.18EF
Female 5.32±0.65a 4.08±0.51
ab 4.35±0.17
ab 5.03±0.32
ab 4.69±0.24
Medium Male 4.47±0.12ab
4.67±0.35a 4.96±0.39
a 3.57±0.27
ab 4.42±0.20
E
Female 3.48±0.51b 4.87±0.30
ab 4.77±0.59
ab 4.11±1.15
ab 4.31±0.34
Small Male 3.12±0.73b 3.72±0.69
ab 3.81±0.49
ab 3.73±0.53
ab 3.59±0.27
F
Female 4.31±0.28ab
4.79±0.37ab
4.51±0.37ab
4.01±0.30ab
4.40±0.14
Mean Male 3.85±0.29 4.22±0.27 4.13±0.29 3.95±0.27
Female 4.37±0.36 4.58±0.21 4.54±0.21 4.38±0.39
Different alphabets on means show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
127
Table-4.32. Dry matter percent (%) in breast meat in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
---------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; %) --------------------------
Heavy Male 94.55±0.24c 94.88±0.22
abc 94.23±0.39
c 95.85±0.20
a 94.88±0.21
Female 94.00±0.11b 94.15±0.09
ab 94.56±0.51
ab 94.89±0.27
ab 94.40±0.16
Medium Male 94.82±0.14bc
94.82±0.49bc
95.76±0.38ab
95.22±0.41abc
95.15±0.20
Female 94.82±0.15ab
95.18±0.51a 94.59±0.45
ab 94.89±0.27
ab 94.87±0.17
Small Male 95.01±0.22abc
95.01±0.06abc
94.52±0.35c 95.81±0.19
ab 95.09±0.17
Female 95.18±0.26a 94.71±0.48
ab 94.56±0.23
ab 94.70±0.05
ab 94.79±0.14
Mean Male 94.79±0.12A 94.90±0.16
B 94.84±0.30
B 95.63±0.17
A
Female 94.66±0.19 94.68±0.25 94.57±0.20 94.83±0.11
Different alphabets on means show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.33. Ash percent (%) in breast meat in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
---------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; %) --------------------------
Heavy Male 1.33±0.06 1.40±0.17 1.33±0.14a 1.56±0.14 1.40±0.06
Female 1.23±0.12c 1.26±0.06
c 1.46±0.08
abc 1.46±0.20
abc 1.35±0.06
F
Medium Male 1.33±0.16 1.63±0.18 1.40±0.00 1.66±0.20 1.50±0.08
Female 1.16±0.12c 1.30±0
c 1.50±0.10
abc 1.30±0.05
bc 1.31±0.05
F
Small Male 1.23±0.03 1.63±0.23 1.33±0.12 1.50±0.05 1.42±0.07
Female 1.50±0.05abc
1.33±0.03bc
1.63±0.08ab
1.70±0.17a 1.54±0.06
E
Mean Male 1.30±0.05AB
1.55±0.10A 1.35±0.05
AB 1.57±0.07
A
Female 1.30±0.07B 1.30±0.02
B 1.53±0.05
A 1.48±0.09
AB
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
128
4.1.4.4.2. Thigh meat composition
The results in respect of thigh meat composition of 4 close-bred parental
flocks of the Japanese quails determined at the end of the experiment has been
presented in Tables 4.34, 35, 36 and 4.37.
i. Crude protein percent
The difference in crude protein percent in thigh meat of male and female
quails of imported and local flocks was not significant (Table-4.34). Body size
categories were not significant effect on crude protein percent in thigh meat of both
the sexes. The interaction between flocks and body size was also not significant
(Table-4.34).
Crude protein percent in thigh meat of male, imported flock was found to be
on the higher side than that of other local flocks. The small birds had maximum crude
protein percent in thigh meat followed by that of heavy and medium size quails.
Crude protein percent in female local-2 flock was higher than that of imported and
other local flocks. However, heavy weight birds had maximum crude protein percent
followed by that of medium and small size birds.
ii. Ether extract percent
The difference in ether extract percent in thigh meat of male and female quails
was significant (p<0.05) (Table-4.35). The maximum ether extract percent
(4.79±0.25) in thigh meat was found in male quails of local-1 flock and minimum
(3.86±0.31) in male local-2 flock. In female quails, maximum ether extract percent
(4.59±0.21) was noted in local-1 flock and minimum (3.77±0.28) in local-3 (Table-
4.35). Body size categories were not significant effect on ether extract percent in
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129
thigh meat of both the sexes. The interaction between flocks and body size was
significant (p<0.05) in respect of ether extract percent in thigh meat of both the sexes.
The maximum ether extract percent (4.86±0.30) in thigh meat in male quails was
noted in local-1 flock with medium weight category and minimum (3.16±0.61) in
local-3 flock with small category (Table-4.35).
Ether extract percent in thigh meat of male local-1 flock remained higher than those
of imported and other local flocks. Similarly, medium weight male birds had
maximum ether extract percent followed by heavy and small size birds. However, the
ether extract percent in female local-1 flock was higher than that of imported and
other local flocks. Similarly, small weight female birds had maximum ether extract
percent in thigh meat followed by that of heavy and medium size quails.
iii. Dry matter percent
The difference in dry matter percent in thigh meat of local -1 male flock was
significant (p<0.05) from local-2 and local-3 flocks, whereas, female quails were not
significantly different in this respect (Table-4.36). Body size categories had
significant (p<0.05) effect on dry matter percent in thigh meat of male quails. The
maximum dry matter percent (95.14±0.17) was recorded in thigh meat of male quails
of small weight category and minimum (94.51±0.18) in medium body size birds.
However, female quails were not significantly different (Table-4.36). The interaction
between flocks and body size was significant (p<0.05) in both the sexes. The
maximum dry matter percent (95.33±0.45) in thigh meat of male quails was observed
in local-3 flock with heavy weight category and minimum (93.66±0.25) in local-1
flock with heavy category, whereas, in female birds, the maximum dry matter percent
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130
(95.09 ±0.27) was observed in imported flock with small weight category and
minimum (94.07±0.26) also found in imported flock with heavy category (Table-
4.36).
The dry matter percent in thigh meat of local-2 male flock was found to be
higher than that of imported and other local flocks. The small weight male birds had
maximum dry matter percent in their thigh meat followed by that of heavy and
medium size birds. However, the dry matter percent in thigh meat of female imported
flock was higher than that of local flocks. Similarly, small weight female birds had
maximum dry matter percent in thigh meat followed by medium and heavy weight
quails.
iv. Ash percent
The difference in ash percent in thigh meat of imported and all local flocks of
quails was not significant in male as well as in female quails (Table-4.37). The body
size categories were not significant effect on ash percent in thigh meat of both the
sexes. The interaction between flocks and body sizes was not significant (Table-4.37).
The ash percent in thigh meat in imported male flock remained higher than
that of other local flocks. The small weight male birds had maximum ash percent in
thigh meat followed by that of heavy and small size categories. However, ash percent
content in female quails showed that local-3 flock remained on higher side than that
of imported and other local flocks. Medium weight female birds contained maximum
ash percent in thigh meat followed by that of heavy and small size quails.
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131
Table-4.34. Crude protein percent (%) in thigh meat in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
---------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; %) --------------------------
Heavy Male 19.54±0.77 19.30±0.84 19.24±0.50 19.77±0.65 19.46±0.30
Female 19.97±0.95 20.21±1.26 20.41±1.45 18.57±0.55 19.79±0.52
Medium Male 20.41±0.77 19.27±0.90 18.39±1.03 17.64±1.06 18.93±0.51
Female 18.85±1.57 18.87±1.29 19.89±0.55 14.67±6.05 18.07±1.49
Small Male 19.97±0.81 19.17±1.50 19.80±1.15 19.19±0.15 19.53±0.45
Female 18.66±0.77 20.88±0.82 19.47±0.78 19.07±0.46 19.64±0.40
Mean Male 19.97±0.41 19.25±0.56 19.14±0.51 18.86±0.48
Female 19.16±0.61 19.98±0.64 20.08±0.51 17.44±1.89
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.35. Ether extract percent (%) in thigh meat in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails having different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
---------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; %) --------------------------
Heavy Male 3.91±0.44ab
4.43±0.27ab
3.65±0.45ab
4.53±0.37ab
4.13±0.20
Female 4.47±0.13a 4.20±0.61
ab 4.15±0.41
ab 4.02±0.43
ab 4.21±0.19
Medium Male 4.34±0.16ab
4.86±0.30a 3.67±0.21
ab 4.33±0.25
ab 4.30±0.16
Female 4.57±0.19a 4.75±0.27
a 5.02±0.47
a 2.92±0.35
b 4.31±0.28
Small Male 3.91±0.06ab
3.91±0.70ab
4.27±0.88ab
3.16±0.61b 4.10±0.34
Female 4.38±0.80ab
4.83±0.09a 4.36±0.62
ab 4.37±0.32
ab 4.48±0.23
Mean Male 4.05±0.15AB 4.79±0.25
A 3.86±0.31
B 4.00±0.30
AB
Female 4.47±0.24AB
4.59±0.21A 4.51±0.28A
B 3.77±0.28
B
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
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Table-4.36. Dry matter percent (%) in thigh meat in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
---------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; %) --------------------------
Heavy Male 94.18±0.18ab
93.66±0.25b 94.89±0.57
ab 95.33±0.45
a 94.52±0.25
F
Female 94.07±0.26c 94.48±0.13
abc 94.56±0.19
abc 94.88±0.18
ab 94.50±0.12
Medium Male 94.57±0.58ab
94.04±0.29ab
95.04±0.19a 94.41±0.10
ab 94.51±0.18
F
Female 95.07±0.30a 94.75±0.21
abc 94.27±0.28
bc 94.49±0.13
abc 94.64±0.13
Small Male 95.26±0.47a 95.03±0.42
a 95.15±0.41
a 95.11±0.27
a 95.14±0.17
E
Female 95.09±0.27a 94.66±0.33
abc 94.69±0.22
abc 94.82±0.13
abc 94.81±0.11
Mean Male 94.67±0.27AB
94.24±0.26B 95.02±0.21
A 94.95±0.20
A
Female 94.74±0.21 94.63±0.12 94.50±0.13 94.73±0.09
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.37. Ash percent (%) in thigh meat in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
---------------------------- (Mean ± **SE; %) --------------------------
Heavy Male 1.30±0.25 1.16±0.08 1.23±0.12 1.33±0.08 1.25±0.06
Female 1.23±0.14 1.13±0.13 1.20±0.05 1.46±0.26 1.25±0.08
Medium Male 1.26±0.03 1.23±0.14 1.23±0.18 1.23±0.14 1.24±0.05
Female 1.36±0.12 1.36±0.12 1.20±0.11 1.33±0.17 1.31±0.06
Small Male 1.36±0.06 1.20±0.11 1.36±0.03 1.30±0.05 1.30±0.03
Female 1.23±0.08 1.26±0.03 1.16±0.03 1.16±0.12 1.20±0.03
Mean Male 1.31±0.07 1.20±0.06 1.27±0.06 1.28±0.05
Female 1.27±0.06 1.25±0.06 1.18±0.03 1.32±0.10
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
133
4.1.4.5. Blood biochemical profile
The blood biochemical profile of 4 close-bred breeder flocks of male and
female Japanese quails (Imported, Local-1, Local-2 and Local-3) determined at the
termination of the experiment is presented as under:
4.1.4.5.1. Blood serum chemistry
The results in respect of blood serum chemistry (glucose, total protein,
albumen, cholesterol and urea (mg/dl)) of the quails are shown in Tables 4.38, 4.39,
4.40, 4.41 and 4.42.
i. Serum glucose
The difference in mean serum glucose (mg/dl) in male and female quails of
imported and local flocks was not significant from each other (Table-4.38). Body size
categories were not significant effect on mean serum glucose in both the sexes. The
interaction between flocks and body size was also not significant (Table-4.38).
The mean serum glucose in male quails of local-1 flock was higher than that
of other local and imported flocks. Small weight male quails had maximum serum
glucose concentration followed by those of medium and heavy size quails. However,
female quails of local-1 flock remained higher in glucose concentration than imported
and other local flocks. Whereas, medium weight female birds contained maximum
serum glucose levels followed by those of small and heavy size birds.
ii. Total serum protein
The difference in mean total serum protein concentration of imported and
local flocks of Japanese quails was significant (p<0.05) in both male and female
quails (Table-4.39). The maximum total serum protein (4.38±0.36mg/dl) was
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recorded in male quails of imported flock and minimum (3.31±0.25mg/dl) in the
local-1, whereas, maximum (6.50±0.49mg/dl) was recorded in female imported flock
and minimum (4.57±0.54mg/dl) in local-3. Body size categories were not significant
effect on serum protein in male and female birds (Table-4.39). The interaction
between flocks and body size was significant (p<0.05) in both the sexes. The
maximum mean total serum protein (4.70±0.86mg/dl) was observed in male quails of
imported flock with heavy weight category and minimum (2.88±0.34mg/dl) in local-1
flock with small category, whereas, maximum total serum protein (7.28±1.27mg/dl)
was also observed in female imported flock with heavy weight category and
minimum total protein (3.40±0.56mg/dl) was noted in local-2 flock with heavy
weight category (Table-4.39).
The mean total serum protein in male imported flock remained on higher side
than that of other local flocks. The medium weight category male birds had maximum
total serum protein followed by those of heavy and small size categories. However,
female imported flock had higher total serum protein than that of other local flocks.
Similarly, female birds of small weight category had maximum total serum protein
followed by that of heavy and medium size quails.
iii. Serum albumin
The difference in mean serum albumin (mg/dl) in imported and local female
flocks of Japanese quails was significant (p<0.05), whereas, it was not significant in
male quails (Table-4.40). The maximum serum albumin level (1.46±0.13mg/dl) was
recorded in imported female flock and minimum (0.96±0.14mg/dl) in local-1 flock.
Body size categories had non-significant effect on serum albumin in quails of both
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135
the sexes (Table-4.40). The interaction between flocks and body size was significant
(p<0.05) in female, whereas, it was not significant in male quails. The maximum
serum albumin level (1.68±0.29 mg/dl) was observed in female imported flock with
heavy weight category, while, minimum (0.80±0.21 mg/dl) in local-1 flock with
heavy category (Table-4.40).
The mean serum albumin level in local-3 male flock was higher than that of
imported and other local flocks. Similarly, small weight category male birds had
maximum serum albumin level followed by that of heavy and medium size
categories. However, imported female flock had higher serum albumin than that of
other local flocks. Similarly, heavy weight category female quails had maximum
serum albumin level followed by that of medium and small size.
iv. Serum cholesterol
The difference in mean serum cholesterol concentration (mg/dl) in imported
and local female flocks of Japanese quails was significant (p<0.05), whereas, male
flocks were not significantly different in this respect (Table-4.41). The maximum
serum cholesterol concentration (235.67±25.70mg/dl) was recorded in imported
female flock and minimum (141.13±8.61mg/dl) in local-3 flock. However, body size
categories of both the sexes were not significantly different in serum cholesterol
(Table-4.41). The interaction between flocks and body size for serum cholesterol was
significant (p<0.05) in male birds, while, it was not significant in female quails. The
maximum mean serum cholesterol (243.35±19.26mg/dl) was observed in local-2
male flock with small weight category, while, minimum (131.77±7.63mg/dl) was also
found in local-2 flock with heavy category (Table-4.41).
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136
The mean serum cholesterol level in male local-1 flock remained lower than
in imported and other local flocks. Similarly, small weight category male birds had
maximum serum cholesterol level followed by that of heavy and medium size
categories. However, female imported flock had higher serum cholesterol than that of
other local flocks. Similarly, small weight category female birds had maximum serum
cholesterol level followed by that of heavy and medium size categories.
v. Serum urea
The difference in mean serum urea (mg/dl) in imported and local flocks of
Japanese quails was significant (p<0.05) in male quails, whereas, it was not
significant in female quails (Table-4.42). The maximum mean serum urea level
(24.92±6.84mg/dl) was recorded in male birds from local-3 flock and minimum
(8.71±1.41mg/dl) in imported flock. The body size categories had not significant
effect on serum urea in both the sexes (Table-4.42). The interaction between flocks
and body size was significant (p<0.05) in both the sexes. The maximum serum urea
concentration (36.35±20.27mg/dl) was observed in male birds of local-3 flock with
small weight category and minimum (4.01±0.24mg/dl) in local-1 flock with small
category. The maximum serum urea (62.84±48.58mg/dl) was observed in female
quails of local-2 female flock with medium weight category and minimum
(8.16±1.64mg/dl) in local-1 flock also with medium weight category (Table-4.42).
The mean serum urea in local-3 male flock remained higher than that of
imported and other local flocks. Similarly, small weight category male birds had
maximum serum urea level followed by that of heavy and medium size categories.
However, mean serum urea in local-2 female flock remained higher than that of
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137
imported and other local flocks. Similarly, medium weight category female birds had
maximum serum urea levels followed by those of small and heavy size quails.
Table-4.38. Serum glucose level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
--------------------- (Mean ± **SE; mg/dl) ---------------------
Heavy Male 123.54±27.95 172.63±52.06 142.70±4.29 116.10±29.46 138.74±15.56
Female 114.63±3.07 152.41±84.46 103.94±6.69 104.90±5.82 118.97±19.07
Medium Male 147.66±44.67 174.32±81.87 147.66±44.67 108.74±10.85 144.60±23.26
Female 189.48±43.44 223.25±62.86 126.16±8.21 122.42±18.40 165.33±21.21
Small Male 155.88±46.89 221.05±88.89 116.10±29.46 121.76±10.64 153.69±25.73
Female 163.6741.41 141.11±46.98 119.31±6.46 123.55±23.78 136.91±15.28
Mean Male 142.36±20.93 189.33±38.80 135.49±16.25 115.53±9.75
Female 155.93±20.52 172.26±35.67 116.47±4.86 116.96±9.34
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.39. Total serum protein level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails with different body weight categories at 31 weeks
*CBF
Category
Sex
Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
--------------------- (Mean ± **SE; mg/dl) ---------------------
Heavy Male 4.70±0.86a 3.03±0.18
b 3.36±0.23
ab 3.80±0.48
ab 3.72±0.29
Female 7.28±1.27a 3.98±0.58
b 3.40±0.56
b 4.23±0.93
ab 4.72±0.59
Medium Male 4.39±0.05ab
4.02±0.51ab
4.39±0.05ab
4.17±0.59ab
4.24±0.17
Female 6.00±0.66ab
5.07±0.37ab
5.35±0.93ab
4.41±1.14ab
5.21±0.39
Small Male 4.04±0.83ab
2.88±0.34b 3.80±0.48
ab 3.50±0.20
ab 3.55±0.25
Female 6.21±0.63ab
5.62±1.42ab
6.38±0.65ab
5.06±1.06ab
5.82±0.45
Mean Male 4.38±0.36A 3.31±0.25
B 3.85±0.21
AB 3.83±0.24
AB
Female 6.50±0.49A 4.89±0.51
AB 5.04±0.57
AB 4.57±0.54
B
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
138
Table-4.40. Serum albumin level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
--------------------- (Mean ± **SE; mg/dl) ---------------------
Heavy Male 1.48±0.11 0.84±0.02 0.94±0.02 1.83±0.62 1.27±0.18
Female 1.68±0.29a 0.80±0.21
b 1.30±0.28
ab 1.62±0.10
a 1.35±0.14
Medium Male 1.02±0.27 1.03±0.19 1.02±0.27 1.28±0.15 1.08±0.10
Female 1.17±0.17ab
0.96±0.18ab
1.47±0.22ab
1.11±0.06ab
1.17±0.09
Small Male 1.10±0.15 1.20±0.44 1.83±0.62 1.29±0.17 1.35±0.19
Female 1.55±0.21a 1.12±0.36
ab 1.41±0.05
ab 1.30±0.04
ab 1.34±0.10
Mean Male 1.20±0.11 1.02±0.14 1.26±0.24 1.46±0.21
Female 1.46±0.13A 0.96±0.14
B 1.39±0.10
A 1.34±0.08
A
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.41. Serum cholesterol level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
--------------------- (Mean ± **SE; mg/dl) ---------------------
Heavy Male 198.03±56.53ab
162.28±17.84ab
131.77±7.63b 243.35±19.26
a 183.99±18.33
Female 225.57±34.16 145.44±6.56 142.90±31.56 138.48±14.30 163.10±15.11
Medium Male 171.96±25.17ab
152.14±30.77ab
171.96±25.17ab
141.99±17.00ab
159.51±11.36
Female 232.43±64.35 165.88±21.04 174.33±25.94 135.86±17.87 177.12±19.09
Small Male 187.69±17.12ab
211.23±60.85ab
243.35±19.26a 163.28±24.43
ab 201.39±17.46
Female 249.01±49.73 147.31±41.01 192.25±28.37 149.05±17.84 184.41±19.89
Mean Male 185.89±18.92 175.39±22.28 182.36±18.83 182.8718.51
Female 235.67±25.70A 152.88±±13.83
B 169.83±16.06
B 141.13±8.61
B
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
139
Table-4.42. Serum urea level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
--------------------- (Mean ± **SE; mg/dl) ---------------------
Heavy Male 13.59±1.15b 13.99±4.91
b 13.03±4.10
b 16.91±5.12
ab 14.38±1.82
Female 11.84±3.69b 15.22±3.96
ab 16.03±1.09
ab 18.46±3.10
ab 15.39±1.52
Medium Male 5.18±0.96b 8.58±4.31
b 5.18±0.96
b 21.51±4.61
ab 10.11±2.45
Female 10.49±0.71b 8.16±1.64
b 62.84±48.58
a 24.86±9.67
ab 26.59±12.46
Small Male 7.35±1.63b 4.01±0.24
b 16.91±5.12
ab 36.35±20.27
a 16.15±5.86
Female 19.40±11.98ab
10.47±2.51b 14.12±3.10
ab 19.08±1.49
ab 15.77±2.86
Mean Male 8.71±1.41B 8.86±2.37
B 11.71±2.57
B 24.92±6.84
A
Female 13.91±3.88 11.28±1.77 31.00±16.13 20.80±3.13
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
4.1.4.6. Plasma macro minerals
The results in respect of plasma macro mineral contents (Ca, P, Na, K and Mg
(mg/dl)) of the breeder quails are shown in Tables 4.43, 4.44, 4.45, 4.46 and 4.47.
i. Plasma calcium (Ca)
The difference in mean plasma calcium (Ca) concentration (mg/dl) in male
and female quails of imported and local flocks of Japanese quails was not significant
(Table-4.43). Body size categories had not significant effect on mean plasma Ca
levels in both the sexes. The interaction between flocks and body size was also not
significant (Table-4.43).
The mean plasma calcium in male birds of local-2 flock remained higher than
in other local and imported flocks. The heavy weight male birds had maximum
plasma Ca levels followed by that of medium and small size birds. However, female
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140
birds of local-3 flock remained higher in plasma Ca concentration than that of
imported and other local flocks, whereas, heavy weight female birds had maximum
plasma Ca concentration followed by that of medium and small size quails.
ii. Plasma phosphorus (P)
The difference in mean plasma phosphorus (P) concentration (mg/dl) in
imported and local flocks was significant (p<0.05) difference in female quails,
whereas, it was found to be non-significant in male quails (Table-4.44). The
maximum mean plasma Phosphorus (5.66±0.10mg/dl) was recorded in female birds
of local-2 flock and minimum (5.24±0.13mg/dl) in local-1 flock. However, with
respect to body size categories, a significant (p<0.05) difference was observed in
female quails, whereas, not significant differences was noted in male quails (Table-
4.44). The maximum mean plasma Phosphorus (5.66±0.08mg/dl) in female quails
was recorded in heavy weight category and minimum (5.34±0.07mg/dl) in small
category. The interaction between flocks and body size was significant (p<0.05) in
female quails and it was not significant in male quails. The maximum mean plasma
Phosphorus (5.96±0.14mg/dl) was observed in female local-2 flock with heavy
weight category and minimum (4.85±0.24mg/dl) in local-1 flock with medium weight
category (Table-4.44).
The mean plasma phosphorus concentration in local-3 male flock remained
higher than that of imported and other local flocks. Similarly, medium weight
category male birds had maximum plasma P concentration followed by that of heavy
and small size quails. However, the mean plasma P level in local-2 female flock was
RESULTS
141
higher than that of imported and other local flocks. Similarly, heavy weight female
birds had maximum plasma P level followed by that of medium and small size birds.
iii. Plasma sodium (Na)
The difference in mean plasma sodium (Na) concentration (mg/dl) of
imported and local flocks was not significant in both male and female quails (Table-
4.45). However, body size categories were significantly (p<0.05) different in plasma
Na in female quails, whereas, not significant differences was found in male quails
(Table-4.45). The maximum mean plasma Na (177.04±0.85mg/dl) was recorded in
female quails from medium weight category and minimum (173.61±0.52mg/dl) in
small size category. The interaction between flocks and body size was significant
(p<0.05) in female, whereas, not significant difference was found in plasma Na levels
of male. The maximum mean plasma Na (178.37±1.68mg/dl) was observed in local-1
female flock with medium weight category and minimum (172.14±1.67mg/dl) in
local-2 flock with small weight category (Table- 4.45).
The mean plasma sodium in local-1 male flock remained higher than that of
imported and other local flocks. The small weight category male birds had maximum
plasma Na levels followed by those of medium and heavy size categories. However,
the average mean plasma Na in local-1 female flock remained higher than that of
imported and other local flocks. The medium weight category female birds had
maximum plasma Na concentration followed by that of heavy and small size.
RESULTS
142
iv. Plasma potassium (K)
The difference in mean plasma potassium (K) concentration (mg/dl) in
imported and local flocks of Japanese quails was significantly (p<0.05) different in
female, whereas, not significant difference was found in male quails (Table-4.46).
The maximum mean plasma K (4.58±0.11mg/dl) level was recorded in female quails
from local-2 flock and minimum (4.01±0.20mg/dl) in local-1 flock. However, body
size categories were significantly (p<0.05) different in plasma K in female, whereas,
not significant differences was found in male quails (Table-4.46). The maximum
mean plasma K (4.49±0.10mg/dl) was recorded in female quails from medium weight
category and minimum (3.80±0.16mg/dl) in small size category. The interaction
between flocks and body size was significant (p<0.05) in female, whereas, a non-
significant differences was found for male birds. The maximum mean plasma
potassium (4.81±0.12mg/dl) was found in female birds of local-2 flock with heavy
weight category, while, minimum (3.35±0.30mg/dl) in local-1 flock with small
weight category (Table-4.46).
The mean plasma potassium in male quails of local-3 flock was higher than
that of imported and other local flocks. The heavy weight category male birds had
maximum plasma K then followed by that of medium and small size categories.
However, the average mean plasma K concentration in local-2 female flock remained
higher than that of imported and other local flocks. The medium weight category
female birds had maximum plasma K levels followed by those of heavy and small
size.
RESULTS
143
v. Plasma magnesium (Mg)
The difference in mean plasma magnesium (Mg) concentration (mg/dl) in
imported and local flocks of Japanese quails was significantly (p<0.05) different in
male quails, whereas, it was not significantly different in female quails (Table-4.47).
The maximum plasma Mg (22.77±0.79mg/dl) was recorded in male birds from
imported flock and minimum (19.88±0.77mg/dl) in local-1. However, body size
categories were significantly (p<0.05) different in plasma Mg in female, whereas,
male birds was not significantly different (Table-4.47). The maximum plasma Mg
(22.50±0.67mg/dl) in female birds was found in heavy weight category and minimum
(19.83±0.92mg/dl) in small size category. The interaction between flocks and body
size was significant (p<0.05) in both the sexes for plasma Mg. The maximum mean
plasma Mg (25.00±1.00mg/dl) level in male quails was observed in imported flock
with heavy weight category and minimum (19.33±0.66mg/dl) in local-1 flock with
small weight category, whereas, in female, maximum plasma Mg (23.33±2.96mg/dl)
was observed in imported flock with heavy weight category and minimum
(18.00±0.57mg/dl) in local-3 flock with small weight category (Table-4.47).
The mean plasma magnesium concentration in imported male and female
flocks remained higher than that of other local flocks. The heavy weight category
birds had maximum plasma Mg concentration followed by that of small and medium
for males and medium and small size for female birds.
RESULTS
144
Table-4.43. Plasma calcium (Ca) level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
--------------------- (Mean ± **SE; mg/dl) ---------------------
Heavy Male 13.73±0.73 12.30±0.25 13.18±0.30 12.58±0.21 12.94±0.24
Female 13.29±0.48 12.68±0.45 13.09±0.60 12.88±0.23 12.98±0.20
Medium Male 12.63±0.97 12.22±0.67 12.88±0.10 12.22±0.13 12.49±0.27
Female 13.29±0.03 12.50±0.25 12.45±0.06 13.21±0.55 12.86±0.17
Small Male 12.41±0.54 13.29±0.38 12.81±0.18 12.06±0.44 12.64±0.22
Female 12.70±0.37 12.82±0.56 12.37±0.08 13.40±0.60 12.82±0.22
Mean Male 12.92±0.43 12.60±0.29 12.96±0.12 12.28±0.16
Female 13.09±0.20 12.66±0.22 12.64±0.21 13.16±0.25
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.44. Plasma phosphorus (P) level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
--------------------- (Mean ± **SE; mg/dl) ---------------------
Heavy Male 5.74±0.54 5.37±0.03 5.39±0.06 5.74±0.29 5.56±0.14
Female 5.66±0.18ab
5.45±0.13abc
5.96±0.14a 5.57±0.16
abc 5.66±0.08
E
Medium Male 5.59±0.07 5.82±0.15 5.65±0.22 5.56±0.10 5.65±0.07
Female 5.32±0.00bcd
4.85±0.24d 5.45±0.16
abc 5.73±0.25
ab 5.34±0.12
F
Small Male 5.32±0.29 5.50±0.23 5.26±0.07 5.68±0.22 5.44±0.10
Female 5.11±0.19cd
5.43±0.11abc
5.58±0.06abc
5.26±0.09bcd
5.34±0.07F
Mean Male 5.55±0.19 5.56±0.10 5.43±0.09 5.66±0.11
Female 5.36±0.11B 5.24±0.13
B 5.66±0.10
A 5.52±0.11
AB
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
145
Table-4.45. Plasma sodium (Na) level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
--------------------- (Mean ± **SE; mg/dl) ---------------------
Heavy Male 171.92±1.19 173.89±2.23 174.44±1.22 173.36±1.12 173.40±0.70
Female 176.80±0.93ab
176.15±1.81ab
175.88±0.61ab
174.54±1.86ab
175.84±0.65E
Medium Male 172.59±1.88 174.80±0.71 174.14±0.74 172.33±1.57 173.46±0.64
Female 175.63±2.18ab
178.37±1.68a 175.83±1.69
ab 178.33±1.45
a 177.04±0.85
E
Small Male 173.96±2.58 174.15±3.04 171.10±1.61 176.70±1.61 173.98±1.14
Female 173.69±0.80ab
174.75±0.54ab
172.14±1.67b 173.85±0.71
ab 173.61±0.52
F
Mean Male 172.82±1.02 174.28±1.11 173.22±0.82 174.13±0.98
Female 175.37±0.85 176.42±0.90 174.61±0.94 175.57±0.99
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
Table-4.46. Plasma potassium (K) level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
--------------------- (Mean ± **SE; mg/dl) ---------------------
Heavy Male 3.73±0.32 3.71±0.30 3.73±0.20 3.70±0.15 3.71±0.10
Female 4.26±0.16a 4.25±0.03
a 4.81±0.12
a 4.26±0.16
a 4.39±0.09
E
Medium Male 3.35±0.28 3.43±0.13 3.91±0.29 3.81±0.24 3.63±0.12
Female 4.33±0.22a 4.44±0.27
a 4.62±0.12
a 4.57±0.29
a 4.49±0.10
E
Small Male 3.24±0.33 3.39±0.22 3.36±0.31 3.73±0.26 3.43±0.13
Female 3.48±0.37bc
3.35±0.30c 4.32±0.27
a 4.06±0.07
ab 3.80±0.16
F
Mean Male 3.44±0.17 3.51±0.12 3.67±0.15 3.74±0.11
Female 4.02±0.19B 4.01±0.20
B 4.58±0.11
A 4.30±0.12
AB
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
146
Table-4.47. Plasma magnesium (Mg) level (mg/dl) in 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails with different body weight categories at 31 week
*CBF
Category
Sex Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3 Mean
--------------------- (Mean ± **SE; mg/dl) ---------------------
Heavy Male 25.00±1.00a 20.33±1.45
b 21.00±0.57
b 22.66±0.88
ab 22.25±0.69
Female 23.33±2.96a 22.33±0.66
ab 22.33±0.33
ab 22.00±0.57
ab 22.50±0.67
E
Medium Male 21.00±1.52b 20.00±2.08
b 21.66±1.85
ab 19.33±0.88
b 20.50±0.75
Female 23.33±0.33a 20.33±1.20
ab 21.66±0.66
ab 20.66±0.33
ab 21.50±0.46
EF
Small Male 22.33±0.33ab
19.33±0.66b 22.00±1.00
ab 20.33±0.33
b 21.00±0.46
Female 22.00±3.60ab
20.00±1.15ab
19.33±0.33ab
18.00±0.57b 19.83±0.92
F
Mean Male 22.77±0.79A 19.88±0.77
B 21.55±0.64
AB 20.77±0.61
AB
Female 22.88±1.36 20.88±0.63 21.11±0.51 20.22±0.64
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
*CBF = Close-bred flocks
**SE = Standard error
4.2. Progeny flock
4.2.1. Growth performance
4.2.1.1. Body weight (g)
The results regarding effect of different parental body weights on the progeny
day-old, week-1, 2 and 3 body weight (g) in four close-bred flocks (Imported, Local-
1, Local-2 and Local-3) of male and female Japanese quails recorded during the study
are shown in Tables 4.48, 4.49, 4.50 and 4.51.
i. Day-old body weight (g)
In the present study different parental body weight categories significantly
(p<0.05) affected day-old progeny body weight of Japanese quails (Table-4.48). The
heavy male parents had apparently more pronounced effect on the day-old progeny
body weight, however, the results were not significant in all close-bred flocks
(imported, local-1, 2 and 3 flocks). The highest day-old chick weight (8.14±0.23g)
RESULTS
147
was recorded in local-3 flock from H male x S female parents which was significantly
(p<0.05) better than that of other parent groups. The lowest day-old chick weight
(6.98±0.20g) was also recorded in local-3 flock from S male x M female parents
which was significantly (p<0.05) lower than that from H male x S female
(8.14±0.23g) parents and M male x H female (7.83±0.26g) parents. The interaction
between parental body weight and close-bred flocks was not significant. The progeny
day-old body weight in different close-bred flocks was not significantly different
from each other.
ii. 1st week body weight (g)
In the present study, different parental body size significantly (p<0.05)
influenced 1st week body weight of the progeny (Table-4.49). The male parent had
apparently more pronounced effect on the 1st week body weight in quails. In
imported flock, the highest 1st week progeny body weight (28.49±1.66g) was
recorded from M male x M female parents was not significantly different from that of
all other parental groups in the same flock. In local-1 flock, the highest progeny body
weight (26.90±0.35g) at 1st week was observed from M male x S female parents was
also not significantly different from that of all other parental groups in the same flock.
The highest progeny body weight (27.54±0.53g) in local-2 and local 3 flocks was
recorded from H male x H female parents and H male x S female (27.41±0.33g)
parents, respectively also not significantly different from that of all other parental
groups in the same flock. The interaction between parental body weights and close-
bred flocks was significant (p<0.05). The 1st week progeny body weight in different
close-bred flocks was not significantly different from each other except in local-2
RESULTS
148
flock in which 1st week progeny body weight from H male x S female parent was
significantly (p<0.05) different from that of imported and other local flocks.
Similarly, progeny body weight at 1st week in local-2 flock from S male x M female
parent was significantly (p<0.05) different from that of imported and local-1 flock.
iii. 2nd week body weight (g)
In the present study, different parental body size significantly (p<0.05)
influenced 2nd week body weight of Japanese quails (Table-4.50). The highest
progeny body weight (65.51±0.89g) was recorded in local-1 flock in M male x S
female parents and the lowest was in local-2 flock with S male x M female
(52.62±0.77g) parent. The 2nd week progeny body weight (65.51±0.89g) in local-1
flock from M male x S female parent was found to be significantly (p<0.05) better
than that from H male x H female (55.58±1.64g) and S male x S female
(54.56±0.93g) parents. The 2nd week progeny body weight in different close-bred
flocks was found to vary significantly (p<0.05). The 2nd week progeny body weight
(52.92±5.49g) in local-2 flock from H male x M female parent was significantly
lower than imported and local-1 flock of the same parental groups, whereas, 2nd
week progeny body weight (53.85±2.85g) from M male x M female parent of local-3
flock and M male x S female parent (54.57±1.92g) of local-3 flock was significantly
(p<0.05) different from the same parental groups of imported and local-1 and 2
flocks. Similarly, the 2nd week progeny body weight (54.02±3.06g) from S male x S
female parent of imported flock was significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of other
local flocks of the same parental weight groups. The interaction between parent body
size x close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05).
RESULTS
149
iv. 3rd week body weight (g)
In the present study, 3rd week progeny body weight was significantly
(p<0.05) influenced by parental body size (Table-4.51). The highest progeny body
weight (113.52±3.96g) at week-3 was from S male x H female parent in imported
flock and the lowest was in S male x S female (92.68±3.76g) parent of local-2 flock.
The 3rd week progeny body weight (95.15±4.26g) in imported flock from S male x S
female parent was lower but not significant from the parental group S male x M
female (103.61±3.60g), S male x H female (113.52±3.96g) and M male x H female
(111.91±4.26g) in the same flock. The 3rd week progeny body weight (94.48±3.59g)
in local-1 flock from S male x S female parent was significantly (p<0.05) lower than
that of M male x S female (106.68±4.24g) parent in the same flock. The 3rd week
progeny body weight (92.68±3.76g) in local-2 flock recorded from S male x S female
parent was significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of S male x H female
(100.46±0.44g) parent and M male x H female (106.99±4.79g) parent in the same
flock. The 3rd week progeny body weight (94.88d±1.74g) in local-3 flock from M
male x M female parent was significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of S male x H
female (107.13±2.90g) parent and H male x H female (104.53±2.45g) parent from the
same flock. The 3rd week progeny body weight was significantly (p<0.05) different
among different close-bred flocks of H male x S female, M male x M female, M male
x S female, S male x H female, S male x M female and S male x S female parents.
The interaction between parental body weight and close-bred flocks was significant
(p<0.05).
RESULTS
150
Table-4.48. Day-old progeny body weight (g) influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE*; g) ---------------------------
Imported 8.00
±0.11abA
7.71
±0.18abcdA
7.91
±0.15abcA
7.60
±0.14abcdA
7.33
±0.12abcdA
7.49
±0.16abcdA
7.55
±0.18abcdA
7.46
±0.10abcdA
7.30
±0.25bcdA
Local-1 7.66
±0.34abcdA
7.43
±0.23abcdA
7.64
±0.27abcdA
7.74
±0.12abcdA
7.35
±0.49abcdA
7.58
±0.04abcdA
7.51
±0.16abcdA
7.50
±0.17abcdA
7.61
±0.10abcdA
Local-2 7.98
±0.19abcA
7.41
±0.64abcdA
7.68
±0.25abcdA
7.85
±0.06abcA
7.50
±0.18abcdA
7.64
±0.16abcdA
7.40
±0.10abcdA
7.19
±0.07bcdA
7.25
±0.34bcdA
Local-3 7.70
±0.21abcdA
7.15
±0.44cdA
8.14
±0.23Aa
7.83
±0.26abcA
7.74
±0.23abcdA
7.28
±0.13bcdA
7.69
±0.03abcdA
6.98
±0.20dA
7.24
±0.09bcdA
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Similar capital alphabets on means in a column show non-significant differences
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
151
Table-4.49. 1st week progeny body weight (g) influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE*; g) ---------------------------
Imported 27.77
±0.99abcdA
27.96
±1.19abcA
27.64
±0.52abcdeA
25.92
±1.58abcdeA
28.49
±1.66aA
25.38
±0.85abcdeA
27.78
±1.26abcdA
28.04
±2.98abA
26.72
±0.62abcdeA
Local-1 26.23
±1.55abcdeA
24.89
±1.12abcdeA
26.55
±0.50abcdeA
26.37
±0.23abcdeA
26.27
±1.17abcdeA
26.90
±0.35abcdeA
25.50
±0.58abcdeA
26.57
±0.65abcdeA
25.09
±0.21abcdeA
Local-2 27.54
±0.53abcdeA
23.85
±1.80eB
23.96
±1.50deB
27.01
±0.58abcdeA
25.69
±0.15abcdeA
26.26
±0.19abcdeA
24.10
±0.37deB
23.81
±0.45eB
24.02
±1.35deA
Local-3 25.69
±1.18abcdeA
24.18
±2.15cdeAB
27.41
±0.33abcde
A
25.98
±0.63abcdeA
25.25
±0.59abcdeA
24.83
±1.18abcdeA
24.55
±0.60bcdeAB
24.02
±0.29deAB
24.35
±0.21bcdeA
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
152
Table-4.50. 2nd week progeny body weight (g) influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE*; g) ---------------------------
Imported 58.80
±1.23abcdeA
62.10
±1.73abcdeA
60.04
±1.63abcdeA
60.01
±4.06abcdeA
58.92
±0.68abcdeA
55.88
±3.09bcdeA
60.69
±3.55abcdeA
59.21
±3.59abcdeA
54.02
±3.06cdeA
Local-1 55.58
±1.64bcdeA
57.28
±2.13abcdeA
61.09
±1.52abcdA
60.79
±2.29abcdeA
55.09
±3.18bcdeA
65.51
±0.89aA
57.59
±0.82abcdeA
59.26
±1.81abcdeA
54.56
±0.93bcdeB
Local-2 62.71
±1.20abcA
52.92
±5.49deB
56.05
±2.62bcdeA
61.39
±1.38abcA
58.38
±2.20abcdeA
58.97
±1.55abcdeA
55.79
±0.76bcdeA
52.62
±0.77eB
54.05
±2.99cdeB
Local-3 60.20
±a2.36bcdeA
55.80
±4.56bcdeAB
60.40
±1.02abcdeA
57.91
±1.06abcdeA
53.85
±2.85cdeB
54.57
±1.92bcdeB
61.21
±1.70abcdA
54.59
±0.74bcdeAB
56.86
±0.85bcdeB
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
153
Table-4.51. 3rd week progeny body weight (g) influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE*; g) ---------------------------
Imported 105.53
±2.83abcdA
102.13
±2.07bcdefA
104.53
±3.07abcdA
111.91
±4.26abA
104.69
±5.11abcdA
99.18
±3.66cdefA
113.52
±3.96aA
103.61
±3.60abcdefA
95.15
±4.26defA
Local-1 99.58
±1.23cdefB
103.61
±1.35abcdefA
101.79
±2.48bcdefA
103.85
±2.49abcdefB
97.09
±4.60cdefB
106.68
±4.24abcB
101.72
±2.20bcdefB
102.42
±1.62abcdefA
94.48
±3.59defA
Local-2 105.51
±3.65abcdA
96.65
±5.44cdefA
97.02
±3.78cdefB
106.99
±4.79abcAB
101.18
±2.17bcdefAB
101.90
±2.61bcdefAB
100.46
±0.44cdefB
93.05
±3.57efB
92.68
±3.76fB
Local-3 104.53
±2.45abcdA
98.40
±4.78cdefA
103.13
±0.50bcdefAB
104.47
±3.36abcdeA
94.88d
±1.74efB
96.34
±2.53cdefAB
107.13
±2.90abcAB
97.03
±1.43cdefAB
98.22
±1.88cdefAB
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
154
4.2.1.2. Weight gain (g)
The results regarding effect of different parental body weights on the progeny
1-3 weeks and cumulative weight gain in four close-bred flocks (Imported, Local-1,
Local-2 and Local-3) of male and female Japanese quails recorded during the study
are shown in Tables 4.52, 4.53, 4.54 and 4.55.
i. 1st week weight gain (g)
In the present study, effect of different parental body size on 1st week progeny
body weight gain was significant (p<0.05) (Table-4.52). The highest progeny weight
gain (21.16±1.58g) during 1st week in Japanese quails was recorded in M male x M
female parents in imported flock, whereas, the lowest progeny body weight gain
(16.28±1.75g) during this period was in H male x S female parent in local-2 flock.
The effect of male body size was apparently found to be more pronounced on 1st
week progeny weight than female body size as the highest body weight gain
(21.16±1.58g) in imported flock, local-1 flock (19.32±0.40g), local-2 flock
(19.55±0.69g) and local-3 flock (19.27±0.25g) was recorded in M male x M female,
M male x S female, H male x H female and H male x S female parents respectively,
however, statistically not significant differences were observed in progeny body
weight gain from different parental groups. The interaction between parental body
size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05). The results further showed
significant differences in 1st week progeny body weight gain among imported and
local-close-bred flocks except in H male x H female, M male x H female, M male x S
female, M male x M female and S male x S female parents.
RESULTS
155
ii. 2nd week weight gain (g)
In the present study, 2nd week progeny body weight gain (g) was significantly
(p<0.05) influenced by parental body size (Table-4.53). The highest 2nd week
progeny weight gain (38.60±1.20g) was noted in M male x S female parent of local-1
flock and in H male x H female (38.60±1.20g) parent of imported flock, whereas, the
lowest (27.30±3.60g) was in S male x S female parent in imported flock. The highest
2nd week progeny body weight gain (36.66±1.47g) in local-3 flock was observed
from S male x H female parent which was higher but not significantly different in all
the parent flocks except M male x S female (29.74±2.46g) and M male x M female
(28.59±2.25g). The 2nd week progeny body weight gain (38.60±1.20g) in local-1
flock from M male x S female parent was higher than (29.35±0.87g), (28.82±2.46g),
(32.08±0.28g) and (29.47±0.89g) in local-1 flock from H male x H female, M male x
M female, S male x H female and S male x S female parents, respectively. The higher
2nd week progeny weight gain in local-2 flock was recorded from H male x H female
parent differing non-significantly from that of other different parental groups. The
higher 2nd week progeny weight gain (36.66±1.47g) was noted from S male x H
female parents which did not significantly (p<0.05) different from that of other
parental groups except in M male x M female (28.59±2.25g) and M male x S female
parents. The interaction between parental body size and close-bred flocks was
significant (p<0.05). The 2nd week progeny body weight gain among different close-
bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different from each other except in H male x S
female parents.
RESULTS
156
iii. 3rd week body weight gain (g)
In the present study, 3rd week progeny body weight gain (g) was significantly
(p<0.05) influenced by different parental body weight categories of Japanese quails
(Table-4.54). The highest 3rd week progeny weight gain (52.83±2.42g) was recorded
in imported flock from S male x H female parent which was significantly (p<0.05)
higher than those in H male x M female (40.03±3.11g), H male x S female
(44.49±2.94g), M male x S female (43.30±0.85g), S male x M female (44.40±1.30g)
and S male x S female (41.13±1.62g) parents. The 3rd week progeny weight gain
from different parental groups in all the local flocks was not significantly different
from each other. The interaction between parental body size and close-bred flocks
was significant (p<0.05). The 3rd week progeny body weight gain in imported and
local flocks of different parental groups was significantly (p<0.05) different except in
H male x H female, H male x S female, M male x S female, S male x M female
parental groups.
iv. 3-week cumulative body weight gain (g)
In the present study, different progeny body size significantly (p<0.05)
influenced 3rd week cumulative progeny body weight gain (g) in all the close-bred
flocks of Japanese quails (Table-4.55). The highest 3rd week cumulative progeny
body weight gain (109.54±1.09g) was recorded in imported flock of H male x H
female parent followed by M male x M female (104.76±2.61g) in local-2, M male x
H female (103.00±7.14g) in imported flock and H male x M female (100.58±1.68g)
also in imported flock. The progeny body weight gain (109.54±1.09g) in imported
flock of H male x H female was significantly (p<0.05) different from that of M male
RESULTS
157
x M female (92.02±6.46g), M male x S female (88.18±3.81g), S male x H female
(97.95±1.81g), H male x S female (94.85±4.48g), S male x M female (98.14±3.31g)
and S male x S female (89.12±4.85g) in the same flocks. The highest progeny body
weight gain (104.76±2.61g) in local-2 flock in M male x M female was significantly
(p<0.05) different from that of M male x H female (82.88±1.78g), M male x S female
(85.74±4.59g) and S male x H female (79.76±0.72g) in the same flock. The progeny
body weight gain (90.82±3.54g) in local-3 flock of S male x H female was
significantly (p<0.05) different from M male x S female (76.20±3.40g) in the same
flock. The progeny body weight gain (g) in different close-bred flocks was
significantly (p<0.05) different from each other. The interaction between parental
body size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05).
RESULTS
158
Table-4.52. 1st week progeny weight gain (g) influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE*; g) ---------------------------
Imported 19.76
±0.90abcdA
20.24
±1.03abcA
19.73
±0.40abcdA
18.32
±1.44abcdA
21.16
±1.58aA
17.89
±0.74abcdA
20.22
±1.14abcA
20.57
±2.99abA
19.41
±0.81abcdA
Local-1 18.57
±1.36abcdA
17.36
±0.89bcdB
18.91
±0.77abcdA
18.63
±0.22abcdA
18.92
±0.74abcdA
19.32
±0.40abcdA
17.99
±0.48abcdA
19.07
±0.40abcdA
17.47
±0.29bcdA
Local-2 19.55
±0.69abcdA
16.44
±1.45dB
16.28
±1.75dB
19.16
±0.51abcdA
18.19
±0.05abcdA
18.62
±0.24abcdA
16.69
±0.33cdB
16.61
±0.39dB
16.77
±1.05cdAB
Local-3 17.99
±1.27abcdA
17.03
±1.73bcdAB
19.27
±0.25abcdAB
18.14
±0.49abcdA
17.51
±0.58bcdA
17.54
±1.07bcdA
16.86
±0.58cdAB
17.03
±0.10bcdB
17.10
±0.12bcdAB
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
159
Table-4.53. 2nd week progeny weight gain (g) influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE*; g) ---------------------------
Imported 38.60
±1.20bcdA
34.13
±0.58abcA
32.40
±1.15abcdA
34.09
±3.12abcA
30.43
±2.31bcdA
30.50
±2.44bcdA
32.90
±3.31abcdA
31.16
±0.88bcdA
27.30
±3.60Da
Local-1 29.35
±0.87cdA
32.48
±1.47abcdA
34.53
±1.96abcA
34.41
±2.06abcA
28.82
±2.46cdA
38.60
±1.20aB
32.08
±0.28bcdA
32.68
±1.84abcdA
29.47
±0.89cdA
Local-2 35.17
±1.11abcB
29.07
±3.71cdB
32.09
±1.99bcdA
34.37
±0.80abcA
32.69
±2.32abcdA
32.70
±1.37abcdAB
31.69
±0.40bcdA
28.80
±0.97cdB
30.02
±1.66cdAB
Local-3 34.50
±1.22abcAB
31.61
±2.41bcdA
32.98
±1.09abcdA
31.92
±1.69bcdB
28.59
±2.25cdB
29.74
±2.46cdAB
36.66
±1.47abAB
30.57
±0.73bcdAB
32.50
±0.64abcdAB
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
160
Table-4.54. 3rd week progeny body weight gain (g) influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE*; g) ---------------------------
Imported 46.73
±1.82abcA
40.03
±3.11cdA
44.49
±2.94bcdA
51.90
±4.45abA
45.76
±5.28abcdA
43.30
±0.85cdA
52.83
±2.42aA
44.40
±1.30bcdA
41.13
±1.62cdA
Local-1 44.00
±0.57cdA
46.33
±0.83abcdB
40.70
±0.97cdA
43.06
±1.43cdB
42.00
±1.52cdB
41.16
±3.34cdA
44.13
±2.29cdB
43.16
±0.52cdA
39.92
±2.70cdA
Local-2 42.80
±2.50cdA
43.73
±0.13cdAB
40.96
±1.22cdA
45.60
±4.32abcdAB
42.80
±1.67cdAB
42.93
±2.05cdA
44.66
±0.65bcdAB
40.43
±2.91cdA
38.63
±1.27dB
Local-3 44.33
±0.92bcdA
42.60
±1.51cdAB
42.73
±1.49cdA
46.56
±4.08abcdAB
41.03
±1.18cdAB
41.76
±1.49cdA
45.91
±1.58abcdAB
42.43
±0.72cdA
41.36
±1.02cdAB
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
161
Table-4.55. 3-week progeny cumulative body weight gain (g) influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from 4 close-
bred flocks of Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE*; g) ---------------------------
Imported 109.54
±1.09Aa
100.58
±1.68abcdA
94.85
±4.48cdefgA
103.00
±7.14abcA
92.02
±6.46cdefghijA
88.18
±3.81defghijA
97.95
±1.81bcdeA
98.14
±3.31bcdeA
89.12
±4.85defghijA
Local-1 96.99
±5.44bcdefB
91.49
±8.13cdefghijB
95.07
±1.82bcdefgA
92.80
±3.71bcdefghiB
97.34
±1.04bcdeB
93.10
±1.09bcdefghiB
94.17
±4.50bcdefghB
89.66
±2.92defghijAB
89.38
±3.19defghijA
Local-2 92.60
±2.05bcdefghiBC
96.73
±0.78bcdefAB
93.92
±2.94bcdefghB
82.88
±1.78ghijkBC
104.76
±2.61abBC
85.74
±4.59efghijkABC
79.76
±0.72jkC
96.83
±2.87bcdefAB
94.44
±2.10bcdefghB
Local-3 87.12
±2.60efghijkD
84.46
±1.51fghijkBC
83.42
±2.32ghijkBC
81.03
±4.51ijkBC
81.94
±4.13hijkAD
76.20
±3.40kC
90.82
±3.54cdefghijABC
86.61
±3.98efghijkABC
83.60
±0.84ghijkABC
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
162
4.2.1.3. Feed intake (g)
The results showing effect of different parental body weights on the progeny
1-3 weeks and 3rd week cumulative feed intake in four close-bred flocks (Imported,
Local-1, Local-2 and Local-3) of male and female Japanese quails recorded during
the study are presented in Tables 4.56, 4.57, 4.58 and 4.59.
i. 1st week feed intake (g)
In the present study, 1st week progeny feed intake was significantly (p<0.05)
influenced by parental body size of Japanese quails (Table-4.56). The highest 1st
week progeny feed intake (56.46±5.67g) was recorded from H male x M female
parent in local-2 flock which was significantly (p<0.05) from that of H male x S
female (36.40±1.40g), M male x H female (34.30±4.60g), S male x H female
(35.00±4.04g), S male x M female (37.10±3.59g) parental groups. The lowest 1st
week progeny feed intake (32.43±2.86g) was noted in local-1 flock from S male x M
female parents which significantly (p<0.05) differed from that of H male x H female
and S male x S female parents. The progeny feed intake from different parental
groups of local-3 and imported flocks of quails was not significantly different from
each other. The interaction between parental body weight and close-bred flocks was
significant (p<0.05). The 1st week progeny feed intake in different close-bred flocks
was significantly (p<0.05) different from each other in all the parental groups except
in H male x H female, H male x M female and S male x H female.
RESULTS
163
ii. 2nd week feed intake (g)
In the present study, 2nd week progeny feed intake was significantly (p<0.05)
influenced by different parental body size of Japanese quails (Table-4.57). The
highest 2nd week progeny feed intake (149.33±4.66g) was recorded from M male x H
female parents which was significantly (p<0.05) different from that of all other
parental groups. The lowest 2nd week progeny feed intake (67.66±6.17g) in local-2
flock was observed from S male x H female which was significantly (p<0.05)
different from that of H male x S female (107.33±10.17g), M male x M female
(121.33±6.17g), S male x S female (112.00±4.04g), M male x S female
(93.33±10.17g) and S male x M female (98.00±4.04g) in the same flock. The
minimum progeny feed intake (74.66±6.17g) in local-1 flock was in S male x M
female which significantly (p<0.05) differed from that of H male x H female
(107.33±4.66g), H male x M female (105.00±4.04g), M male x M female
(107.33±6.17g), S male x H female (107.33±10.17g) parents. The interaction between
parental body weight and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05). The 2nd week
progeny feed intake in all the close-bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different in
all the parental groups.
iii. 3rd week feed intake (g)
In the present study, different parental body size significantly (p<0.05)
influenced 3rd week progeny feed intake (Table-4.58). The highest 3rd week progeny
feed intake (196.00±20.20g) was recorded in imported flock from the parental group
of M male x H female, which was significantly different (p<0.05) than rest of the
imported group except that of H male x H female (171.67±10.10g), M male x M
RESULTS
164
female (156.33±16.33g) and S male x H female (158.67±8.41g) parents. The
minimum progeny feed intake (81.67±2.33g) was in S male x H female parent in
local-2 flock which was significantly (p<0.05) different from all other parental groups
in the same flock. In local-1 flock, the maximum progeny feed intake (151.67±6.17g)
was from S male x H female parent which was significantly (p<0.05) different from S
male x M female (109.67±8.41g) in the same parent group. The progeny feed intake
(105.00±7.00g) in M male x H female was found to be the lowest in local-3 flock
which was significantly (p<0.05) different from all other parental groups in the same
flock. The interaction between parental body size and close-bred flocks was
significant (p<0.05). The progeny body weight in all the four close-bred flocks in
different parental groups was significantly (p<0.05) different.
iv. 3-week cumulative feed intake (g)
In the present study, effect of parental body size on 3rd week cumulative feed
intake (g) was significant (p<0.05) in Japanese quails (Table-4.59). The higher
progeny cumulative feed intake in local-1 flock was recorded from H male x H
female (301.00±18.52) parent which was only significantly different from S male x M
female (216.77±17.05) in the same flock. The highest progeny cumulative feed intake
(338.57±12.71g) in local-2 flock was recorded in M male x M female parent group
which was significantly (p<0.05) different from that of M male x H female
(241.97±15.99g), S male x H female (184.33±11.66g) and H male x H female
(269.73±16.19g) in the same flock. The 2nd highest progeny cumulative feed intake
(337.40±25.21g) was noted from H male x H female in imported flock which was
significantly (p<0.05) different from that of M male x H female (393.17±30.66g) and S
RESULTS
165
male x S female (251.07±15.47g) parents. The highest progeny cumulative feed intake
(301.00±18.52g) in local-1 flock was recorded from H male x H female parent which
was not significantly different from all the other parental groups except S male x M
female (216.77±17.05g) in the same flock. In local-3 flock, the highest feed intake
(269.73±13.91g) was observed from S male x H female and difference within the
same flock were not significant. The progeny feed intake in imported and local flocks
was significantly (p<0.05) different. The interaction between parental body size and
close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05).
RESULTS
166
Table-4.56. 1st week progeny feed intake (g) influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE*; g) ---------------------------
Imported 55.06
±4.87abA
50.40
±2.91abcA
50.63
±2.75abcA
47.83
±6.49abcdA
38.50
±2.02bcdA
48.30
±7.37abcA
50.16
±7.09abcA
42.93
±7.51abcdA
45.73
±7.06abcdA
Local-1 51.33
±8.41abcA
42.00
±4.04abcdA
44.80
±8.60abcdB
46.66
±8.41abcdA
38.50
±2.02bcdA
47.83
±5.08abcdB
39.66
±2.33abcdA
32.43
±2.86dB
50.16
±5.83abcB
Local-2 41.06
±4.14abcdA
56.46
±5.67aA
36.40
±1.40cdAB
34.30
±4.60cdB
42.23
±3.38abcdA
41.52
±1.99abcdAB
35.00
±4.04cdA
37.10
±3.59cdAB
45.26
±6.06abcdAB
Local-3 42.00
±4.04abcdA
37.10
±3.05cdAB
39.90
±6.72abcdAB
35.93
±2.91cdAB
35.93
±0.93cdB
38.96
±3.03bcdAB
41.06
±0.93abcdAB
37.80
±5.61bcdAB
34.76
±2.22cdAB
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
167
Table-4.57. 2nd week progeny feed intake (g) influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE*; g) ---------------------------
Imported 110.83
±10.36bcA
109.66
±6.17bcdA
102.66
±6.17bcdefA
149.33
±4.66aA
109.66
±10.17bcdA
100.33
±9.33bcdefgA
114.33
±10.17bcA
95.66
±4.66cdefghA
86.33
±4.66defghijA
Local-1 107.33
±4.66bcdeA
105.00
±4.04bcdeA
86.33
±9.33defghijA
93.33
±2.33cdefghiB
107.33
±6.17bcdeA
91.00
±4.04cdefghijA
107.33
±10.17bcdeA
74.66
±6.17hijB
91.00
±7.00cdefghijA
Local-2 84.00
±4.04efghijB
91.00
±4.04cdefghijB
107.33
±6.17bcdeB
84.00
±7.00efghijAB
121.33
±6.17bB
93.33
±10.17cdefghiA
67.66
±6.17jB
98.00
±4.04bcdefghAB
112.00
±4.04bcB
Local-3 91.00
±8.08cdefghijAB
77.00
±4.04ghijAB
79.33
±4.66fghijAB
77.00
±8.08ghijAB
79.33
±10.17fghijB
70.00
±7.00ijB
84.00
±4.04efghijAB
77.00
±8.08ghijAB
86.33
±8.41defghijA
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
168
Table-4.58. 3rd week progeny feed intake (g) influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE*; g) ---------------------------
Imported 171.67
±10.10abcA
151.67
±6.17bcdefgA
140.00
±10.69cdefghijkA
196.00
±20.20aA
156.33
±16.33abcdeA
144.67
±11.66bcdefghiA
158.67
±8.41abcdeA
154.00
±10.69bcdeA
119.00
±4.04hijklA
Local-1 142.33
±6.17cdefghijkB
144.67
±10.17bcdefghiB
135.33
±8.41defghijkA
149.33
±2.33bcdefgB
130.67
±6.17efghijklB
137.67
±4.66defghijkA
151.67
±6.17bcdefgB
109.67
±8.41klB
133.00
±10.69efghijklB
Local-2 144.67
±12.34bcdefghiAB
142.33
±2.33cdefghijB
165.67
±4.66bcdB
123.67
±10.17fghijklC
175.00
±4.04abA
149.33
±12.99bcdefghA
81.67
±2.33mC
151.67
±9.33bcdefgA
154.00
±4.04bcdefB
Local-3 133.00
±10.69efghijklAB
121.33
±6.17ghijklAB
121.33
±8.41ghijklAB
105.00
±7.00lmCD
128.33
±10.17efghijklAB
112.00
± 8.08jklB
144.67
±9.33bcdefghiAB
140.00
±10.69cdefghijkAB
116.67
±6.17ijklAB
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
169
Table-4.59. 3-week cumulative progeny feed intake (g) influenced by 3 different parental body weight categories from 4 close-
bred flocks of Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE*; g) ---------------------------
Imported 337.40
±25.21bA
311.73
±8.71bcdA
293.30
±18.31bcdefgA
393.17
±30.66a A
304.50
±27.33bcdeA
293.30
±28.35bcdefghA
323.17
±25.58bcA
292.60
±21.20bcdefghA
251.07
±15.47efghijA
Local-1 301.00
±18.52bcdefB
291.67
±16.82bcdefgB
266.47
±24.93cdefghiB
289.33
±8.41bcdefghB
276.50
±10.10bcdefghiB
276.50
±11.25bcdefghA
298.67
±18.22bcdefghB
216.77
±17.05ijB
274.17
±20.6cdefghiAB
Local-2 269.73
±16.19cdefghiBC
289.80
±0.80bcdefghABC
309.40
±9.83bcdAB
241.97
±15.99efghijBC
338.57
±12.71bAB
284.20
±21.76bcdefghA
184.33
±11.66jC
286.77
±9.41bcdefghA
311.27
±6.06bcdABC
Local-3 266.00
±21.38cdefghiBC
235.43
±9.73hijCD
240.57
±17.38fghijABC
218.40
±17.10ijBC
243.60
±20.25efghijBC
220.97
±15.58ijB
269.73
±13.91cdefghiABC
254.80
±23.26defghijAB
237.77
±14.06ghijAB
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
170
4.2.1.4. Feed conversion ratio (FCR (feed/g gain))
The results indicating effect of different parental body weights on the
progeny, 1-3 weeks and 3-week cumulative FCR (feed/g gain) in four close-bred
flocks (Imported, Local-1, Local-2 and Local-3) of male and female Japanese quails
recorded during the study are shown in Tables 4.60, 4.61, 4.62 and 4.63.
i. 1st week FCR (feed/g gain)
The results of this study show that 1st week progeny FCR (feed/g gain) was
significantly (p<0.05) influenced by different parental body size in imported and local
flocks of Japanese quails (Table-4.60). The best 1st week progeny FCR (feed/g gain)
was observed in local-1 flock from S male x M female (1.69±0.10) parent group
which did not significantly differ from that of other parental groups in the same flock.
The poorest progeny FCR (feed/g gain) was recorded in local-2 flock from H male x
M female parent (3.54±0.63) group which was significantly (p<0.05) different from
that of other parental groups except in S male x S female (2.74±0.47). The better
progeny FCR in imported flock was found from M male x M female (1.83±0.15)
parents differing not significantly from all the other parental groups. In local-3 flock,
better progeny FCR (feed/g gain) was noted from M male x H female (2.00±0.11)
parent differing non-significantly from that of all the other parental groups in the
same flock. The interaction between parental body size and close-bred flocks was
significant (p<0.05). The 1st week progeny FCR (feed/g gain) in different close-bred
flocks differed significantly in H male x M female, H male x S female and M male x
H female parental groups.
RESULTS
171
ii. 2nd week FCR (feed/g gain)
In the present study, different parent body size significantly (p<0.05)
influenced 2nd week progeny FCR (feed/g gain) in different close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails (Table-4.61). The best 2nd week progeny FCR (feed/g gain) was
recorded in local-2 flock from S male x H female (2.13±0.20) parents which
significantly (p<0.05) varied from that of H male x M female (3.19±0.25), H male x S
female (3.34±), M male x M female (3.72±0.07), S male x M female (3.41±0.22) and
S male x S female (3.76±0.32) in the same flock. The poorest FCR (feed/g gain) was
recorded from the progeny of imported flock of M male x H female (4.46±0.50)
parent which was not significantly different from that of other parental groups in the
same flock. In local-1 flock the better progeny FCR (feed/g gain) was recorded from
S male x M female (2.28±0.17) parent group which was not significantly different
from that of all parental groups. The better progeny FCR (feed/g gain) (2.30±0.16) in
local-3 flock was noted in S male x H female which not significantly different from
that of other parental groups in the same flock. The progeny FCR in imported and
other local close-bred flocks were significantly (p<0.05) different in all the parental
groups. The interaction between parent size and close-bred flocks was significant
(p<0.05).
iii. 3rd week FCR (feed/g gain)
The results of this study revealed that 3rd week progeny FCR (feed/g gain)
was significantly (p<0.05) affected by the parental body weight in different close-
bred flocks of Japanese quails (Table-4.62). The best 3rd week progeny FCR (feed/g
gain) was noted from S male x S female (1.82±0.06) in local-2 flock which was
RESULTS
172
significantly (p<0.05) different from all the other parental groups in the same flock.
The best progeny FCR (feed/g gain) in imported flock was recorded from parental
group S male x S female (2.89±0.03), which was not significantly different from all
the other parental groups except H male x M female (3.85±0.45) and M male x H
female (3.77±0.16) parents. The better progeny FCR (feed/g gain) in local-1 flock
from S male x M female (2.53±0.17) was recorded which was significantly (p<0.05)
different from that of M male x H female (3.47±0.17), M male x S female
(3.41±0.42), S male x H female (3.46±0.31) and S male x S female (3.34±0.25)
parent groups in the same flock. In local-3 progeny flock, the best FCR (feed/g gain)
was observed in M male x H female (2.26±0.09) which was significantly (p<0.05)
better than that of M male x M female (3.14±0.32), S male x H female (3.14±0.14)
and S male x M female (3.29±0.20) parental groups in the same flock. The 3rd week
progeny FCR (feed/g gain) in imported and other local flocks were significantly
(p<0.05) different in different parental groups except in H male x H female, H male x
S female, M male x M female and M male x S female parents. The interaction
between parental body weight and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05).
iv. 3-week cumulative FCR (feed/g gain)
In the present study, the 3rd week progeny cumulative FCR (feed/g gain) was
significantly (p<0.05) influenced by different parental body size of Japanese quails
(Table-4.63). The best 3rd week progeny cumulative FCR (feed/g gain) was recorded
from S male x H female(2.30±0.13) parents in local-2 flock followed by that from S
male x M female in local-1 (2.41±0.11), M male x H female in local-3 (2.69±0.10)
and S male x S female in imported flock (2.81±0.02). The 3rd week cumulative
RESULTS
173
progeny FCR (feed/g gain) in M male x H female (3.81±0.05) in imported flock was
significantly better from all the other parental groups in the same flock. The better
cumulative FCR (feed/g gain) in local-1 flock was observed from S male x M female
(2.41±0.11) parent which was significantly (p<0.05) different from that of H male x
H female (3.10±0.11), H male x M female (3.20±0.12), M male x H female
(3.13±0.21), M male x S female (2.97±0.12), S male x H female (3.16±0.05) and S
male x S female (3.06±0.17) parent in the same flock. The better cumulative FCR
(feed/g gain) in local-2 flock was recorded from S male x H female (2.30±0.13)
parent which was significantly (p<0.05) different from all other parental groups in the
same flock. In local-3 flock, the best progeny 3rd week cumulative FCR (feed/g gain)
(2.69±0.10) was observed in M male x H female parental group which differed non-
significantly from all the parental groups in the same flock. The progeny 3rd week
cumulative FCR (feed/g gain) was significantly (p<0.05) different among different
close-bred flocks in all the parental groups except in H male x H female and H male x
M female parent. The interaction between parental body size and close-bred flocks
was significant (p<0.05).
RESULTS
174
Table-4.60. 1st week progeny feed conversion ratio (FCR*(feed/g gain)) influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from
4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE**) ---------------------------
Imported 2.77
±0.12abA
2.48
±0.02abA
2.57
±0.18abA
2.68
±0.51abA
1.83
±0.15bA
2.74
±0.54abA
2.50
±0.39abA
2.26
±0.60bA
2.39
±0.49bA
Local-1 2.85
±0.64abA
2.42
±0.21abA
2.39
±0.50bB
2.49
±0.43abA
2.04
±0.18bA
2.48
±0.30abA
2.20
±0.07bA
1.69
±0.10bA
2.86
±0.29abA
Local-2 2.11
±0.27Ba
3.54
±0.63aB
2.31
±0.36bB
1.77
±0.20bB
2.32
±0.18bA
2.22
±0.07bA
2.10
±0.28bA
2.24
±0.26bA
2.74
±0.47abA
Local-3 2.34
±0.19bA
2.21
±0.27bAB
2.06
±0.31bB
2.00
±0.11bAB
2.05
±0.09bA
2.22
±0.12bA
2.44
±0.13abA
2.22
±0.34bA
2.03
±0.11bA
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*FCR = Feed conversion ratio
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
175
Table-4.61. 2nd week progeny feed conversion ratio (FCR*(feed/g gain)) influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from
4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE**) ---------------------------
Imported 3.56
±0.31abcdA
3.21
±0.15bcdefgA
3.18
±0.27bcdefgA
4.46
±0.50bA
3.69
±0.60abcA
3.38
±0.59bcdeA
3.62
±0.72abcdA
3.07
±0.12bcdefghA
3.24
±0.29bcdefgA
Local-1 3.65
±0.14abcdA
3.25
±0.26bcdefgA
2.49
±0.19efghB
2.73
±0.18bcdefghB
3.76
±0.31abA
2.36
±0.16efghB
3.34
±0.32bcdefgB
2.28
±0.17bcdefghA
3.08
±0.14bcdefghA
Local-2 2.39
±0.18efghB
3.19
±0.25bcdefgA
3.34
±0.08bcdefAB
2.45
±0.23efghAB
3.72
±0.07abA
2.89
±0.43bcdefghB
2.13
±0.20hC
3.41
±0.22bcdeA
3.76
±0.32abB
Local-3 2.62
±d0.14efghB
2.44
±0.07efghB
2.41
±0.16efghAB
2.41
±0.27efghAB
2.76
±0.21bcdefghB
2.40
±0.36efghAB
2.30
±0.16ghAC
2.51
±0.22efghA
2.65
±0.27cdefghAB
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*FCR = Feed conversion ratio
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
176
Table-4.62. 3rd week progeny feed conversion ratio (FCR*(feed/g gain)) influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from
4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE**) ---------------------------
Imported 3.66
±0.09abcdefA
3.85
±0.45abcdA
3.16
±0.25defghA
3.77
±0.16abcdeA
3.45
±0.31abcdefgA
3.35
±0.32abcdefgA
3.01
±0.17efghiA
3.46
±0.14abcdefgA
2.89
±0.03fghiA
Local-1 3.23
±0.11cdefghA
3.12
±0.22defghB
3.31
±0.12bcdefghAB
3.47
±0.17abcdefgAB
3.10
±0.03defghAB
3.41
±0.42abcdefgA
3.46
±0.31abcdefgAB
2.53
±0.17hiB
3.34
±0.25abcdefB
Local-2 3.40
±0.31abcdefgA
3.25
±0.05bcdefghAB
4.04
±0.01abABC
2.78
±0.42ghiBC
4.09
±0.12aA
3.48
±0.30abcdefgA
1.82
±0.06jC
3.75
±0.09abcdeA
3.99
±0.17abcB
Local-3 3.00
±0.23efghiA
2.85
±0.18ghiABC
2.84
±0.21ghiABCD
2.26
±0.09iBC
3.14
±0.32defghAB
2.70
±0.28ghiAB
3.14
±0.14defghAB
3.29
±0.20bcdefghAB
2.82
±0.13ghiAB
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*FCR = Feed conversion ratio
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
177
Table-4.63. 3-week cumulative progeny feed conversion ratio (FCR*(feed/g gain)) influenced by 3 different parental body
weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE**) ---------------------------
Imported 3.07
±0.20bcdA
3.10
±0.10bcdA
3.08
±0.06bcdA
3.81
±0.05aA
3.31
±0.20bA
3.32
±0.1bA
3.30
±0.26bcA
2.97
±0.12bcdA
2.81
±0.02bcdeA
Local-1 3.10
±0.11bcdA
3.20
±0.12bcA
2.80
±0.28bcdeB
3.13
±0.21bcdB
2.83
±0.08bcdeB
2.97
±0.12bcdB
3.16
±0.05bcdB
2.41
±0.11efB
3.06
±0.17bcdB
Local-2 2.90
±0.11bcdA
2.99
±0.02bcdA
3.29
±0.02bcAB
2.91
±0.17bcdB
3.23
±0.04bcAB
3.32
±0.21bA
2.30
±0.13fC
2.96
±0.01bcdA
3.30
±0.13bcAB
Local-3 3.04
±0.15bcdA
2.78
±0.07cdeAB
2.87
±0.12bcdeB
2.69
±0.10defBC
2.96
±0.13bcdAB
2.90
±0.18bcdB
2.96
±0.13bcdAB
2.93
±0.21bcdA
2.84
±0.18bcdeAB
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*FCR = Feed conversion ratio
**SE = Standard error
RESULTS
178
4.2.1.5. Mortality rate (%)
The results on effect of different parental body weights on the progeny, 1-3
weeks and 3-week cumulative mortality percent in four close-bred flocks (Imported,
Local-1, Local-2 and Local-3) of male and female Japanese quails recorded during
the study are shown in Tables 4.64, 4.65, 4.66 and 4.67.
i. 1st week mortality rate (%)
In the present study, a significant (p<0.05) effect of different parental groups
on 1st week progeny mortality rate (%) was recorded (Table-4.64). The maximum 1st
week mortality rate (36.40±2.65) was noted in the progeny obtained from M male x S
female parent in local-1 flock and minimum (6.96±2.43) was from M male x H
female parent in local-2 flock. The progeny mortality rate in local-1 flock in M male
x S female parents (36.40±2.65) was significantly (p<0.05) different from S male x M
female (19.85±5.14), M male x M female (19.38±2.13), H male x H female
(16.76±3.69) and H male x M female parents (18.28±3.73). In local-2 flock, 1st week
progeny mortality rate was maximum from H male x H female (35.14±9.51) parent
which was found to be significantly (p<0.05) different from the progeny of H male x
S female (13.90±1.83), M male x H female (6.96±2.43), S male x H female
(12.03±3.12) and S male x S female parents (16.10±7.64). In local-3 flock, the
maximum mortality rate (36.48±0.26) was from M male x S female parent which was
significantly (p<0.05) different from that of M male x H female parent (20.53±2.72)
except in all the other parent groups in the same flock. The interaction between
parental body weight and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05). The 1st week
progeny mortality rate in different close-bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05)
RESULTS
179
different from H male x H female, H male x S female and M male x H female
parents.
ii. 2nd week mortality rate (%)
In the present study, 2nd week progeny mortality rate (%) was significantly
(p<0.05) influenced by different parental body weights (Table-4.65). The maximum
2nd week mortality rate (12.57±2.88) was noted in the progeny from S male x S
female in imported flock and minimum (0.44±0.01) from M male x M female in
local-1flock. In local-1 flock, the progeny mortality rate (10.67±2.54) in parental
groups M male x H female was significantly (p<0.05) higher than in M male x M
female (0.44±0.01), M male x H female (0.83±0.61), S male x S female (1.11±0.37)
and H male x S female (1.78±1.38). The 2nd week mortality rate (12.57±2.88) in
imported flock in S male x S female was significantly (p<0.05) different only from M
male x S female (3.74±3.54) and S male x M female (3.97±0.33) in the same flock. In
local-2 flock the 2nd week mortality rate (1.45±0.80) in S male x S female was only
significantly (p<0.05) different from H male x H female (10.39±1.52) in the same
parent group. In local-3 flock the 2nd week mortality rate (1.32±1.15) in H male x S
female was only significantly (p<0.05) different from H male x H female (9.63±2.07)
in the same group. The interaction between parental groups and close-bred flocks was
significant (p<0.05). The progeny mortality rate during 2nd week in different close-
bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different in all the parental groups.
RESULTS
180
iii. 3rd week mortality rate (%)
In the present study, different parental body size did not influence progeny
mortality rate (%) during 3rd week (Table-4.66). The maximum 3rd week mortality
rate (12.34±4.25) was recorded from S male x M female parents and minimum
(0.77±0.77) from S male x H female parents. The interaction between parental body
size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05). The progeny mortality rate during
3rd week in local-3 flock in M male x S female (12.34±4.25) parent group was
significantly (p<0.05) higher than imported (6.06±0.87), local-1 (2.83±0.27) and
local-2 (0.92±0.92) flocks in the same parent group.
iv. 3-week cumulative mortality rate (%)
In the present study, the cumulative progeny mortality rate (%) was
significantly (p<0.05) influenced by different parental body weight categories (Table-
4.67). The lowest 3rd week cumulative progeny mortality rate (15.81±3.17) was
noted in local-2 flock from S male x H female parent followed by M male x H female
(16.54±5.25) and S male x S female (19.44±8.30) in the same parent flock. The
lowest mortality rate (20.13±2.80) in imported flock was observed in quail progeny
from S male x H female parent was not significantly different from all the other
parent groups in the same flock. In local-1 flock, the lowest mortality rate
(22.49±0.83) was recorded in quail progeny from M male x M female flock which
was not significantly different from all the other parent groups except from M male x
S female (42.22±2.55) parent in the same flock. The lowest mortality rate
(15.81±3.17) in local-2 flock was recorded in progeny from S male x H female parent
RESULTS
181
which was not significantly different from all other parental groups except from H
male x H female (46.92±7.11) and H male x M female (36.10±2.75) in the same
flock. The lowest mortality rate (31.96±1.20) in quail progeny local-3 flock was from
S male x S female parent which differed non-significantly in all the parent groups
except from M male x S female (57.65±10.83) in the same flock.
RESULTS
182
Table-4.64. 1st week progeny mortality rate (%) influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE*; %) ---------------------------
Imported 27.47
±5.88abcdefghA
19.82
±3.10cdefghiA
26.05
±2.33abcdefghA
21.18
±2.76abcdefghiA
12.42
±1.05hiA
28.40
±1.14abcdefgA
13.76
±2.14ghiA
24.91
±6.71abcdefghA
21.55
±2.92abcdefghiA
Local-1 16.76
±3.69efghiA
18.28
±3.73defghiA
31.73
±6.08abcdeA
22.77
±4.23abcdefghA
19.38
±2.13defghiA
36.40
±2.65aA
24.82
±3.89abcdefghAB
19.85
±5.14cdefghiA
31.53
±5.83abcdefA
Local-2 35.14
±9.51abcdB
33.35
±3.69abcdA
13.90
±1.83ghiB
6.96
±2.43iB
21.71
±2.67abcdefghiA
21.58
±2.09abcdefghiA
12.03
±3.12iA
23.10
±0.89abcdefghA
16.10
±7.64fghiA
Local-3 31.02
±10.13abcdefA
23.29
±4.12abcdefghA
29.91
±4.70abcdeAC
20.53
±2.72bcdefghiA
25.69
±4.22abcdefghA
36.48
±0.26aA
27.16
±2.09abcdefghAB
35.69
±6.21abA
23.83
±3.44abcdefghA
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
183
Table-4.65. 2nd week progeny mortality rate (%) influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE*; %) ---------------------------
Imported 8.34
±0.65abcdeA
6.74
±3.31abcdeA
6.62
±2.05abcdeA
6.87
±0.29abcdeA
6.27
±1.71abcdeA
3.74
±3.54bcdeA
5.36
±1.09abcdeA
3.97
±3.33bcdeA
12.57
±2.88aA
Local-1 5.70
±3.18abcdeA
4.29
±1.34bcdeA
1.78
±1.38cdeB
10.67
±2.54abB
0.44
±0.01eB
2.98
±2.76bcdeA
0.83
±0.61deB
8.47
±1.93abcdeA
1.11
±0.37deB
Local-2 10.39
±1.52abB
1.68
±0.88cdeB
3.00
±1.10bcdeA
5.87
±2.48abcdeA
4.84
±2.51abcdeA
1.53
±0.42cdeB
3.00
±0.27bcdeA
2.95
±1.06bcdeB
1.45
±0.80deB
Local-3 9.63
±2.07abcAB
3.71
±3.60bcdeAB
1.32
±1.15deAB
7.07
±3.36abcdeA
3.17
±1.36bcdeAB
8.82
±6.49abcdAB
2.68
±0.56bcdeA
4.03
±0.66bcdeB
5.34
±4.06abcdeAB
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
184
Table-4.66. 3rd week progeny mortality rate (%) influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE*; %) ---------------------------
Imported 2.11
±1.08bA
2.04
±0.72aA
0.86
±0.48aA
0.86
±0.43bA
3.45
±0.93bA
6.06
±0.87bA
1.00
±0.56aA
3.36
±1.36bA
4.98
±1.44bA
Local-1 4.02
±1.18bA
2.77
±2.00Bb
2.80
±0.66bB
1.81
±0.40bA
2.67
±1.33bA
2.83
±0.27bA
1.62
±1.14bB
6.36
±0.95bA
1.28
±0.74bA
Local-2 1.38
±1.38bA
1.06
±0.60bB
2.88
±1.19bB
3.69
±2.07bA
2.54
±1.62bA
0.92
±0.92bA
0.77
±0.77bB
1.45
±1.45bA
1.88
±0.77bA
Local-3 3.62
±2.75bA
5.13
±2.85bB
2.40
±1.29bB
5.33
±3.21bA
5.42
±3.17bA
12.34
±4.25aB
2.11
±1.30bB
3.87
±0.56bA
4.48
±3.19bA
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
185
Table-4.67. 3-week cumulative progeny mortality rate (%) influenced by 3 different parental body weight categories from 4
close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
--------------------------- (Mean ± SE*; %) ---------------------------
Imported 37.93
±6.43bcdefgA
28.60
±6.51bcdefghijA
33.54
±1.78bcdefghijA
28.92
±2.92bcdefghijA
22.14
±0.50fghijA
38.21
±3.77bcdefgA
20.13
±2.80ghijA
32.26
±5.06bcdefghiA
39.11
±1.91bcdefA
Local-1 26.49
±7.05defghijA
25.35
±0.38defghijB
36.32
±8.06bcdefgA
35.25
±3.66bcdefghB
22.49
±0.83fghijA
42.22
±2.55abcdeA
27.28
±2.68cdefghijB
34.70
±8.00bcdefghiA
33.93
±6.80bcdefghijA
Local-2 46.92
±7.11abB
36.10
±2.75bcdefghB
19.80
±2.56ghijB
16.54
±5.25ijC
29.10
±2.30bcdefghijB
24.05
±2.82efghijB
15.81
±3.17jC
27.51
±2.72cdefghijB
19.44
±8.30hijB
Local-3 44.29
±7.06abcAB
32.15
±8.86bcdefghijAB
33.64
±2.57bcdefghijAB
32.94
±7.87bcdefghijABC
34.30
±2.70bcdefghiB
57.65
±10.83aAB
31.96
±1.20bcdefghijBC
43.60
±7.22abcdAB
33.66
±5.12bcdefghijAB
Different small alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
186
4.2.2. Slaughter characteristics
The results in respect of slaughter characteristics in progenies from 4 close-
bred (Imported, Local-1, Local-2 and Local-3) flocks of male and female Japanese
quails recorded at 3 weeks of age are presented as under:
4.2.2.1. Carcass characteristics
The carcass characteristics (mean slaughter weight, dressed weight (g) and
dressing percentage) of the quail progenies are shown in Tables 4.68, 4.69 and 4.70.
i. Slaughter weight (g) at week-3
In the present study, different parental body size significantly (p<0.05)
influenced progeny slaughter weight (g) at week-3 in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails (Table-4.68). In male progeny, the maximum slaughter weight (121.66±1.66g)
was recorded from H male x H female parents in imported flock, which was not
significantly different from all other parental groups in the same flock except that of S
male x S female (98.33±6.66g) parents. The slaughter weight (g) in male progeny in
local-1 flock was not significantly different from other parent groups in the same
flock. A similar trend was recorded in male progeny of local-3 flock. In the local-2
flock, higher progeny slaughter weight (113.33±1.66g) was recorded from H male x
M female parent which was not significantly different from that of all other parental
groups in the same flock except from S male x H female (71.66±4.40g) parents. The
maximum slaughter weight (128.33±3.33g) in female progeny was recorded from M
male x H female from imported flock followed by that of H male x M female
(121.66±9.27g) in local-1 flock and H male x S female (110.00±10.40g) in local-3
RESULTS
187
flock which was not significantly different from each other. In local-2 flock, the
higher slaughter weight (120.00±5.77g) was observed in S male x M female which
was not significantly different from that of all the other parental groups in the same
flock except M male x H female (91.66±9.27g). The slaughter weight (g) in different
close-bred flocks in male progeny quails from all the parental groups differed
significantly (p<0.05) except in M male x M female, M male x S female and S male x
M female parents. The slaughter weight (g) in different close-bred flocks in female
progeny in all the parental groups was significantly (p<0.05) different except in H
male x H female, M male x H female and M male x S female. The interaction
between parental body size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05) in both the
sexes.
ii. Dressed weight (g) at week-3
In the present study, progeny dressed weight (g) was influenced (p<0.05) by
different parental body weight in both the sexes of different close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails (Table-4.69). In male quails, the maximum progeny dressed weight
(70.00±0.00g) was recorded from H male x H female parent in imported flock which
was significantly (p<0.05) different from that of H male x M female (53.33±6.00g)
and S male x S female (51.55±3.33g). In male quails of local-1 and 3 flocks, progeny
dressed weight was observed to be (63.33±4.40g) and (58.33±4.40g) from S male x H
female parent group which was not significantly different from all the other parental
groups in the same flock. The progeny dressed weight (63.33±1.66g) in local-2 male
flock was significantly (p<0.05) different from that of all the other parental groups
except from S male x H female (36.66±1.66g) parents. In female quails, the
RESULTS
188
maximum dressed weight (58.05±0.90g) was recorded in M male x H female parent
in local-2 flock which was not significantly different from all other parent groups
except that of S male x H female (51.58±0.79g) and H male x S female (50.79±1.48g)
in the same flock. The dressed weight in female quails of local-1 flock from M male x
M female (57.72±2.48g) parent, in imported quails from M male x S female
(56.51±1.74g) parents and in local-3 flock from S male x M female (54.92±1.30g)
parent was found higher which was not significantly differed from other parental
groups in their respective flocks. The dressed weight (g) in all the close-bred flocks
differed significantly in male and female quails. The interaction between parental
body size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05).
iii. Dressing percentage at week-3
In the present study, the progeny dressing percentage was significantly
(p<0.05) influenced by different parental body size in different close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails (Table-4.70). The maximum progeny dressing percentage
(57.90±2.66) was recorded in male quails from H male x S female parent in imported
flock followed by that of H male x M female (57.49±0.63) in local-3 flock, M male x
S female (57.57±1.51) in local-2 flock and S male x H female (55.82±1.93) in local-1
flock. In local-2 male flock, the progeny dressing percentage (57.57±1.51) from M
male x S female parent was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of H male x M
female (51.44±0.72) and S male x H female (51.28±1.28) parental group in the same
flock. Differences from other parental groups were not significant in the same flock.
The progeny dressing percentage in imported, local-1 and local-3 flocks differed non-
significantly from all the other parental groups. In male quails, the progeny dressing
RESULTS
189
percentage in imported and local flocks differed non-significantly among M male x H
female, M male x M female, S male x M female and S male x S female except other
parental groups.
In female quails, the maximum progeny dressing percentage (58.05±0.90) was
observed from M male x H female in local-2 flock followed by that of M male x S
female (56.51±1.74) in imported flock, S male x M female (55.95±1.81) in local-1
flock and S male x M female (54.92±1.30) in local-3 flock. In local-2 flock, the
progeny dressing percentage from M male x M female was not significantly different
from all the other parental flocks except from H male x S female (50.79±1.48) parent,
whereas, progeny dressing percentage in imported, local-1 and local-3 flocks from
different parental groups was not significantly different from each other in their
respective flocks. The dressing percentage between different close-bred flocks was
significantly (p<0.05) different in female progeny group. The dressing percentage
between different close-bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different in the male
progeny group, whereas, M male x H female, M male x M female, S male x M female
and S male x S female were not significantly different. The interaction between
parental body size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05).
RESULTS
190
Table-4.68. Progeny slaughter weight (g) influenced by 3 different parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of
male and female Japanese quails at week-3
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
-------------------- (Mean ± *SE; g) -----------------------
Male
Imported 121.66±1.66aA
101.66±12.01abcA 110.00±8.66abcA 108.33±1.66abcA 110.00±5.00abcA 106.66±4.40abcA 115.00±0.00abcA 118.66±7.26abA 98.33±6.66bcA
Local-1 106.66±1.66abcAB
108.33±10.92abcA 95.00±2.88bcB 93.33±10.92cB 111.66±3.33abcA 110.00±10.40abcA 113.33±6.00abcA 110.00±2.88abcA 105±2.88abcB
Local-2 108.33±4.40abcAB
113.33±1.66abcA 98.33±6.00bcB 96.66±4.40bcAB 110.00±2.88abcA 110.00±0.00abcA 71.66±4.40dB 108.33±9.27abcA 98.33±6.66bcAB
Local-3 98.33±1.66bcB 98.33±11.00bcB 95.00±8.66cAB 96.66±6.66bcAB 105.00±2.88abcA 96.66±4.40bcAB 106.66±8.18abcA 101.66±8.81abcA 106.66±8.33abcAB
Female
Imported 125.00±8.66abA
120.00±7.63abcdeA 116.66±4.40abcdeA 128.33±3.33aA 108.33±3.33abcdefA 111.66±7.26abcdefA 123.33±7.26abcA 123.33±4.40abcA 110.00±2.88abcdefA
Local-1 108.33±10.13abcdefAB
121.66±9.27abcdB 108.33±6.00abcdefB 111.66±7.26abcdef AB 118.33±1.66abcdeB 110.00±0.00abcdefA 115.00±2.88abcdefB 110.00±5.00abcdefB 110.00±10.00abcdefA
Local-2 113.33±6.66abcdefAB
115.00±5.77abcdeB 111.66±3.33abcdefB 91.66±9.27fAB 116.66±8.33abcdeB 101.66±4.40cdefAB 103.33±1.66bcdefAB 120.00±5.77abcdeAB 108.33±6.00abcdefA
Local-3 108.33±4.40abcdefAB 106.66±10.92abcdefABC 110.00±10.40abcdefB 105.00±7.63bcdefAB 106.66±3.33abcdefAB 98.33±8.18efAB 110.00±0.00abcdefAB 100.00±2.88defBC 101.66±7.26cdefB
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
191
Table-4.69. Progeny dressed weight (g) influenced by 3 different parental body weight categories in 4 close-bred flocks of male
and female Japanese quails slaughtered at week-3
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
-------------------- (Mean ± *SE; g) -----------------------
Male
Imported 70.00±0.00aA
53.33±6.00bA 63.33±3.33abA 60.00±0.00abA 58.33±3.33abA 58.33±4.40abA 63.33±1.66abA 63.33±4.40abA 51.55±3.33bA
Local-1 58.33±1.66abB
60.00±7.63abB 50.00±0.00bB 51.66±9.27bB 61.66±3.33abA 56.66±4.40abA 63.33±4.40abA 61.66±1.66abA 56.66±3.33abB
Local-2 60.00±5.77abB
58.33±1.66abB 51.66±4.40bB 55.00±5.00bB 61.66±1.66abA 63.33±1.66abA 36.66±1.66cB 56.66±3.33abA 53.33±4.40bAB
Local-3 51.66±1.66bAB 56.66±7.26abB 51.66±4.40bB 53.33±3.33bB 58.33±1.66abA 53.33±3.33bB 58.33±4.40abA 53.33±1.66bAB 56.66±6.00abAB
Female
Imported 54.70±0.70abcdA
52.74±0.56abcdA 52.79±2.51abcdA 54.51±1.26abcdA 52.31±0.06bcdA 56.51±1.74abcA 52.79±0.87abcdA 52.67±0.58abcdA 51.51±0.76cdA
Local-1 54.03±1.05abcdA
53.43±0.68abcdA 53.84±0.77abcdA 55.18±0.42abcdA 57.72±2.48abB 53.03±1.51abcdB 53.68±1.93abcdA 55.95±1.81abcdA 52.94±1.51abcdB
Local-2 55.55±2.77abcdA
56.55±0.33abcB 50.79±1.48dB 58.05±0.90aB 55.66±2.33abcdAB 53.99±4.51abcdB 51.58±0.79cdB 56.98±1.46abcB 55.43±0.88abcdAB
Local-3 52.39±1.44bcdB 53.09±0.58abcdAB 52.95±0.45abcdAB 53.68±1.93abcdAB 54.54±2.62abcdAB 54.03±1.24abcdB 54.54±0.00abcdAB 54.92±1.30abcdAB 54.24±1.04abcdAB
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
192
Table-4.70. Progeny dressing percentage (%) influenced by 3 different parental body weight categories in 4 close-bred flocks
of male and female Japanese quails slaughtered at week-3
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
-------------------- (Mean ± *SE; %) -----------------------
Male
Imported 57.55±0.77aA
52.52±0.27abA
57.90±2.66aA
55.41±0.86abA
52.97±0.59abA
54.55±2.28abA
55.07±1.44abA
53.46±0.54abA
52.56±0.18abA
Local-1 54.69±1.37abB
55.10±1.46abA
52.72±1.60abB
54.60±3.24abA
55.14±1.38abA
51.79±2.23abA
55.82±1.93abA
56.07±0.78abA
53.89±2.08abA
Local-2 55.13±3.15abB
51.44±0.72bB
52.39±1.31abB
56.69±2.73abA
56.07±0.78abA
57.57±1.51aB
51.28±1.28bB
52.57±1.61abA
54.15±1.50abA
Local-3 52.54±1.44abB
57.49±0.63aAB
54.47±1.04abB
55.21±0.33abA
55.56±0.80abA
55.11±1.32abAB
54.75±0.41abAB
52.46±0.08abA
52.89±1.91abA
Female
Imported 54.70±0.70abcdA
52.74±0.56abcdA
52.79±2.51abcdA
54.51±1.26abcdA
52.31±0.06bcdA
56.51±1.74abcA
52.79±0.87abcdA
52.67±0.58abcdA
51.51±0.75cdA
Local-1 54.03±1.05abcdA
53.43±0.68abcdA
53.84±0.77abcdA
55.18±0.42abcdA
57.72±2.48abB
53.03±1.51abcdB
53.68±1.93abcdA
55.95±1.81abcdA
52.94±1.51abcdB
Local-2 55.55±2.77abcdA
56.55±0.33abcB
50.79±1.48dB
58.05±0.90aB
55.66±2.33abcC
53.99±4.51abcdB
51.58±0.79cdB
56.98±1.46abcB
55.43±0.88abcdAB
Local-3 52.39±1.44bdB
53.09±0.58abcdA
52.95±0.45abcdAB
53.68±1.93abcdAB
54.54±2.62abdAC
54.03±1.24abcdAB
54.54±0.00abcdAB
54.92±1.30abcdAB
54.24±1.04abcdAB
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
193
4.2.2.2. Relative weight (g/100g BW) of giblets
The results in respect of mean relative weight (g/100g body weight) of liver,
heart and empty gizzard of the quail progenies are shown in Tables 4.71, 4.72 and
4.73.
i. Liver
In the present study, the progeny relative liver weight (g/100g BW) was
significantly (p<0.05) influenced by parental body size in different close-bred flocks
of Japanese quails (Table-4.71). The highest progeny relative weight of liver in male
quails was recorded from S male x H female (3.47±0.23) parents in local-3 flock
which was not significantly different from all the other parental groups except from
M male x H female (3.47±0.19) and S male x S female (2.58±0.15) parent in the same
flock. In local-2 flock, the higher progeny liver weight (2.88±0.33) was recorded
from S male x M female parent which differed non-significantly from all the other
parental groups except that of M male x H female (2.13±0.02) parents in the same
flock. The highest relative weight of liver in imported flock was recorded in S male x
S female (3.01±0.20) flock which was significantly (p<0.05) different from all other
parent groups except S male x M female (2.57±0.09), M male x S female (2.79±0.11)
and H male x S female (2.66±0.15) in the same flock. In local-1 flock, the higher
progeny liver weight was recorded from H male x S female (3.16±0.03) which was
not significantly different from all the other parental groups except that of M male x
M female (2.44±0.01), M male x S female (2.56±0.28), S male x H female
(2.44±0.06), H male x S female (3.16±0.03) and S male x S female (2.19±0.06)
RESULTS
194
parents in the same flock. The progeny relative liver weight in male quails in different
close-bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different from all the parental groups
except that of S male x M female parents only.
In female quails, the highest progeny relative liver weight (3.02±0.09) was
recorded from H male x H female in local-3 flock which was not significantly
different from all the other parental groups in the same flock except in S male x H
female (2.42±0.03) parents. In local-1 flock, the progeny liver weight from H male x
S female (2.84±0.18) parent was found to be significantly (p<0.05) higher than that
from M male x H female (2.29±0.3) and S male x S female (2.20±0.10), whereas, it
differed non- significantly from all the other parental groups in the same flock. The
progeny liver weight in female quails from S male x S female (2.73±0.07) parents in
imported flock was not significantly different from that of all the other parental
groups except from that of H male x H female (1.55±0.08), H male x M female
(1.64±0.08), S male x H female (1.63±0.09) and M male x M female (1.81±0.04)
parents in the same flock. In local-2 female flock the highest relative weight of liver
was observed in M male x S female (2.63±0.11) which was not significantly different
from all the other parent groups in the same flock. The progeny relative liver weight
in female quails in different close-bred flocks from all the parental groups was
significantly (p<0.05) different except that of H male x S female, M male x S female
and S male x M female parental groups. The interaction between parental body size
and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05).
RESULTS
195
ii. Heart
In the present study, the progeny relative heart weight (g/100g BW) was
significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the weight of different parent groups (Table-
4.72). The highest progeny relative heart weight (0.98±0.05) in male quails was
recorded from S male x H female parent in local-2 flock which was significantly
(p<0.05) different from that of H male x H female (0.80±0.01), H male x S female
(0.81±0.04), M male x H female (0.75±0.01), M male x M female (0.72±0.01) and M
male x S female (0.78±0.03) and S male x S female (0.82±0.05) parents in the same
parental group. In male quails of local-3 flock, the highest progeny heart weight
(0.91±0.04) was observed from H male x H female parent which was significantly
(p<0.05) different from that of H male x H female (0.67±0.02), H male x M female
(0.77±0.03), M male x H female (0.69±0.04) and S male x S female (0.68±0.00) and
S male x M female (0.75±0.00) parent in the same flock. In local-1 flock, the progeny
heart weight in male quails (0.87±0.01) was the highest and not significantly different
from all the other parental groups in the same flock. In imported flock, the progeny
heart weight in male quails (0.87±0.06) was significantly (p<0.05) different from that
of H male x H female (0.65±0.00), M male x H female (0.70±0.02) parents in the
same flock. The progeny heart weight in male quails was significantly (p<0.05)
different in different close-bred flocks in all the parental groups.
In female progeny quails, relative heart weight was significantly (p<0.05)
influenced by parental body weight. The maximum progeny heart weight (0.96±0.01)
in local-3 flock from H male x S female parent was recorded which was significantly
(p<0.05) different from that of all the other parental groups except from M male x S
RESULTS
196
female (0.88±0.02) parent in the same flock. The progeny heart weight (0.87±0.02) in
local-1 flock from M male x M female parent not significantly different from that of
all the other parental groups except that of H male x H female (0.71±0.04) and M
male x H female (0.74±0.02) parents in the same flock. In local-2 flock of female
quails, the progeny heart weight from H male x M female (0.87±0.04) parent differed
non-significantly from that of all the other parental groups except that of H male x H
female (0.73±0.03) and M male x M female (0.74±0.02) parents in the same flock. In
imported flock, the heart weight from M male x M female (0.86±0.05) parent was not
significantly different from all the other parental groups except that of H male x H
female (0.66±0.02) and M male x H female (0.70±0.03) parent in the same flock. The
progeny heart weight in female quail, in different close-bred flocks in all the parental
groups was significantly (p<0.05) different except that of H male x H female. The
interaction between parental body size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05).
iii. Gizzard (empty)
In the male progeny, relative empty gizzard weight in imported flock was not
significantly different in all the parent groups. Whereas, in local-1 flock, this
difference was significant (p<0.05) in different parent groups except from M male x
H female (3.79±0.28) and H male x S female (3.32±0.19) in the same flock. In male
progeny of local-2 flock, relative empty gizzard weight was significantly (p<0.05)
different among different parent groups except from S male x H female (3.92±0.12)
and S male x M female (3.83±0.48) in the same flock. In local-3 male progeny flock,
relative empty gizzard weight from S male x M female (3.54±0.01) was significantly
(p<0.05) different from S male x S female (2.87±0.17) and S male x H female
RESULTS
197
(2.58±0.15) except all the other parent groups in the same flock (Table-4.73). The
maximum relative gizzard weight (3.66±0.20) was recorded in female quails of local-
1 flock from S male x S female parent followed by that in local-3 flock from S male x
M female (3.47±0.10), in local-2 flock from S male x M female (3.36±0.11) and in
imported flock from S male x S female (2.82±0.15) parents.
In local-1 flock, female quail had higher gizzard weight (3.66±0.20) from S
male x S female which was not significantly different from all the other parental
groups except in M male x H female (3.29±0.43) parents. In local-2 female quails,
higher gizzard weight (3.36±0.11) was recorded in the progeny from S male x M
female parent which was significantly (p<0.05) different from that of all the other
parental groups except H male x H female (2.75±0.17), H male x M female
(2.70±0.11), M male x M female (2.62±0.14) parents. The relative gizzard weight in
female quails in imported flock from S male x S female (2.82±0.15) and M male x S
female (2.82±0.15) and in local-3 flock from S male x M female (3.47±0.10) parents
was not significantly different from all the other parental groups. The relative gizzard
weight in different close-bred male and female progeny of quails was significantly
(p<0.05) different from all the parental groups. The interaction between parental body
size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05).
RESULTS
198
Table-4.71. Progeny relative weight (g/100g BW) of liver influenced by 3 different parental body weight categories in 4 close-
bred flocks of male and female Japanese quails slaughtered at week-3
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
-------------------- (Mean ± *SE; g/100g BW) -----------------------
Male
Imported 1.58
±0.00kA
1.87
±0.14jkA
2.66
±0.15defghiA
1.81
±0.05jkA
1.79
±0.06jkA
2.79
±0.11bcdefgA
1.71
±0.02jkA
2.57
±0.09efghiA
3.01
±0.20abcdeA
Local-1 2.62
±0.04defghiB
2.65
±0.18defghiB
3.16
±0.03abcdB
2.63
±0.43defghiB
2.44
±0.01fghiB
2.56
±0.28efghiB
2.44
±0.06fghiB
2.60
±0.04defghiA
2.19
±0.06hijB
Local-2 2.65
±0.07defghiB
2.47
±0.02efghiB
2.39
±0.15ghiA
2.13
±0.02ijB
2.58
±0.09efghiB
2.39
±0.08ghiAB
2.72
±0.20cdefghC
2.88
±0.33bcdefgA
2.48
±0.10efghiB
Local-3 3.28
±0.04abC
3.20
±0.30abcC
2.94
±0.10abcdefgAB
3.47
±0.19aC
2.99
±0.25abcdefC
2.73
±0.09cdefghAB
3.47
±0.23aD
2.98
±0.03abcdefA
2.58
±0.15efghiB
Female
Imported 1.55
±0.08jA
1.64
±0.08jA
2.54
±0.07abcdefghA
1.58
±0.01jA
1.81
±0.04ijA
2.70
±0.17abcdefgA
1.63
±0.09jA
2.41
±0.10defghA
2.73
±0.07abcdefgA
Local-1 2.62
±0.19abcdefghB
2.48
±0.12cdefghB
2.84
±0.18abcdA
2.29
±0.31fghB
2.50
±0.00bcdefghB
2.42
±0.16defghA
2.46
±0.03cdefghB
2.66
±1.81abcdefghA
2.20
±0.10hiB
Local-2 2.44
±0.05cdefghB
2.50
±0.10bcdefghB
2.33
±0.12efghA
2.26
±0.23ghB
2.50
±0.14bcdefghB
2.63
±0.11abcdefghA
2.25
±0.02ghB
2.56
±0.08abcdefghA
2.40
±0.04defghAB
Local-3 3.0
±0.09aC
2.72
±0.22abcdefgB
2.83
±0.08abcdeA
2.99
±0.28abC
2.86
±0.32abcdB
2.73
±0.15abcdefgA
2.42
±0.03defghB
2.93
±0.05abcA
2.77
±0.17abcdefAC
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
199
Table-4.72. Progeny relative weight (g/100g BW) of heart influenced by 3 different parental body weight categories in 4 close-
bred flocks of male and female Japanese quails slaughtered at week-3
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
-------------------- (Mean ± *SE; g/100g BW) -----------------------
Male
Imported 0.65
±0.00iA
0.78
±0.02cdefghiA
0.75
±0.02defghiA
0.70
±0.02fghiA
0.84
±0.05bcdeA
0.87
±0.06abcdA
0.75
±0.02defghiA
0.78
±0.03cdefghiA
0.82
±0.05cdefgA
Local-1 0.75
±0.01defghiA
0.81
±0.06cdefghB
0.87
±0.01abcdB
0.79
±0.05cdefghB
0.80
±0.03cdefghB
0.87
±0.00abcdA
0.82
±0.01cdefgB
0.78
±0.01cdefghiA
0.76
±0.02defghiB
Local-2 0.80
±0.01cdefghB
0.85
±0.01abcdeC
0.81
±0.04cdefgAB
0.75
±0.01defghiAB
0.72
±0.01efghiB
0.78
±0.03cdefghiB
0.98
±0.05aC
0.97
±0.12abB
0.82
±0.05bcdefgB
Local-3 0.67
±0.02hiAB
0.77
±0.03defghiABC
0.91
±0.04abcBC
0.69
±0.04fghiAB
0.85
±0.03abcdeAB
0.82
±0.04cdefAB
0.80
±0.01cdefghAB
0.75
±0.00defghiA
0.68
±0.00ghiAB
Female
Imported 0.66
±0.02kA
0.77
±0.03bcdefghijkA
0.77
±0.04bcdefghijkA
0.70
±0.03jkA
0.86
±0.05abcdefA
0.83
±0.02bcdefghA
0.75
±0.02cdefghijkA
0.83
±0.02bcdefgA
0.75
±0.01cdefghijkA
Local-1 0.71
±0.04hijkA
0.82
±0.02bcdefghiB
0.86
±0.01abcdeB
0.74
±0.02defghijkA
0.87
±0.02abcB
0.81
±0.05bcdefghijB
0.81
±0.03bcdefghB
0.81
±0.05bcdefghijB
0.83
±0.06bcdefghB
Local-2 0.73
±0.03fghijkA
0.87
±0.04abcdC
0.77
±0.04bcdefghijkA
0.80
±0.04bcdefghijB
0.74
±0.02efghijkC
0.78
±0.03bcdefghijB
0.77
±0.01bcdefghijkAB
0.86
±0.02abcdefAB
0.77
±0.01bcdefghijkAB
Local-3 0.70
±0.00ijkA
0.84
±0.03bcdefgBC
0.96
±0.01aBC
0.79
±0.01bcdefghijB
0.81
±0.05bcdefghijABC
0.88
±0.02abC
0.81
±0.00bcdefghijAB
0.73
±0.03ghijkABC
0.72
±0.02ghijkAB
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
200
Table-4.73. Progeny relative weight (g/100g BW) of empty gizzard influenced by 3 different parental body weight categories in
4 close-bred flocks of male and female Japanese quails slaughtered at week-3
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
-------------------- (Mean ± *SE; g/100g BW) -----------------------
Male
Imported 2.49±0.00iA
2.91±0.26defghiA
2.75±0.16efghiA
2.77±0.09efghiA
2.70±0.10ghiA
2.91±0.09defghiA
2.57±0.02hiA
2.93±0.01defghiA
3.08±0.22cdefghiA
Local-1 2.78±0.03efghiB
2.81±0.21efghiB
3.32±0.19bcdefB
3.79±0.28abB
2.63±0.07hiB
2.94±0.19defghiA
2.66±0.13ghiB
2.67±0.07ghiB
3.12±0.30cdefghB
Local-2 2.77±0.11efghiB
2.67±0.06ghiC
3.17±0.15cdefghC
3.08±0.22cdefghiC
2.73±0.07fghiC
2.75±0.03efghiB
3.92±0.12aC
3.83±0.48abC
3.04±0.18cdefghiAB
Local-3 3.42±0.09abcdC
3.00±0.13cdefghiABC
3.34±0.14bcdeBC
3.24±0.25cdefBC
3.11±0.14cdefghABCD
3.11±0.17cdefghC
2.58±0.15hiAB
3.54±0.01abcCD
2.87±0.17defghiAB
Female
Imported 2.44±0.14ijA
2.51±0.12hijA
2.63±0.07ghijA
2.39±0.05jA
2.80±0.07efghijA
2.82±0.15efghijA
2.47±0.12ijA
2.54±0.11ghijA
2.82±0.15efghijA
Local-1 2.80±0.21efghiBj
2.62±0.13ghijA
2.94±0.27bcdefghiB
3.29±0.43abcdeB
2.64±0.06ghijB
2.81±0.10efghijA
2.63±0.04ghijB
2.75±0.05efghijB
3.66±0.20aB
Local-2 2.75±0.17efghijC
2.70±0.11fghijB
2.83±0.05defghijC
2.93±0.11cdefghijC
2.62±0.14ghijB
2.95±0.07bcdefghiB
2.93±0.08cdefghijC
3.36±0.11abcdC
2.84±0.14defghijC
Local-3 3.39±0.11abcC
3.24±0.04abcdefC
3.36±0.21abcdABC
3.37±0.31abcABC
3.03±0.03bcdefghABC
3.25±0.22abcdeBC
3.45±0.05abD
3.47±0.10abcC
3.07±0.15bcdefgAC
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
RESULTS
201
4.2.2.3. Relative length (cm/100g BW) of visceral organ
i. Intestine
The results of this study show that progeny relative intestinal length was
significantly (p<0.05) influenced by different parental groups in close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails (Table-4.74). In male Japanese quails, maximum progeny relative
intestinal length (48.15±6.25) was noted from S male x H female parent in local-2
flock which was followed by that in M male x H female parent in local-1 flock
(43.13±4.25), S male x S female in imported flock (40.87±2.97) and in H male x S
female parent in local-3 flock (40.41±3.25). In male quails, in local-2 flock the
progeny intestinal length (48.15±6.25) from S male x H female parent was
significantly (p<0.05) higher than in all the other parental groups in the same flock. In
imported local-1 and local-3 male flocks, progeny intestinal length from S male x S
female (40.87±2.97), M male x H female (43.13±4.25) and in H male x S female
(40.41±3.25) parents was not significantly different from all the other parental groups
in their respective flocks. The progeny intestinal length in male quails of different
close-bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different from each other in different
parental groups except from H male x M female and M male x S female parents.
In female quails, the maximum progeny relative intestinal length (40.46±1.62)
was recorded from M male x S female parents in local-2 flock followed by that from
S male x M female (39.11±1.41) in local-3 flock, H male x H female (38.29±3.37) in
local-1 flock and M male x M female (37.53±0.99) parents in imported flock which
was not significantly different from all the other parental groups in their respective
flocks except in local-2 flock. Intestinal length in female quails in local-2 flock from
RESULTS
202
M male x S female (40.46±1.62) parent differed not significantly from all the other
parental groups except in H male x H female (31.52±1.77) and S male x S female
(31.54±1.20) parent in the same flock. The intestinal length in female quails in
different close-bred flocks differed significantly (p<0.05) in all the parental groups
except in H male x M female and H male x S female parental groups. The interaction
between parental body weight and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05).
RESULTS
203
Table-4.74. Progeny relative intestinal length (cm/100g BW) influenced by 3 different parental body weight categories in 4
close-bred flocks of male and female Japanese quails slaughtered at week-3
♂
♀
Heavy Medium Small
Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small Heavy Medium Small
-------------------- (Mean ± *SE; cm**/100g BW) -----------------------
Male
Imported 33.36
±0.12cdeA
39.99±3.74bcdeA
36.84
±2.68bcdeA
35.70
±0.57bcdeA
36.52
±1.47bcdeA
38.09
±1.93bcdeA
34.78
±0.00bcdeA
34.32
±1.95cdeA
40.87
±2.97bcA
Local-1 37.45
±o.54bcdeB
37.36±3.40bcdeA
38.47
±4.12bcdeA
43.13
±4.25abB
35.77
±1.16bcdeA
36.76
±3.57bcdeA
35.71
±1.70bcdeA
36.42
±1.24bcdeB
37.24
±0.74bcdeB
Local-2 31.59
±1.80eC
35.77±0.36bcdeA
39.27
±2.38bcdeA
31.92
±1.49deC
37.32
±0.98bcdeA
36.12
±0.13bcdeA
48.15
±6.25aB
37.15
±3.11bcdeB
32.29
±1.20deBC
Local-3 35.25
±0.07bcdeABC
37.58±3.03bcdeA
40.41
±3.25bcdAB
35.32
±1.85bcdeABC
33.66
±1.45cdeAB
37.58
±1.46bcdeA
36.91
±2.31bcdeA
38.86
±1.15bcdeB
34.40
±3.01cdeABC
Female
Imported 33.61
±2.88abcA
34.55
±2.01abcA
34.88
±1.11abcA
32.23
±0.56cA
37.53
±0.99abcA
36.67
±1.74abcA
33.17
±1.74bcA
33.42
±0.67abcA
36.74
±0.99abcA
Local-1 38.29
±3.37abcA
33.93
±2.09abcA
34.02
±2.12abcA
37.29
±2.13abcB
34.73
±0.20abcA
35.93
±0.48abcA
36.26
±0.66abcB
36.82
±0.90abcA
35.74
±2.43abcA
Local-2 31.52
±1.77cB
36.00
±1.80abcA
36.20
±1.42abcA
35.99
±3.60abcB
36.66
±2.66abcA
40.46
±1.62aB
39.43
±0.38abC
34.58
±1.44abcA
31.54
±1.20cB
Local-3 33.30
±1.33bcAB
36.36
±2.60abcA
36.39
±2.88abcA
34.15
±3.00abcB
33.06
±2.50bcB
37.94
±2.76abcAB
36.39
±0.13abcABC
39.11
±1.41abB
35.83
±2.29abcAB
Different alphabets on means in a row show significant differences at p<0.05
Different capital alphabets on means in a column show significant differences at p<0.05
*SE = Standard error
**cm = Centimeter
RESULTS
204
4.2.3. Economics
The results regarding economic impact of the quail progenies are shown in
Tables 4.75 and 4.76.
i. Close-bred flocks
The economic appraisal of quail production in four different close-bred flocks
influenced by 3 body weight categories up to 3 weeks indicate that the total cost of
feed per quail in imported, local-1, local-2 and local-3 flocks was Rs. 10.57, 9.41,
9.50 and 8.26, respectively, which varied on account of variation in quantity of feed
consumed by the birds. This effect is also reflected in total cost of production per
quail as of Rs. 19.21, 17.76, 17.88 and 16.33 in imported, local-1, local-2 and local-3
flocks, respectively. The return from sale of one quail of Rs. 27.08, 26.00, 24.83 and
24.67, respectively in above mentioned close-bred flocks varied on account of
variation in live body weight and dressed weight of the quails. The final return per
bird of Rs. 5.64 in local-1 flock was observed to be the highest than in other close-
bred flocks having final return of Rs. 5.41, 5.15 and 5.14 in imported, local-3 and
local-2 flocks, respectively (Table-4.75).
ii. Body size
The economic appraisal of quail production in four close-bred flocks
influenced by 3 body weight categories up to 3 weeks indicate that the total cost of
feed in heavy, medium and small body weight categories was Rs. 9.61, 9.47 and 9.23,
respectively, which varied on account of variation in quantity of feed consumed. This
effect is also reflected in total cost of production of quails of Rs. 18.02, 17.84 and
RESULTS
205
17.54 in heavy, medium and small body weight categories, respectively. The return
from sale of birds valuing Rs. 25.56, 26.38 and 25.00, respectively in heavy, medium
and small weight categories varied on account of variation in live body weight and
dressed weight of quails in these parent flocks. The final return per bird of Rs. 5.92 in
quails from medium weight parent was higher than that from quail progenies of heavy
and small parents having final return of Rs. 5.25 and 4.90, respectively (Table-4.76).
RESULTS
206
Table-4.75. Economics of quail production as influenced by 3 parental body weight categories from 4 close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails in 3 weeks old progenies
S. No. Particulars Close-bred flocks
Imported Local-1 Local-2 Local-3
1. Cost of day-old quail chicks (*Rs.) 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00
2. Average feed intake/bird (g) 311.13 276.78 279.55 243.03
3. Total cost of feed/bird @ *Rs.3.40/100g 10.57 9.41 9.5 8.26
4. Miscellaneous expenses/bird (*Rs.) 2.64 2.35 2.37 2.06
5. Total cost of production/bird (**Col.1+3+4) *Rs. 19.21
17.76
17.88
16.33
6. Average dressed weight/bird (g) 60.18 57.77 55.18 54.81
7. Return from sale of bird @ Rs. 450.00/Kg dressed weight
(**Col. 6x*Rs. 450/1000) 27.08 26.00 24.83 24.67
8. Initial return/bird ( **Col.7-5) *Rs. 7.87
8.24
6.96
8.34
9. Average mortality rate (%) 31.2
31.5 26.14 38.24
10. Decrease in return through mortality (**Col.7x9/100) (*Rs.) 2.46 2.60 1.82 3.19
11. Final return/bird (**Col.8-10) (*Rs.) 5.41 5.64 5.14 5.15
*Rs. = Pakistani rupee
**Col. = Column
RESULTS
207
Table-4.76. Economics of producing quails progenies as influenced by 3 different parental body weight categories at 3 weeks of
age
S. No. Particulars Body sizes
Heavy Medium Small
1. Cost of day-old quail chicks (*Rs.) 6 6 6
2. Average feed intake/bird (g) 282.74 278.56 271.58
3. Total cost of feed/bird @ *Rs.3.40/100g 9.61 9.47 9.23
4. Miscellaneous expenses/bird (*Rs.) 2.40 2.37 2.31
5. Total cost of production/bird (**Col. 1+3+4) *Rs. 18.02 17.84 17.54
6. Average dressed weight/bird (g) 56.81 58.61 55.56
7. Return from sale of bird @ Rs. 450.00/Kg dressed weight
(**Col. 6x*Rs. 450/1000)
25.56 26.38 25.00
8. Initial return/bird ( **Col.7-5) *Rs. 7.55 8.54 7.46
9. Average mortality rate (%) 30.38 30.70 34.30
10. Decrease in return through mortality (**Col. 7x9/100) (*Rs.) 2.29 2.62 2.56
11. Final return/bird (**Col. 8-10) (*Rs.) 5.25 5.92 4.90
*Rs. = Pakistani rupee
**Col. = Column
208
Chapter 5
DISCUSSION
The results of this study regarding effect of different parental body weights in
4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails on their productive performance, egg quality,
hatching and slaughtering traits, proximate and blood biochemical analyses have been
discussed in light of the available literature. Progeny growth performance and
slaughter traits as influenced by different parent body weights of quails have also
been discussed. The detail is presented as under:
5.1. Parent breeder flock
5.1.1. Productive performance
5.1.1.1. Body weight
In the present study, the imported flock of Japanese quails attained
significantly (p<0.05) higher body weight than all local flocks. These findings are in
line with those of Vali et al. (2005) who reported significant body weight variation in
two quail strains at 35, 42 and 49 days of age. The variation in body weight of
different close-bred flocks of Japanese quails recorded during this study could be
attributed to difference in genetic makeup of these flocks. The variation in body
weight of close bred flocks of chickens has been attributed to difference in genetic
makeup of flocks maintained in different areas and ecological regions (Hafez 1963;
Marks 1971; Sefton and Siegel 1974; Shamma 1981; Darden and Marks 1988).
Similarly many other workers also described the significant effect of genetic group on
DISCUSSION
209
body weight of chicken (Mohammed et al. 2005; Devi and Reddy 2005; Chatterjee et
al. 2007). In the previous studies it has been reported that the mean body weight
differed significantly among different local and imported flocks of Japanese quails.
The body weight of male and female quails in imported flock was significantly
(p<0.05) higher than those of local quails (Rehman 2006 and Akram et al. 2008). It
has also been observed that body weight from day-old to 20 weeks of age was
significantly higher in selected lines than the control un-selected line (Chaudhary et
al. 2009). The significant (p<0.01) effects of strains and generations on body weight
of Japanese quails at different ages have been reported (Mohammed et al. 2006)
indicating that selection could increase body weight in Japanese quails (Varkoohi et
al. 2010).
The results of the present study with respect to body size categories indicated
that heavy weight quails had significantly (p<0.05) higher mean body weight than the
small body weight category. Interaction between different flocks and body size was
significant (p<0.05). The change in 4 week body weight in heavy and small weight
has already been reported to be associated with corresponding changes in mature
body weight of quails (Nestor and Bacon 1982).
5.1.1.2. Egg production
i. Egg number
In the present study, the mean cumulative egg number/bird was not
significantly different among all the local and imported flocks of Japanese quails.
These results are in agreement with those of Leeson et al. (1997) and Hocking et al.
(2003) who could not detect difference (p>0.05) in egg production between different
DISCUSSION
210
strains of chicken. Similarly, Rehman (2006) reported non-significant difference in
egg production among different local and imported stocks of Japanese quails. On the
contrary some workers indicated that egg production has been shown to be affected
by breed, body size, feed, season and breeder age (North and Bell 1990; Ipek and
Sahan 2004). The higher growth-selected strain of broiler breeder exhibited poorer
egg production than all the other strains (Wolanski et al. 2007). The higher egg
production in exotic Rhode Island Red breed than the local breeds was attributed to
its better genetic potential (Sazzad 1992; Akhtar et al. 2007). The genetic ability for
egg production of the Manchurian gold breed was higher as compared to the Pharaoh
Quail breed up to the age of 150 days (Genchev and Kabakchiev 2009). Contrary to
the findings of the present study Hanan (2010) reported highly significant differences
in egg number and egg production percent in Japanese quails. Variation in the results
of both the studies could be attributed to difference in strains used in both the studies.
The results of the present study indicated significant (p<0.05) difference in the
mean egg production of different body size quails during the entire experimental
period. The maximum egg production was recorded in the small weight category and
minimum in the heavy size birds. Similar findings have also been observed (North
and Bell 1990; Ipek and Sahan 2004) in poultry birds. The interaction between flocks
and body size was not significant. These findings are in quite agreement with those of
Nestor and Bacon (1982) indicating that egg production decreased in heavy size and
increased in low body weight strains of Japanese quail. The similar findings have
been reported in chickens by Renden and McDaniel (1984); Leeson et al. (1997); in
Lohmann hens Lacin et al. (2008); in selected strains of broiler breeders Wolanski et
DISCUSSION
211
al. (2007) and in quails Aboul-Hassan (2001a). On the contrary El-Sagheer and
Hassanein (2006) reported that the medium and heavy size strains of chicken had
significantly (p<0.05) higher egg production than those of light strains.
The low egg production in heavy quails in comparison to small quails
recorded in this study could be due to less number of mature ovarian follicles in
heavy quails. Similar view point has been held by Wilson and Cunningham (1984);
Palmer and Bahr (1992) who attributed that difference in heavy and older chicken in
egg production than the lighter and younger birds has been due to physiological
changes leading to slow growth of ovarian follicles.
ii. Egg weight (g)
In the present study, the weekly mean egg weight in the imported flock of
Japanese quails was significantly (p<0.05) higher than all the local flocks during the
entire experimental period. The maximum mean egg weight was recorded in imported
quail and minimum in local-3 flock. The similar findings indicating the highest egg
weight in exotic Rhode Island Red than in local Lyallpur Silver Black breed have
been reported (Akhtar et al. 2007). The size and weight of an egg not only depends
upon the breed and strain but also it varied to great extent from one individual to
another as a result of these factors wide variation in egg weight may be present within
a flock (Shoukat et al. 1988). The similar findings have been reported by El-Fiky et
al. (2000a); Aboul-Hassan (2001a). Juliank and Christians (2002) stated that egg size
increases with advancement of age in birds. With reference to contribution of male on
the egg weight, no detectable effect of male on the egg weight of their mates has been
observed (Moss and Watson 1999). Altan et al. (1998) stated that selection of quails
DISCUSSION
212
for live body weight influenced egg weight due to increase in size of ova produced in
the ovaries of females.
The results of this study indicated significant (p<0.05) difference in the mean
egg weight in quails of different weight categories. The maximum mean egg weight
was recorded in the heavy weight category quails and minimum in the small size
birds. The similar findings have been reported by Hagger (1994) and Leeson et al.
(1997) indicating that egg weight increase was associated with increase in body
weight and age of the breeder. These findings are also in quite conformity with those
of El-Sagheer and Hassanein (2006); Kirikci et al. (2007) who observed that heavy
eggs were obtained from the heavy birds and the light eggs were produced by the
small size birds. It has further been indicated that a positive correlation exists between
body weight and egg weight (Siegel 1962; Festing and Nordskog 1967; Kinney
(1969). Therefore a compromise between body weight reduction and maintenance of
acceptable egg weight is needed (Nordskog and Briggs 1968; Hocking et al. 1987).
These results are fully substantiated by those of Afanasiev (1991) who observed that
egg weight in Japanese quails is largely dependent on the type of birds, being 8-10g
in the egg type (small size), 10-11g in the combined type (medium size) and-12-16g
for the broiler type (heavy size). Hanan (2010) reported highly significant (p<0.05)
differences in egg weight in Japanese quails at different ages. Lacin et al. (2008) also
pointed out that egg weight was lower in the group with low body weight than those
of medium and heavy hens, respectively.
DISCUSSION
213
iii. Egg mass (g/bird)
In the present study, the mean egg mass (g/bird) in all the close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails was not significantly different which appeared to be due to not
significant difference in egg production among these flocks. These results are in line
with those of Sahota and Bhatti (2003) who reported that black, dark brown and light
brown varieties of Desi chicken differed non-significantly in egg mass. Similarly, in
another study conducted by Rehman (2006) who reported that the mean egg mass
(g/bird) showed non-significant difference among different local and imported stocks
of Japanese quails, however, egg mass of local and imported stocks increased with
advancement of age from 6th to 12th weeks. In the present study, with respect to
body size categories, a not significant difference in mean egg mass was also noted,
however, interaction between flocks and body size showed significant (p<0.05)
difference. On the contrary, Nazligul et al. (2001) reported that egg mass was affected
by both age and body weight in quails.
5.1.1.3. Feed conversion ratio-FCR (g feed/egg)
The results of this study show that the mean feed conversion ratio (g feed/egg)
in all the four close-bred flocks of Japanese quails was not significantly different.
These results are in agreement with those of Rehman (2006) who indicated non-
significant difference in FCR (g feed/egg) between different local and imported
flocks of Japanese quails. Feed consumption is a variable phenomenon influenced by
several factors such as strain of the bird, energy content of the diet, ambient
temperature, floor density, hygienic conditions and rearing environments. As with
growing pullet, feed conversion is the best when the hen is young, it then gradually
DISCUSSION
214
decreases with age (Kingori et al. 2003). The findings of the present study did not
agree with those of Varkoohi et al. (2010) who reported 18.4 percent cumulative
genetic improvement in FCR or 6.1 percent improvement per generation of quails
through selection. Similarly, Jaroni et al. (1999) observed strain difference in feed
efficiency. Feed consumption was reported to be higher in the exotic Fayoumi birds
than that of local Lyallpur Silver Black (Akhtar et al. 2007).
In the present study, a significant (p<0.05) difference was observed in the
mean FCR (g feed/egg) in quail parents with different body weight. The maximum
mean FCR (g feed/egg) was recorded in the heavy weight category and minimum in
the small size birds. The interaction between flocks and body size was also
significant. The better FCR (g feed/egg) in small size quails during this study could
be attributed to less feed requirement of these birds. These findings are in line with
those of Leeson et al. (1997) who observed that the smaller birds consistently ate less
feed throughout laying regardless of the strain. Feed consumption increased as body
weight increased because heavy birds consume more feed. Similar findings reported
in Hi-sex brown strain of chicken by El-Sagheer and Hassanein (2006); in Pheasant
(Aydin and Bilgehan 2007) and in Lohmann laying hens (Lacin et al. 2008).
5.1.1.4. FCR (g feed/g egg mass)
In the present study, the mean feed conversion ratio (g feed/g egg mass) of
imported and local-3 flocks of Japanese quails was significantly (p<0.05) different
from other local flocks and difference between local-1 and local-2 was not
significant. With respect to body size categories, a significant (p<0.05) difference was
found in their mean FCR for the whole study period. The better FCR was recorded in
DISCUSSION
215
small weight category and poorer in heavy weight category quails. The results of the
present study are in close conformity with the findings of Leeson et al. (1997) who
reported that the smaller birds consistently consumed less feed throughout laying
period, regardless of the strain and this resulted in loss of egg size. Similarly, Jaroni et
al. (1999) observed that Dekalb hens exhibited better feed efficiency than Hi-sex hens
thus indicating strain differences for feed efficiency. Feed intake is reported to
increase with increase in body weight because heavy birds consume more feed and
lay larger eggs with larger egg yolk than smaller size hens (Leeson et al. 1997). The
findings of this study showing better FCR (g/egg mass) in small quails than in the
heavy and medium birds could be attributed to less feed intake by the small birds.
Feed consumption is reported to be affected by both the age and body weight in
quails (Nazligul et al. 2001). Kosba et al. (2002) reported that feed conversion ratio
ranged from 2.48 to 2.64 (feed/g egg) over the three generations of quails subjected to
selective breeding. Renden and McDaniel (1984) reported that daily feed intake was
significantly (p<.05) different between heavy and light hens and were directly related
to body weight. El-Sagheer and Hassanein (2006) observed that heavy and medium
birds of Hy-sex brown strain (HHS and MHS, respectively) exhibited significantly
(p<0.05) higher feed conversion by 2.1 and 1.1 percent, respectively, as compared
with that of light birds of Hy-sex brown (LHS). Lacin et al. (2008) observed
significant differences in feed conversion ratio among heavy, medium and small size
groups of Lohmann hen.
DISCUSSION
216
5.1.2. Egg quality characteristics
i. Egg weight (g)
The results of the present study reveal that the mean egg weight (g) in the
imported flock of Japanese quails was significantly (p<0.05) different from local-1
and local-2 flocks, however, difference between imported and local-3 flock was not
significant. The mean egg weight was also not significantly different in local-1 and
local-2 flocks. The similar findings indicating significant effect of strain on the egg
solids have been reported (Ahn et al. 1997; Gupta et al. 2007). Padhi et al. (1998)
reported breed variation in egg weight of chickens. The maximum egg weight was
recorded in Japanese quails as 11.28g (Selim and Seker 2004), 60.79±0.78g and
54.29±0.73g in Vanaraja and White Leghorn chickens at 40 weeks of age (Haunshi et
al. 2006), 60.08g in Farm chickens followed by Giriraja and indigenous chickens
(Baishya et al. 2008), 39.24±0.15g in guinea fowls (Singh et al. 2008) and
52.95±0.59g (Yadav et al. 2009) in chickens. The variation in egg weight between
imported and other local flocks recorded in this study could be attributed to strain
differences. The variation in egg weight of chickens has been suggested to be
associated with breed, strain, size of the bird, rate of egg production, nutrition and
other environmental conditions (Baishya et al. 2008; Zita et al. 2009).
In the present study heavy weight category birds had maximum egg weight
followed by medium and small size. These results are in line with those of Nazligul et
al. (2001) who stated that egg weight in Japanese quails increased with advancement
of age and with increase in body size. Similarly, egg weight in birds has been
reported to be related with their body size (Lacin et al. 2008).
DISCUSSION
217
The results of the present study indicating statistically significant (p<0.05)
difference between imported and different local close-bred flocks of Japanese quails
disagree with the findings of Rehman (2006) who could not find significant
differences in egg weight in the local and imported flocks of quails. The variation in
these results could be attributed to difference in body size of quails used in both the
studies. The quails of different weight categories were used in the present study,
whereas, quails of uniform size were maintained under the study conducted by
Rehman (2006).
ii. Egg shell weight (g)
In the present study, the difference in mean egg shell weight (g) in the
imported flock of Japanese quails was significant (p<0.05) than those of all the local
flocks. These results are fully substantiated with those of Silversides et al. (2006) who
reported strain variation in egg shell weight of chickens, the largest strain producing
higher egg shell weight than the lighter strains. Khurshid et al. (2003) reported that
egg shell weigh were positively correlated with egg length and width. The findings of
the present study are also in line with those of Gupta et al. (2007) who observed
significant differences in egg shell weight in different cross-bred chickens. It has been
further indicated that genotype can influence egg shell weight (Zita et al. 2009).
In the present study in respect to body size categories, there was significant
(p<0.05) difference in their mean egg shell weight. Heavy weight category birds
showed maximum egg shell weight followed by that of medium and small size birds.
The interaction between flocks and body size was significant (p<0.05). The variation
in egg shell weight in different close-bred flocks and in different size of quails
DISCUSSION
218
recorded in the present study could be attributed to variation in egg weight and shell
thickness in these birds. The egg weight has been reported to be an indicator of egg
shell weight and shell thickness (Selim and Seker 2004). The greater egg shell weight
in heavy size birds has also been suggested to be due to their low egg production
resulting in greater calcium deposition in egg shells (Wolanski et al. 2007).
iii. Egg shell thickness (mm)
The results of the present study showed that the mean egg shell thickness
(mm) in imported flock of Japanese quails was significantly (p<0.05) different from
all other local flocks. However, difference between local-1, local-2 and local-3 flocks
was not significant. The similar findings indicating significant variation in egg shell
thickness between strains (Eisen and Bohren 1963; Pandey et al. 1986; Dev and
Mahipal 2004) and breeds (Haunshi et al. 2006) have been reported. Rehman (2006)
also observed significant (p<0.05) differences in egg shell thickness among local and
imported flocks of Japanese quails. The egg shell strength in Manchurian Golden
quail was observed to be 4.6 percent greater than in Pharaoh Quail (Genchev and
Kabakchiev 2009). The egg shell strength has been associated with its shell thickness
(Deketelaere et al. 2002).
In the present study, the maximum mean egg shell thickness (0.31±0.002) was
recorded in the heavy weight quails and minimum (0.27±0.001) in the small quails.
Egg shell thickness significantly (p<0.05) differed in different size of quails. These
observations are in line with those of Ricklefs (1983) who indicated that larger body
size birds had larger egg length, width and better internal egg qualities than in smaller
body size birds. The greater egg shell thickness in heavy size quails observed in this
DISCUSSION
219
study might be due to higher egg size and egg shell weight. Scheinberg et al. (1953)
reported that the egg size may be a factor influencing the shell quality traits. The egg
weight has been reported to be an indicator of egg shell weight and shell thickness
(Selim and Seker 2004). Almost all internal egg quality traits changed at the
significant levels depending on the change in the egg weight with respect to the
external quality traits of the egg. As a result, it has been considered that it could be
possible to use the egg weight in determining the egg shell weight, shell thickness and
the shell ratio instead of using these traits that are the determinants of the egg shell
quality of the quail eggs (Selim and Seker 2004). Onbasilar et al. (2011) reported that
shell thickness was influenced by egg weight. However, the findings of the present
study are not in line with those of Nazligul et al. (2001) who observed that egg shell
thickness decreased in quails with increase in body weight and age. Lacin et al.
(2008) could not find significant effect of body weight on shell strength and shell
thickness.
iv. Haugh unit
In the present study, the mean haugh unit value in imported and all local
flocks of Japanese quails was not significantly different. These findings are quite in
agreement with the earlier findings of Rehman (2006) who observed not significant
differences in haugh unit values among local and imported flocks of Japanese quails.
Similar findings indicating non-significant differences in haugh unit values between
different breeds (Haunshi et al. 2006) and strains (Baishya et al. 2008; Afifi et al.
2010) have been reported.
DISCUSSION
220
In the present study, body size of quails significantly (p<0.05) influenced
mean haugh unit value. The interaction between flocks and body size also showed
significant (p<0.05) difference. The maximum mean haugh unit value was observed
in local-3 flock with heavy weight category, while minimum in imported flock with
small weight category. These results are in line with those of Lacin et al. (2008) who
reported significant effect of body weight on haugh unit values in chickens. Heavy
body size birds had better internal egg quality than smaller ones (Ricklefs 1983).
Haugh unit values have been reported to be related to body size (Renden and
McDaniel 1984), production cycle and egg weight (Onbasilar et al. 2011) of the birds.
However, the results of the present study did not agree with the findings of Nazligul
et al. (2001) who observed decrease in haugh unit with increase in body size of
quails. The variation in results of both the studies could be due to variation in size of
quails used in both the studies.
v. Yolk index
The findings of the present study showed that the mean yolk index of
imported flock of Japanese quails was significantly (p<0.05) different from local-2
and local-3 flocks except local-1. The similar results have been reported by Haunshi
et al. (2006); Baishya et al. (2008); Nawar (2009) indicating significant (p<0.05)
differences in yolk index among different genetic groups. Significant (p<0.05)
difference in yolk index between different breeds (Baishya et al. 2008) and cross-bred
chickens (Gupta et al. 2007) have also been reported. Tumova et al. (2007) reported
significant (p<0.05) effect of genotype on yolk index. However, contrary to the
findings of the present study, non-significant differences in yolk index for different
DISCUSSION
221
close-bred flocks of Japanese quails have been reported by Rehman (2006) which
could be due to variation in the size of quails used in both the studies. The quails of
different body weight categories were maintained during the present study, whereas,
Rehman (2006) maintained quails of uniform size. The yolk index was also reported
to be significantly (p<0.05) higher in the reciprocal crossbreds (Nwachukwu et al.
2006). During the present study, body size of quails significantly (p<0.05) influenced
yolk index. These observations are in line with those of Ricklefs (1983) who
indicated that large birds had better internal egg quality than small birds.
5.1.3. Hatching traits
i. Dead germ, dead in shell and infertile egg percent
The results of the present study show significant (p<0.05) effect of parental
body weight on dead in shell percent in H male x M female (in imported, local-1 and
local-2 flocks), H male x S female (in imported and local-1 flocks), M male x M
female (imported and local-1 flocks), M male x S female (imported and local-1
flocks), S male x H female (imported and local-1 flocks). The dead germ and infertile
egg percent were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by different parental body weight
in different close-bred flocks of Japanese quails. The results of the present study are
fully in line with those of Rehman (2006) who reported significant (p<0.05)
differences in all the hatching parameters among different local and imported stocks
of Japanese quails. The dead germ and infertile egg percent were significantly
(p<0.05) different among different close-bred flocks, whereas, dead in shell percent
was significantly (p<0.05) different in different close-bred flocks in all the parental
groups except in H male x H female, M male x M female, S male x M female and S
DISCUSSION
222
male x S female parents. These results are in line with those of Gharib et al. (2006)
who reported significantly higher fertility percent in the smaller line of Fayoumi
chickens than that of heavier line. The embryonic mortality during the early period
was reported to be non-significant (Soliman et al. 1994; Reis et al. 1997; Seker et al.
2004). Ahmad et al. (2000) found that light breeds had less embryonic mortality than
the heavy breeds. Late embryonic mortality was significantly affected by breed, size
and shape of eggs. Joseph and Moran (2005) reported that different selection
strategies affected development of the chick embryo and distribution of dead germs
was similar among hen sources.
Fertility in Japanese quails can be affected by different factors such as: mating
ratio, parental age, rate of laying, climatic and management conditions (Kulenkamp et
al. 1973). Fertility in Japanese quail has been reported to range between 72 and 92
percent (Wilson et al. 1961), 75.7 and 81.0 percent (El-Ibiary et al. 1966 and El-Fiky
1994), 66.4 and 85.8 percent (El-Fiky et al. 1996) and 66.7-85.8 percent (Sachdev et
al. 1985) Furthermore, El-Fiky et al. (1996) reported estimates between 66.4 and 85.8
percent for the same trait during 3 consecutive generations. (Marks 1979) reported
fertility estimate of 88.4 percent in a random bred population of Japanese quail.
Furthermore, Blohowiak et al. (1984) estimated 80.9 percent fertility during 13 to 16
weeks of age. Higher estimates of fertility percent as 81.7 (El-Fiky 2002), 83.4
(Sreenivasaiah and Joshi 1987), 84.0 (Line 1978) and 93.9 (Gildersleeve et al.1987)
has been indicated in quails. Marks (1979) reported decreased in fertility percent with
increase in body weight of Japanese quails. Improvement in fertility could be
achieved by improving environmental conditions (Magda et al. 2010).
DISCUSSION
223
ii. Hatchability percent
In the present study, hatchability percent was significantly (p<0.05)
influenced by parental body weight in different close-bred flocks of Japanese quails.
The highest hatchability percent was recorded in M male x S female (71.25±13.47)
parent of local-3 flock which differed significantly (p<0.05) from that of S male x M
female (43.77±15.99) in the same flock. The higher hatchability percentage
(65.24±4.41) was noted in S male x S female in imported flock which was
significantly (p<0.05) different from that of M male x H female (42.39±4.14) and H
male x H female (45.30±3.73) in the same flock. These results are in line with those
of Gharib et al. (2006) who reported significantly higher hatchability percent in the
smaller line of Fayoumi chickens than that of the heavier line. The influence of parent
body weight of female (Fasenko et al. 1992) and male (Bramwell et al. 1996) on
hatchability has been reported. Woodard et al. (1973) and Begin and Maclaury (1974)
reported that hatchability and age in quails were inversely proportional. Marks (1979)
reported that hatchability percent decreased with increase in body weight in Japanese
quails. Reduced hatchability due to higher body weight on account of obesity in
breeding flocks has been indicated (Siegel and Dunnington 1985). Hatchability of
fertile eggs in all the avian species including Japanese quails is influenced by many
factors such as, parent age, rate of lay and pre incubation storage conditions (Chahil
et al. 1975). The influence on hatchability of various environmental and management
factors in the production period, frequency of egg collection (Fasenko et al. 1991),
time of egg storage (Lapao et al. 1999; Heier et al. 2001), egg storage conditions
(Brake et al. 1997), egg shell quality (Peebles and Brake 1987; Roque and Soares
DISCUSSION
224
1994) and mating ratio (Sainsbury 1992) improving environmental conditions
(Magda et al. 2010) have also been reported from several studies. Hatchability
percent ranging between 80.2 and 88.4 percent (Woodard and Abplanalp 1967), 65.0-
88.9 percent (Chahil et al. 1975), 68.2-78.5 percent (El-Fiky et al. 1996), 63.0 to 79.0
percent (Wilson et al. 1961; Sreenivasaiah and Joshi 1987), 70.7-84.1 percent
(Sachdev et al. 1985) and 73.9 percent (El-Fiky 2002) in Japanese quails have been
reported. Lower ranges of hatchability estimates as 44.5 and 50.8 percent,
respectively, for selected and control lines of Japanese quails have been indicated
(Marks 1979). El-Fiky et al. (2000a) estimated hatchability percent as 62.7 and 57
percent for Brown and White strains of Japanese quails, respectively. Mean while,
Aboul-Hassan et al. (1999) reported an estimate of 64.2 and 70.2 percent for
hatchability of fertile eggs in the selected and the control lines subsequent to selection
for increased 6 weeks body weight in 3 successive generations of quails.
5.1.4. Slaughter characteristics
5.1.4.1. Carcass characteristics
Many researchers have studied carcass traits in Japanese quails and their
findings in this respect have been discussed in the forthcoming paragraphs.
i. Dressed (carcass) weight (g)
In the present study, dressed weight was significantly (p<0.05) different in
female quails only, whereas, male quails showed not significant differences. With
respect to body size categories, significant (p<0.05) difference was observed in
dressed weight of both the sexes. The interaction between flocks and body size also
showed significant (p<0.05) difference in both sexes. The similar findings have been
DISCUSSION
225
reported indicating a significant difference in carcass weight component between the
sexes at 4-weeks of age (p<0.01) with females quails having higher figures than
males (Khaldari et al. 2010). A marginally higher carcass weight in females and a
similar parts and carcass yield ratio of empty carcass (without head, neck and feet
over live body weight) in both the sexes of quails in pure line K with 68 percent
carcass yield has been reported (Minvielle et al. 2000).
The findings of this study indicate that dressed weight in imported flock was
higher than that of local flocks. Similarly, heavy weight male quails had maximum
dressed weight followed by that of medium and small quails. These results are in line
with those of Bacon and Nestor (1983) who reported that carcass weight was
influenced by live body weight in Japanese quails. Vali et al. (2005) observed
significantly higher carcass weight in male than females in all the lines with
significant (p<0.1) strain variation.
ii. Dressing percentage
In the present study, the difference in dressing percentage in imported and
local flocks of male Japanese quails was not significant, while, difference in female
birds of imported flock was significant (p<0.05) from all local flocks. These findings
are in quite agreement with those of Khaldari et al. (2010) who observed a significant
difference in body weight and carcass weights in quails but not for carcass percentage
components between the sexes (p<0.01), females had higher figures than males at 4
week of age. The similar findings indicating significant variations in dressing
percentage among cross-bred chickens have been reported by Mondal et al. (2007).
DISCUSSION
226
The findings of this study with respect to body size categories were not
significant difference in dressing percentage between both the sexes. The interaction
between flocks and body size was not significant in male quails only. The dressing
yield can be influenced by breed, body size, slaughtering age, sex, feed quality and
the processing techniques (Carlson et al. 1975). During the present study, the heavy
weight male quails had maximum dressing percentage followed by medium and small
size, whereas small and medium female quails had higher dressing percentage. These
results are in line with those of Iqbal et al. (2009) who indicated significantly
(p<0.01) higher dressing percentage in indigenous male than female chicken. Growth
and different carcass traits have been reported to be positively correlated Jaap et al.
(1950); Davis and Hutto (1953); Bouwkamp et al. (1973). Dressing percentage in
Japanese quail has been reported as 69.4 percent (Wilson et al. 1961); 59.3 to 67.3
percent (Bacon and Nestor 1983; El-Fiky 1991 and 69.6 to 68.1 percent (Kosba et al.
1992) at 6 weeks of age.
5.1.4.2. Relative weight (g/100g BW) of giblets
i. Liver
In the present study, both the sexes of imported and all the local flocks of
Japanese quails were not significantly different in mean relative weight of liver.
Similar findings indicating not significant differences in liver weight have been
reported among three chicken breeds, Black Nicobari, Brown Nicobari and Barred
birds (Jai et al. 2004). Liver weights were found to be influenced by lines in both the
sexes of Japanese quails (Levent et al. 1999). With respect to body size categories,
not significant difference in relative weight of liver was observed in both the sexes
DISCUSSION
227
during this study. The interaction between flocks and body size was also not
significant. Similar findings indicating heavier liver weight in male than female
native geese have been indicated (Turgut Kirmiziba Yrak 2002). The results of this
study further showed that medium weight category birds had maximum liver weight
followed by that of heavy and small size quails in both the sexes. The similar findings
indicating that liver weight in Japanese quails was influenced by their live body
weight have been reported by Bacon and Nestor (1983). Przywarova et al. (2001)
observed higher (p<0.01) liver weight in female Japanese quails. The liver weight
was associated with increase in giblet percentage in Japanese quails (Dhaliwal et al.
2004).
ii. Heart
In the present study, relative weight of heart in male quails from local-3 flock
was significantly (p<0.05) higher than in local-1, however, it was not significantly
different from other local and imported flocks. With respect to body size categories, a
non-significant difference was found in the mean relative weight of heart in both the
sexes. However, interaction between flocks and body size had significant (p<0.05)
effect only in male quails. These findings indicating variation in heart weight between
different close-bred flocks of quails are in close agreement with those of Kumari et al.
(2008) who reported significant difference in heart weight between black and brown
strains of Japanese quails. Breed differences in heart weight of chickens have also
been indicated (Mondal et al. 2007). Selection in Japanese quails for body weight at 4
weeks was associated with increase in giblets percentage (Dhaliwal et al. 2004).
Statistically significant (p<0.001) difference in heart weight in geese of different
DISCUSSION
228
origins have been pointed out (Muammer Tilki 2004). Age related differences in heart
weight of chickens with higher heart weight at 10 weeks than at 6 weeks of age have
also been indicated (Sandercock et al. 2009).
iii. Gizzard (with and without contents)
In the present study, the relative weight of gizzard (with contents) in local-1
male flock was significantly (p<0.05) different from imported and other local flocks.
The difference among other groups was not significant, however, the relative weight
of gizzard (without contents) in local-2 male flock was significantly (p<0.05) higher
only from local-1 flock. The difference in imported and local-3 was not significant.
With respect to body size categories, a non-significant difference in the weight of
gizzard (with and without contents) in both the male and female quails was observed.
The interaction between flocks and body size was significant (p<0.05) only in male
birds and this interaction was also significant (p<0.05) for gizzard weight without
contents in both the sexes. The mean gizzard weight in imported male flock remained
higher than of the local flocks. These results indicating difference in gizzard weight
among different close-bred flocks are in conformity with those of Kumari et al.
(2008) who reported that black strain of Japanese quails was superior to brown quails
for all the slaughter characters including gizzard weight. Selection at 4 weeks body
weight in Japanese quails has been associated with increase in giblet percentage
(Dhaliwal et al. 2004). Turgut Kirmizibayrak (2002) observed that male native geese
had significantly better gizzard weight than the females. The gizzard weight was
found to have significant (p<0.01) association with body weight in Japanese quails
(Bacon and Nestor 1983) and geese (Muammer Tilki 2004).
DISCUSSION
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5.1.4.3. Relative weight and length (g, cm/100g BW) of visceral organs
i. Intestinal weight and length
The local-1 and local-2 male quail flocks were significantly (p<0.05) different
from local-3 male flock in mean relative intestinal weight. Mean relative intestinal
weight of imported flock was not significantly different from local-3 flock. With
respect to body size categories, a non-significant difference in the mean intestinal
weight in both the sexes and in the mean intestinal length in male quails was
observed. The interaction between flocks and body size was found to be significant
(p<0.05) in male quails only. The mean intestinal length (cm) in imported and all the
local flocks of male Japanese quails showed non-significant difference, whereas, in
female quails it was significantly (p<0.05) different. In a similar study, Rehman
(2006) observed significant difference (p<0.05) in intestinal weight and length among
imported and local stocks of Japanese quails. Bhatti et al. (2003) reported breed
differences in length of intestine with higher figure in Nick chick layers than other
breeds of chickens which was attributed to higher production in Nick chick.
Jaturasitha (2004) reported higher intestinal percentage in male than female chickens.
The findings of the study conducted by Iqbal (2011) in Aseel chickens indicate higher
(p<0.05) intestinal weight (68.5±10.9g) in male than female (44.8±2.93g) at 12 weeks
of age, however, differences were not significant between sexes at 15 weeks of age.
The intestinal length was greater (p<0.05) in male birds (162.3±5.5cm) than females
(144.7±3.7cm) at 15 weeks of age, however, non-significant differences were
recorded between sexes at 12 weeks of age and also among the four varieties of Aseel
at both 12 and 15 weeks of age.
DISCUSSION
230
ii. Reproductive tract weight, length and mature ovarian follicle numbers
Difference in relative reproductive tract length between local-1 and imported
groups were not significant. Imported and local-1 flocks were significantly (p<0.05)
different than local-2 and local-3 flocks. The mean relative number of mature ovarian
follicles in imported and all other local flocks of Japanese quails was not significantly
different. These findings are quite in agreement with those of Rehman (2006) who
reported non-significant effect of close-bred flocks on reproductive tract weight,
length and ovarian follicular numbers in imported and local stocks of Japanese quails.
Levent et al. (1999) observed that sex organ weights and yields in both the sexes were
similar between different quail lines. Non-significant (p>0.05) differences were
observed in ovary weight among four varieties of Aseel at 12 and 15 weeks of age
(Iqbal 2011).
With respect to body size categories, not significant difference was found in
reproductive tract weight and mature ovarian follicle numbers, whereas, significant
(p<0.05) difference in reproductive tract length between small and heavy groups
during this study was observed. The evidence derived from the available literature
suggests that a negative relationship between body weight and different reproductive
traits in Japanese quails exists similar to chickens and turkeys (Marks 1980). A
positive correlation between ovarian follicles and body weight during the growth
period in Japanese quails has been indicated (Anthony et al. 1996), however, age at
sexual maturity and follicle number was reported to be negatively correlated in two
lines of quails (Reddish et al. 2003). A higher ovary weight was observed following
the onset of sexual maturity than 1 or 2 weeks before at the age of 35 and 28 days,
respectively (Yannakopoulos et al. 1995).
DISCUSSION
231
iii. Testes weight
The mean testes weight (g) in imported and all the local flocks of Japanese
quails was not significantly different during this study. With respect to body size
categories, not significant difference was observed in their mean weight of testes.
These findings are in line with those of Rehman (2006) who reported non-significant
difference in testes weight of imported and local stocks of Japanese quails. Levent et
al. (1999) observed similar weights of sex organs and yields in both the sexes
between different quail lines. Similarly, non-significant (p>0.05) differences were
observed in testes weight among the four varieties of Aseel at 12 and 15 weeks of age
(Iqbal 2011).
5.1.4.4. Proximate analysis
i. Breast meat
The results of the present study showed non-significant differences in percent
crude protein and ether extract in breast meat in both the sexes of Japanese quails
except in dry matter. The ash percent in breast meat in male quails was not
significantly different, however, it was significantly (p<0.05) different in female
quails. With respect to body size categories, a significant (p<0.05) difference was
observed in crude protein percent only in female quails. Significant (p<0.05)
difference in percent ash was recorded in female quails only, whereas, non-significant
difference was observed in dry matter percent in both the sexes. The interaction
between flocks and body size showed non-significant differences in both sexes of
quails in crude protein, ether extract and dry matter percent except ash percent. The
results of this study are in line with the findings of Zaman et al. (2009) who reported
DISCUSSION
232
non-significant differences in crude protein, ether extract, dry matter and ash percent
in breast meat in both the sexes of Nageswari ducks. Significant breed variation in
protein and moisture in meat and no such difference in muscles has been observed
(Fujimura et al. 1996). Chen et al. (1996); Bhatti et al. (2003a) reported non-
significant difference (p>0.05) in crude protein, crude fat, total ash and moisture
contents regardless of sex and strains of chickens. Higher fat content in breast meat in
female chicken was recorded than in male breast. The effect of strain, age and sex on
the composition of carcass revealed that moisture percentage was not significantly
affected by strain and sex. However, it decreased with increase in age. Crude protein
contents generally increased with age in both the sexes of all the four strains broiler
chickens. Fat contents increased with age in the all four strains. Female broilers of all
strains had significantly greater fat contents than the male broilers (p<0.05). Between
the male and female broilers Hubbard strain had significantly more fat percentage,
followed by Indian River, Ross and Lohmann. There was no effect on the ash
contents of carcass due to sex and strain, through it decreased with increase in age
(Ahmad 1989).
ii. Thigh meat
In the present study, the difference in mean crude protein and ether extract in
thigh meat in both the sexes of imported and local flocks of Japanese quails was not
significant. However ash percent in both the sexes of quails were not significantly
different. The results further showed that dry matter percent in thigh meat of local -1
male flock was significantly (p<0.05) different from local-2 and local-3 flocks. With
respect to body size categories, not significant difference in the mean crude protein,
DISCUSSION
233
ether extract and ash percent was found except for dry matter in both the sexes of
quails. The interaction between flocks and body size showed significant (p<0.05)
difference in ether extract and dry matter percent except for crude protein and ash
percent in both the sexes of quails. The results of this study are in agreement with
those of Zaman et al. (2009) who reported non-significant difference in the mean
percentage of moisture, crude protein, ether extract and ash content in thigh meat in
both the sexes of Nageswari ducks. Similarly, no differences could be detected in
carcass fat in five commercial broiler strains (Becker et al. 1981). The protein content
of meat was reported to be similar in different strains of chickens (Fujimura et al.
1996). The results of the present study indicating non-significant difference in crude
protein and fat contents of breast and thigh meat in quails of different body size and
close-bred flocks could be attributed to feeding of the same feed to these birds thus
not influencing composition of meat for these parameters. Similar findings in
chickens have also been reported (Bhatti et al. 2003a).
5.1.4.5. Blood biochemical profile
i. Blood serum chemistry
In the present study, imported and local flocks of male and female Japanese
quails was significantly (p<0.05) different in mean serum total protein, cholesterol
and urea (mg/dl) concentration except in serum glucose, whereas, serum albumin
concentration were significantly (p<0.05) different only in female quail flocks. With
respect to body size categories, not significant difference was found in mean serum
glucose, total protein, albumin, cholesterol and urea (mg/dl) concentrations during
DISCUSSION
234
this study. The interaction between flocks and body size was also not significant in
serum glucose and urea levels in both the sexes of quails.
The results of the present study indicating variation in total protein and
cholesterol levels between male and female quails are in line with those of Scholtz et
al. (2009) who reported variation in total protein and cholesterol levels in both the
sexes in adult quails. Blood cholesterol was reported to significantly vary in different
birds at different stages (Yeh et al. 1996). The plasma cholesterol level (150.72
mg/dl) was found to vary significantly between sexes in quails (Malarmathi et al.
2009). Bahie El-Deen (2009) observed that cholesterol concentration in quails was
reduced at 13 week of age (peak egg production) than during other production
periods. This could be due to depression in serum cholesterol during high egg
production period on account of cholesterol shift from the blood to the ovarian tissue
for egg yolk formation which seems to be a metabolic phenomenon for meeting a
continued serum cholesterol demand to replenish losses during egg formation
production (Mady 1990). Flora and Sangeetha (2000) observed significant differences
in total protein and serum albumin concentration between both the sexes of RIR
chickens during different age periods. Breed differences in total blood protein
concentration in ducks have also been reported (Makinde and Fatunmbi 1985). The
variation in serum urea concentration between different close-bred flocks during this
study might be due to variation in metabolism of protein/amino acid in these flocks as
Sykes (1971) indicated that urea/uric acid is the end product of metabolism of
protein/amino acid.
DISCUSSION
235
The results of the present study indicate not significant difference in serum
glucose concentration of different close-bred flocks of quails which could be due to
their identical potential to metabolize carbohydrate. Similar explanation was made by
Saleem et al. (1996) in case of three different strains of broiler chickens.
In the present study, serum protein concentration in different close-bred flocks
of quails was found to range between 3.31 to 6.50mg/dl which is quite similar to the
values recorded by (Malarmathi et al. 2009) in Black strain of Japanese quails.
There is reported to be not significant difference with regard to serum protein,
glucose and phosphorus contents between breeds of broilers (Saleem et al. 1996)
whereas, protein and water contents are reported to differ significantly between breed
types but there was no difference in muscles (Fujimura et al. 1996).
ii. Plasma macro minerals
During the present study, the mean plasma calcium and sodium (mg/dl) in
imported and local flocks of Japanese quails was not significantly different from each
other in both the sexes of. The mean plasma phosphorus and potassium in imported
and local flocks varied significantly (p<0.05) only in female flocks. The plasma
magnesium in imported and local flocks of Japanese quails showed significant
(p<0.05) difference only in male quails. With respect to body size categories, a
significant (p<0.05) difference was observed for plasma P, Na, K and Mg levels only
in female quails, whereas, not significant difference was found in mean plasma Ca
levels in both the sexes of quails. The interaction between flocks and body size was
not significant for plasma Ca level in both the sexes. However, it was significant
DISCUSSION
236
(p<0.05) for plasma P, Na and K in female quails and for Mg in both the sexes of
quails.
The level of several blood plasma constituents has been reported to vary in
female birds during different reproductive stages (Bacon et al. 1980). Therefore,
plasma mineral concentrations during laying period can be influenced by many
factors such as laying rate (Suchy et al. 2001), body weight and age of hens (Cerolini
et al. 1990; Gyenis et al. 2006; Pavlik et al. 2009). The results of the present study
indicating not significant difference in plasma calcium and sodium concentration in
imported and local flocks of quails are in quite agreement with those of (Abdelrahim
Ahmed 2009) who observed not significant differences in plasma calcium and sodium
levels between three breeds of Sudanese indigenous chickens. However, the results of
this study are not in line with those of El-Kaiaty and Hassan (2004), who reported
significant differences between local strains of chickens for serum calcium. Enaiat et
al. (2010) observed strain variation in plasma calcium level in chickens. Hanan
(2010) observed highly significant increase in Ca with advancement of age. The exact
reasons for variation in findings of the present and of other studies in respect of
plasma calcium levels could not be precisely explained, however, it seems that,
similar blood plasma levels in different close-bred flocks of quails in this study might
be due to an identical genetic mechanism controlling calcium metabolism in these
birds. The concentration of various plasma blood components may vary in female
birds during different productive stages (Bacon et al. 1980). Different studies were
undertaken to associate performance with some physical and chemical constituents of
blood in chickens (Mady 1990; El-Bogdady et al. 1993). The results of these
DISCUSSION
237
investigations, however, are conflicting. Increase in Ca level with increase in egg
production has been due to release of steroid hormones in laying hens through several
modes of action involving deposition of calcium within the medullar portion of long
bones (Johnson 1986) and also increased protein bound serum calcium (Urist et al.
1958). A considerable increase in plasma calcium levels at the beginning of laying
period of hens and its subsequent gradual increase has been observed (Cerolini et al.
1990; Gyenis et al. 2006; Pavlik et al. 2009).
The results of the present study showed not significantly difference in plasma
phosphorus concentration between male quails and in plasma sodium levels in both
the sexes of imported and local flocks. These results are in agreement with those of
Hassan et al. (2006) who observed not significant difference in serum phosphorus
levels between different strains of chickens. Enaiat et al. (2010) could not detect an
appreciable difference in plasma phosphorus levels between two different strains of
chickens. Enaiat et al. (2010) reported not significant strain differences in serum
phosphorus. Olayemi et al. (2002) reported that sodium levels in the young Nigerian
ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) were not significantly different from those of the adult
ducks. The variation in plasma phosphorus concentration between male and female
quails recorded during this study agree with the findings of Nazifi et al. (2011) who
reported significant (p<0.05) difference in blood phosphorus concentration between
both the sexes of Iranian chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar). Bhatti et al. (2002)
reported increased serum phosphorus concentration (p<0.05) during laying. Hanan
(2010) reported significant increase in plasma phosphorus with advancement of age
DISCUSSION
238
with lowest values at 18 weeks. Pavlik et al. (2009) reported that plasma phosphorus
concentrations decreased from 22 to75 weeks of age in laying hens.
In the present study, mean plasma potassium concentration in imported and
local flocks was significant (p<0.05) only in female quails. Similar findings
indicating breed variation in plasma potassium concentration in Sudanese indigenous
chickens have been reported by Abdelrahim Ahmed (2009). Potassium is essentially
needed for many important functions such as osmotic, acid base and water balance
and also involves in different enzymatic actions and a balance is necessary between
potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium (McDowell 1993). With increase in pH
of the body fluids, potassium concentration and alkalinity in the cells increase,
resulting into more alkalinity in the urine (Donald et al. 1988).
5.2. Progeny flock
5.2.1. Growth performance
During the present study, effect of different body weights in 4 close-bred
flocks (1 imported and 3 local) of Japanese quails on the growth performance and
other related parameters of the progeny have been discussed as under:
i. Body weight (g)
In the present study, different parental body weight categories significantly
(p<0.05) affected day-old progeny body weight and also 1st, 2nd and 3rd week body
weight of Japanese quail. The heavy male parents had apparently more pronounced
effect on day-old and 1st week progeny body weights, however, the results were not
significant in all the close-bred flocks. However, pronounced effect of male parent
body weight on progeny 1st week was recorded. The progeny body weight of quails
DISCUSSION
239
in different close- bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different in all the parental
groups. The interaction between parental body size and close-bred flocks was
significant (p<0.05) for 1st, 2nd and 3rd weeks progeny body weight except for day-
old body weight. The findings of this study indicating greater effect of male parent on
progeny body weight in Japanese quails could be due to higher heritability of this trait
in male quail parents than the female. Kawahara and Saito (1976) reported higher
heritability and larger genetic variance for total body weight and muscle weight in
male quails than females. The results of this study indicating effect of parent body
weight on progeny body weight could be due to higher egg weight and day-old chick
weight from heavy parents which subsequently lead to higher final body weight at 3rd
week in the progeny. The similar findings indicating significant effect of hatch weight
on 2nd week body weight in quails have been reported (Saatci et al. 2003; Saatci et al.
2006; Shokoohmand et al. 2007; Kumari et al. 2009; Alkan et al. 2010).
The results of the present study showing significant (p<0.05) difference in
body weight of quails in different close-bred flocks are in line with those of Leeson et
al. (1997) who reported significant (p<0.01) strain effect on body weight in chickens.
It has been further observed that selected males produced significantly (p<0.01)
heavier body weight in broilers at 6 weeks of age (Van Wambeke et al. 1981).
The previous findings indicated that several factors, including, species, breed,
egg nutrient levels, egg environment, egg size (Wilson 1991a, b), weight loss during
the incubation period, weight of the shell and other residues at hatch (Tullett and
Burton 1982), shell quality, and incubator conditions (Peebles and Brake 1987) may
influence hatching weight of chicks. In addition, many factors such as seasonal
DISCUSSION
240
effects (because of changes in maternal metabolism), genotype, incubation period
(Wilson 1991b), body weight, and hen age (Benoff and Renden 1983; Tserveni-Gousi
1987), as well as correlated responses due to genetic selection (Rodda et al. 1977;
Akbar et al. 1983; Fletcher et al. 1983), may alter egg weight-chick weight
relationships. The earlier findings also indicated that maternal effect on chick weight
was possibly mediated via egg composition of both the genetic and the environmental
origin. Furthermore, no significant genetic correlation of the direct genetic effect on
chick weight and on egg composition was found (Hartmann et al. 2003).
In the present study, the body weight at hatching in different quail progenies
secured from heavy, medium and small size quail parents was 8.14±0.23g,
7.85±0.06g, 7.69±0.03g, respectively. However, in other studies, body weight of
Japanese quail at week-0 has been recorded as 6g for both the sexes by Lepore and
Marks (1971). For 2nd weeks body weight in Japanese quail, Sefton and Siegel
(1974) reported a range from 37.8 to 43.4g for males and from 38.7 to 45.1g for
females, whereas, Lepore and Marks (1971), Mousa (1993) and Aboul-Hassan (2000)
reported body weight of quails at 2nd week as 43.6, 36.4 and 35.2g, respectively.
Similarly, 2nd weeks body weight as 41.0 and 45.1g for males and females,
respectively (El-Fiky 1991), 46.4g for the Brown strain of Japanese quail and 40.2g
for the White strain (Aboul-Hassan 2001a) and 71.89g (Megeed and Younis 2006)
have been reported. Abdel-Fattah (2006) reported higher estimate for this trait as
54.06 and 54.80g for males and females, respectively for 3rd week. Contrary to the
above findings, the higher body weight in quails at 2nd and 3rd week has been
DISCUSSION
241
observed during this study. This variation in body weights could be due to genetic
variation in quail strains used in these studies.
ii. Weight gain (g)
In the present study, effect of different parental body size on 1st, 2nd and 3rd
week and cumulative progeny body weight gain was significant (p<0.05). The
interaction between parental body size and close-bred flocks was also significant.
The highest progeny weight gain during 1st week in Japanese quails was recorded in
M male x M female parents in imported flock (21.16±1.58), whereas, the lowest
progeny body weight gain during this period was in H male x S female (16.28±1.75)
parent in local-2 flock. The results further showed significant (p<0.05) differences in
1st week progeny body weight gain among imported and local-close-bred flocks
except in H male x H female, M male x H female and M male x S female parents.
The highest 2nd week progeny weight gain was noted in M male x S female
(38.60±1.20) parent of local-1 flock and in H male x H female (38.60±1.20) parent of
imported flock, whereas, the lowest was in S male x S female (27.30±3.60) parent in
imported flock. The 2nd week progeny body weight gain among different close-bred
flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different from each other except from H male x S
female parents. The 3rd week progeny body weight gain in imported and local flocks
of different parental groups was significantly (p<0.05) different except from H male x
H female, H male x S female, M male x S female, S male x M female parental
groups. The results of this study showing variation in body weight gain among
different close-bred flocks are in agreement with those of Yakubu et al. (2006) who
reported strain variation (p<0.05) in body weight gain in broilers at the age of 4-
DISCUSSION
242
week. The similar strain variation in body weight gain in Aseel chicken at different
ages has also been indicated by Iqbal (2011). The effect of egg size was highly
significant in case of body weight gain in Japanese quails (Shoukat 1989).
iii. Feed intake (g) and FCR (feed/g gain)
In the present study, 1st, 2nd and 3rd week and cumulative feed intake (g) and
feed conversion ratio-FCR (feed/g gain) of the progeny were significantly (p<0.05)
influenced by parental body size of Japanese quails. The 1st week progeny feed
intake in different close-bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different from each
other in all the parental groups except in H male x H female, H male x M female and
S male x H female. The 2nd and 3rd week progeny feed intake and 2nd week progeny
FCR (feed/g gain) in different close-bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different
from each other. The highest progeny cumulative feed intake was recorded in M male
x H female (393.17±30.66) parent group in imported flock which was significantly
(p<0.05) different from rest of the parent groups in imported flock. The interaction
between parental body weight and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05) for
weekly and cumulative feed intake and FCR (feed/g gain) in the progeny. These
results indicating variation in FCR in quail progenies from different close-bred flocks
agree with those of Sahota et al. (2003) who reported significant (p<0.01) differences
in feed conversion efficiency in progenies of Desi chickens in comparison to their
parents. Khantaprab and Tarachai (1998) reported that feed conversion ratio (FCR) in
8 weeks-old ducks were significantly (p>0.05) different between breeds. Marks
(1980) observed that feed conversions for two lines (P and T) selected for high 4-
week body weight were superior to that of a non-selected control line following 42
DISCUSSION
243
generations of selection indicating that selection for increased body weight also
resulted in improved feed utilization. The FCR in four varieties of Aseel was
significantly (p<0.05) different at 1st, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th,
14th and 15th weeks of age (Iqbal 2011). Significant strain variation in feed intake
has been reported (Joya et al. 1979; Proudfoot and Hulan 1987; Leeson et al 1997).
The variation in feed intake and feed conversion ratio due to sex has also been
observed (Balogun et al. 1997; Ajayi and Ejiofor 2009).
The findings of the present study showing effect of parental body weight on
progeny feed intake in quails are fully supported by those of Renden and McDaniel
(1984) who reported that daily feed intake was significantly (p<0.05) different
between heavy and light hens and were directly related to their body weight. Feed
efficiency was greatest in control hens with both control and light hens significantly
more efficient than heavy hens. It has been further indicated that chicks hatched from
larger and medium eggs were heavier at day-old, gained considerably more weight up
to 6-weeks of age (Farooq 1989). The maintenance requirement of feed has been
reported to be increased with increase in body weight of birds which reduced
availability of energy required for their growth (May et al. 1998; Smith et al. 1998;
Smith and Pesti 1998; Coetzee and Hoffman 2001), thus having detrimental effect
on feed intake and feed conversion ratio (Rondelli et al. 2003). Selection to decrease
feed conversion ratio increases body weight and weight gain and decreases feed
intake and residual feed intake as a correlated response (Varkoohi et al. 2010).
DISCUSSION
244
iv. Mortality rate (%)
In the present study, a significant (p<0.05) effect of different parental body
weights on progeny mortality rate (%) during 1st, 2nd and 3rd week and cumulative
progeny mortality rate was recorded. The mortality rate in quail progenies secured
from small size parents was higher than those hatched from heavy and medium
parents. This high mortality could be attributed to small egg and chick size from
small parents. These results agree with those of Among et al. (1984) who reported
higher mortality rate in chicks hatched from smaller eggs than of larger eggs. Wilson
(1991) indicated that weight of the newly hatched chick was correlated with post-
hatch growth and chick mortality.
During the present study, the first week progeny mortality rate in different
close-bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different from H male x H female, H
male x S female, M male x H female, S male x H female, S male x M female and S
male x S female parents. The progeny mortality rate during 2nd week and cumulative
mortality rate in different close-bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different in all
the parental groups. The progeny mortality rate during 3rd week in local-2 flock was
significantly (p<0.05) different from imported and other local flocks from M male x S
female parental group. The interaction between parental body weight and close-bred
flocks was significant (p<0.05). These results are in line with those of Awobajo et al.
(2009) who reported significant (p<0.001) difference in mortality rate in various
broiler strains during brooding stage with Ross having the lowest mortality rate. The
chicks hatched from larger and medium eggs showed a lower percentage of mortality
as compared to chicks hatched from smaller eggs (Farooq 1989). Yassin et al. (2009)
DISCUSSION
245
reported significant differences in first week mortality in broilers hatched from
different broiler breeders. Livability in broilers may depend on day-old chick quality
and farm management (Wilson 1991a, 1997; Joseph and Moran 2005a; Tona et al.
2005; Decuypere and Bruggeman 2007). The ability of a chick to survive during 1st
week is associated with the quality of the day-old broiler (Goodhope 1991). Mortality
rate during 1st week can influence subsequent performance of the flock. In the
present study, the mortality rate in quail progenies hatched from heavy, medium and
small parents ranged from 11.5±1.11, 10.36±3.67 and 15.41±2.56 percent,
respectively. This mortality range is in line with those of El-Fiky et al. (1996) and El-
Fiky et al. (2000) who reported early and late mortality rate between 5.0 to 9.5
percent and 16.50 to 22.2 percent and 5.07 to 5.18 percent and 16.50 to 18.25 percent
in Japanese quails.
5.2.2. Slaughter characteristics
5.2.2.1. Carcass characteristics
i. Slaughter weight, dressed weight and dressing percentage at week-3
In the present study, different parental body size significantly (p<0.05)
influenced progeny slaughter weight, dressed weight and dressing percentage in
Japanese quails at 3rd week. The slaughter weight (g) in male progeny in different
close-bred flocks of quails from all the parental groups was significantly (p<0.05)
different except from M male x M female and S male x H female parents. The
slaughter weight (g) in different close-bred flocks in female progeny in all the
parental groups was significantly (p<0.05) different. The interaction between parental
body size and close-bred flocks for above parameters was significant (p<0.05) both in
DISCUSSION
246
male and female quails. The dressed weight (g) in all the close-bred flocks differed
significantly in male and female quails. The dressing percentage in the quail
progenies from different close-bred flocks in H male x S female parental groups were
not significantly different, whereas, in other parental groups, quail progenies from all
the close-bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different.
The results of the present study showing variation in dressing percent in quail
progenies from different close-bred flocks are in agreement with those of Punyavee et
al. (2000) who reported differences in dressing percentage between native and
imported breeds of chickens. The carcass weight variation in different quail lines has
been observed (Levent et al. 1999). Jaturasitha et al. (2004) reported lower dressing
percentage in exotic chickens than the native breed. Similar variation in dressing
percentage (Lopez et al. 2006; Zhao et al. 2009; Lopez et al. 2011) and slaughter
yield (Yakubu et al. 2006) in broiler strains has been reported. The carcass
components in broilers have been reported to be influenced by the dietary enzymes
besides genetic makeup (Thakur and Kulkarni 1991).
The findings of the present study indicating higher dressing percent in male
than female quails are in line with those of Sandip (2010) who obtained similar
results in quails. Similar sex variation in dressing yield of broilers with male broilers
possessing higher dressing percent than female broilers has been indicated by Lopez
et al. (2006). The results of this study indicating significant effect of parental body
weight on progeny carcass characteristics could be attributed to a positive correlation
between body weight and carcass traits in the quails. Toelle et al. (1991) has stated
DISCUSSION
247
that genetic correlations of body weight with carcass measurements in Japanese
quails were positive and tended to be moderate to high.
5.2.2.2. Relative weight (g/100g BW) of giblets
i. Liver, heart and gizzard
In the present study, relative weight of liver, heart and gizzard (g/100g BW) in
the progeny was significantly (p<0.05) influenced by parental body size in different
close-bred flocks of Japanese quails. The liver weight in female progeny in different
close-bred flocks from all the parental groups was significantly (p<0.05) different
except from H male x S female, M male x S female and S male x M female parental
groups. The heart weight in female quail progeny in different close-bred flocks from
all the parental groups was significantly (p<0.05) different. The gizzard weight in
male and female progeny of quails from different close-bred flocks in all the parental
groups was significant (p<0.05). The interaction between parental body size and
close-bred flocks for different organ weights was significant (p<0.05). These results
indicating significant variation in weight of liver, heart and gizzard in different close-
bred flocks of quails are in close agreement with the findings of Oguz et al. (1996)
who reported similar variations in different lines of quails. Similarly, Punyavee et al.
(2000) reported higher weight of liver and gizzard in native breed of chicken than the
fast growing breeds. During this study, female quails had higher weight of liver than
male quails. An identical trend of liver weight in quails was reported by Sandip
(2010). The higher weight of heart in female quails than male recorded in this study
could be attributed to higher body weight in female quails. Bacon and Nestor (1983);
DISCUSSION
248
Tserveni-Gousi and Yannakopoulos (1986) reported that heart weight in Japanese
quails were influenced by their live body weight.
5.2.2.3. Relative length (cm/100g BW) of visceral organ
i. Intestinal length
The results of this study show that intestinal length in the quail progeny was
influenced (p<0.05) by different parent body weights in different close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails. The intestinal length in female quail progeny in different close-bred
flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different from all the parental groups except from H
male x M female and H male x S female parents. The interaction between parental
body weight and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05). The findings of this
study indicating variation in intestinal length between different close-bred flocks of
Japanese quails are in line with earlier findings of Rehman (2006) who observed
significant (p<0.05) difference in intestinal length among imported and local stocks of
Japanese quails. The intestinal length in Desi hens was larger than in other three
strains of chicken (Bhatti et al. 2003). The results of this study showing greater
intestinal length in female than male quails are in agreement with those of Sandip
(2010) who reported similar observations in quails.
249
Chapter 6
SUMMARY
In Pakistan, the low live and dressed market weights in Japanese quails has
been one of the significant problems badly influencing future development in quail
production. No serious attempts have yet been made in the country to improve body
weight and meat yield in local quails. The present study of one year duration was
therefore, planned at Avian Research and Training (ART) Centre, Department of
Poultry Production, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of
Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. The main objectives of the study were to
evaluate productive performance, egg quality, hatching performance, slaughter
characteristics and blood biochemical profile in four close-bred flocks of Japanese
quails with different body weights and examine its effect on the subsequent progeny
growth. For this purpose, a total of 432 (108 males and 324 females) adult quails
were randomly picked up from 4 close-bred flocks maintained at ART Centre and
then were divided into 108 experimental units/ replicates (comprising 1 male and 3
females each). These experimental units were randomly assigned to 12 treatment
groups, having 4 close-bred flocks (imported, local 1, local 2, and local 3) x 3 female
body size (heavy, medium and small) with randomized complete block design
(RCBD) in factorial arrangements having 9 replicates in each treatment.
The experimental quails were maintained under standard management
conditions in individual compartments in multi-deck cages equipped with separate
SUMMARY
250
nipple drinkers and were fed ad-libitum with a quail breeder ration prepared
according to NRC standards. The weekly data on productive performance (body
weight, egg production and feed intake) were recorded. Feed conversion ratio (g
feed/egg and g feed/g egg mass) was worked out. Egg quality characteristics (egg
weight, shell weight, shell thickness, haugh unit, yolk index, and blood and meat
spots) and hatching traits (dead germ percent, dead in shell percent, infertile egg
percent, hatchability percent and mal-positions) were recorded. At the termination of
the experiment, two breeder quails from each experimental unit (one male and one
female each) were randomly picked up and were slaughtered to record the
slaughtering traits (live and dressed weight, dressing percentage, weight of giblets
and other visceral organs). Proximate composition (crude protein, ether extract, dry
matter and ash contents) of thigh and breast meat was determined. Blood samples
from each group were analyzed for blood serum glucose, total protein, albumin,
cholesterol and urea. Blood macro mineral profile for plasma calcium (Ca),
phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) was determined.
The eggs from each replicate were collected and separately incubated on
fortnightly basis to study 3 weeks progeny growth performance (average weight of
day-old quail chicks, weekly body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion
ratio (feed/g gain) and mortality rate). At the end of 3rd week, 2 quails (one male and
one female each) from each experimental unit were picked up randomly and were
slaughtered to record slaughtering traits (slaughter and dressed weight, dressing
percentage, weight of giblets and visceral organs). Economics of quail production up
to 3 weeks was worked out.
SUMMARY
251
The data thus collected were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA)
technique with randomized complete block design (RCBD) under factorial
arrangement for further interpretation using general linear model (GLM) procedures
(SAS, 9.1 version). The comparison of means was made using Duncan’s Multiple
Range (DMR) test.
6.1. Parent breeder flock
In the present study of 31 weeks duration, imported flock of Japanese quails
gained significantly higher body weight than local flocks. With respect to body size
categories, there was a significant (p<0.05) difference in their mean body weight. The
interaction between flocks and body size was also observed to be significant (p<0.05).
The heavy weight quails had maximum body weight followed by that of medium and
small size quails.
The difference in mean egg production percentage, egg number and feed
conversion ratio (g feed/egg) were not significant, whereas, egg weight was
significantly (p<0.05) higher in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails. Mean feed
conversion ratio (g feed/g egg mass) in imported and local-3 flocks of Japanese quails
was significantly (p<0.05) different from other local flocks. The body weight
categories had significant (p<0.05) effect on egg production percentage, egg number,
feed conversion ratio (g feed/egg) and egg weight, however, their effect was not
significant on egg mass. The interaction between flocks and body size showed a
similar trend. The mortality remained nil in the experimental breeder quails during
this study.
SUMMARY
252
The significant (p<0.05) differences were noted in egg weight, shell weight,
shell thickness, yolk index, dead germ, infertile egg and hatchability percent,
whereas, haugh unit value was not significantly different in all the close-bred flocks
of Japanese quails. The dead in shell percent in different close-bred flocks was
significantly (p<0.05) different in all the parental groups except in H male x H
female, M male x H female, S male x M female and S male x S female. With respect
to body size categories, differences for egg weight, shell weight, shell thickness, yolk
index, haugh unit value, dead germ, infertile egg and hatchability percent were
significant (p<0.05). The interaction between flocks and body size was significant in
respect of all the above egg quality and hatching traits. Blood and meat spots were
found nil and no mal-positions were noted.
The minimum dead germ percent was recorded in local-2 and local-3 flocks in
S male x H female, however, the highest hatchability percent was recorded in M male
x S female parent of local-3 flock. The significant (p<0.05) effect of parental body
weight on dead in shell percent was recorded in H male x M female (in imported,
local-1 and local-2 flocks), H male x S female (in imported and local-1 flocks), M
male x M female (imported and local-1 flocks), M male x S female (imported and
local-1 flocks), S male x H female (imported and local-1 flocks).
The dressed weight (g) in imported and local flocks of Japanese quails was
significantly (p<0.05) different in female quails, whereas, dressing percentage in
imported and local flocks of male Japanese quails was not significantly different.
With respect to body size categories, there was a significant (p<0.05) difference for
dressed weight and dressing percentage in both the sexes.
SUMMARY
253
The imported flock of male Japanese quails was significantly (p<0.05)
different from all the other local flocks in relative weight of gizzard (with and without
contents) .Imported and all the local flocks of Japanese quails were not significantly
different in their relative weight of liver in both the sexes. The relative weight of heart
and mean weight of intestine in local-3 flock of male Japanese quails were
significantly (p<0.05) different, whereas, female birds were not significantly different
in this respect from all the local and imported flocks. With respect to body size
categories, relative weight of heart, liver, gizzard and intestines in both the sexes were
not significantly different. The interaction between flocks and body size was not
significant for liver weight, whereas, it was significant (p<0.05) for heart, gizzard and
intestinal weight only in male quails.
The intestinal length and testes weight in male and mature ovarian follicle
number and reproductive tract weight in female quails were not significantly different
in imported and local flocks. With respect to body size categories, differences in
mean length of intestine and mean weight of testes were not significant in male
quails. The similar non-significant difference in reproductive tract weight and number
of mature ovarian follicles was recorded in female quails. The interaction between
flocks and body size for intestinal length, reproductive tract and testes weight was not
significant, whereas, it was significant (p<0.05) for reproductive tract length.
The crude protein and ether extract percent in breast meat of male and female
Japanese quails were not significant. With respect to body size categories, there was a
significant (p<0.05) difference in percent crude protein in female quails, whereas,
similar trend for ether extract was observed only in male quails. The dry matter
SUMMARY
254
percent in breast meat of Japanese quails was significantly (p<0.05) different only in
male quails. With respect to body size categories, mean dry matter percent was not
significantly different in both the sexes. The interaction between flocks and body size
was not significant for crude protein and ether extract, whereas, it was significant
(p<0.05) for dry matter percent in both the sexes of quails.
Ash percent in breast meat was not significantly different in male quails,
whereas, it was significantly (p<0.05) different in female quails. The ash percent in
breast meat and ash and crude protein percent in thigh meat in male and female quails
were significantly different among imported and local flocks With respect to body
size categories, there was a significant (p<0.05) difference in ash percent in breast
meat in female, whereas, difference was noted in ash and crude protein percent in
thigh meat in both the sexes of quails was not significant. The interaction between
flocks and body size was also non-significant for these components in thigh meat.
The difference in dry matter percent in thigh meat of local -1 male flock was
significant (p<0.05) from local-2 and local-3 flocks, whereas, female quails were not
significantly different in this respect. With respect to body size categories, there was a
significant (p<0.05) difference in mean dry matter percent in male quails. Ether
extract percent in thigh meat was significantly different between male and female
quails. With respect to initial body size categories, ether extract percent was not
significantly different in both the sexes. The interaction between flocks and body size
was significant (p<0.05) in both sexes of quails for dry matter and ether extract
percent.
SUMMARY
255
The mean serum glucose level in male and female quails was not significantly
different among imported and local flocks. With respect to body size categories, a
non-significant difference was noted in serum glucose levels. The interaction between
flocks and body sizes was also not significant. The total serum protein level was
significantly different in both the sexes of imported and local flocks, whereas, serum
cholesterol and serum albumin levels were significantly different only in female
quails of imported and local flocks. Serum urea concentration was significantly
(p<0.05) different only in male quails of imported and local flocks. However, with
respect to body size categories, serum protein, cholesterol, albumin and urea levels
were not significantly different in both the sexes of quails. The interaction between
flocks and body size was significant for serum protein and urea in both the sexes of
quails. However, this interaction in respect of serum cholesterol was significant only
in male quails, whereas, it was significant for serum albumin only in females.
The difference in mean plasma calcium and sodium levels in male and female
quails of imported and local flocks of Japanese quails was not significant. With
respect to body size categories, mean plasma calcium level in both the sexes of quails
was not significantly different, however, plasma sodium concentration was
significantly (p<0.05) different only in female quails. The interaction between flocks
and body size for plasma calcium levels was significant (p<0.05) in both the sexes of
quails, whereas, for plasma sodium it was significant (p<0.05) only in female quails.
The mean plasma phosphorus and potassium levels in imported and local flocks of
Japanese quails were significantly (p<0.05) different only in female quails, whereas,
plasma magnesium was significantly (p<0.05) different only in male quails. However,
SUMMARY
256
with respect to body size categories, plasma phosphorus, potassium and magnesium
were significantly (p<0.05) different in female quails only. The interaction between
flocks and body size was significant for potassium and phosphorus in female quails
only, whereas, it was also significant for plasma magnesium levels in both the sexes
of quails
6.2. Progeny flock
In the present study different parental body weight categories significantly
(p<0.05) affected day-old, 1st, 2nd and 3rd week progeny body weight in Japanese
quails. The heavy male parents had apparently more pronounced effect on day-old
and 1st week progeny body weight, however, the results were not significant in all
close-bred flocks. The results indicated significant (p<0.05) effect of male parent
body weight on 1st week progeny body weight in Japanese quails. The progeny day-
old and 1st week progeny body weights in different close-bred flocks were not
significantly different from each other. The interaction between parental body weight
and close-bred flocks was not significant for day-old body weight.
The cumulative body weight gain in quail progenies from different close-bred
flocks were significantly (p<0.05) different in all the parental groups. The interaction
between parental body size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05). Effect of
different parental body size on 1st, 2nd, 3rd week and cumulative progeny body
weight gain was significant (p<0.05). The interaction between parental body size and
close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05) for progeny cumulative weight gain.
SUMMARY
257
In the present study, 1st, 2nd, 3rd week and cumulative progeny feed intake
and feed conversion ratio-FCR (feed/g gain) were significantly (p<0.05) influenced
by parental body size of Japanese quails. The interaction between parental body
weight and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05) for weekly and cumulative feed
intake and feed conversion ratio-FCR (feed/g gain) in the progeny. A significant
(p<0.05) effect of different parental groups on 1st, 2nd, 3rd and cumulative progeny
mortality rate (%) was recorded with significant (p<0.05) interaction between
parental body weight and close-bred flocks.
Different parental body size significantly (p<0.05) influenced progeny
slaughter weight, dressed weight and dressing percentage at 3rd week in 4 close-bred
flocks of Japanese quails. The slaughter weight (g) in different close-bred flocks in
male progeny quails from all the parental groups differed significantly (p<0.05)
except in M male x M female and S male x H female, M male x S female and S male
x M female parents. The slaughter weight (g) in different close-bred flocks in female
progeny in all the parental groups was significantly (P<0.05) different except in H
male x H female, M male x H female and M male x S female. The interaction
between parental body size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05) in both the
sexes. The dressing percentage between different close-bred flocks was significantly
(p<0.05) different in female progeny group. The dressing percentage between
different close-bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different in the male progeny
group, whereas, M male x H female, M male x M female, S male x M female and S
male x S female were not significantly different. The interaction between parental
body size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05).
SUMMARY
258
The relative weights (g/100g BW) of liver, heart and gizzard in the progeny
was found to be significantly (p<0.05) influenced by parental body size in different
close-bred flocks of Japanese quails. The liver weight in female progeny of different
close-bred flocks in all the parental groups differed significantly (p<0.05) except from
H male x S female, M male x S female and S male x M female parent groups. The
interaction between parental body size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05)
for different organ weights. The heart weight in female progeny in different close-
bred flocks in all the parent groups was significantly (p<0.05) different. The relative
weight of gizzard in different close-bred male and female progenies of quails were
significantly (p<0.05) different from all the parental groups. The interaction between
parental body size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05). The intestinal
length in the progeny was influenced (p<0.05) by different parental groups in close-
bred flocks of Japanese quails. The intestinal length in female quails in different
close-bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different in all the parental groups except
from H male x M female, H male x S female parent groups. The interaction between
parental body weight and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05). A higher profit
margin was recorded in progeny quails hatched from heavy imported parent flock.
SUMMARY
259
6.3. CONCLUSION
Based on the findings of this study, the following conclusions have been
formulated.
i. Parent breeder flock
a. Effect of close-bred flocks
i. Imported flock of quails had significantly (p<0.05) better egg production
percentage, egg weight, yolk index, feed conversion ratio-FCR (g feed/g egg mass),
shell weight and dressing yield. Feed conversion ratio (g feed/egg) and egg mass were
significantly (p<0.05) better in local-1 and local-3 flocks, respectively. Egg shell
thickness and haugh unit were better in local-2 flock.
ii. Final live body weight was higher in female than male quails and it was also better
in local-1 male quails than in other close-bred flocks.
iii. Reproductive tract weight and length and mature ovarian follicle numbers were
higher in imported flock. Significant variation was recorded in relative weight of
giblets, testes and intestines and intestinal length among different close-bred flocks.
iv. The imported male flock had significantly (p<0.05) higher crude protein, dry
matter and ash contents in breast and thigh meat.
v. The mean serum glucose and cholesterol concentrations in local-1 male flock and
mean serum albumin and urea levels in local-3 male flock were higher; however, total
serum protein was also higher in male imported flock than in other local flocks.
vi. Plasma phosphorus and potassium concentrations were not significantly different
in male parents, whereas, plasma magnesium concentration was not significantly
SUMMARY
260
different in female parents. Plasma calcium was significantly (p<0.05) different in
both the sexes.
b. Effect of body size
i. Egg production percentage, feed conversion ratio (FCR), fertility and hatchability
percent, reproductive tract weight and length, mature ovarian follicle number and
gizzard weight were better in small parents in comparison to medium and heavy
parents, whereas, better egg weight and egg quality traits were recorded in heavy
quail parents. Dressed weight and dressing percentage were higher in heavy female
parents than in medium and small quails.
ii. Crude protein and ether extract contents in breast and thigh meat were higher in
heavy female parents, whereas, ash content was higher in thigh meat of heavy female
parents.
iii. The higher concentrations of serum glucose, total protein, albumin and cholesterol
in heavy male quails were detected, whereas, serum urea was higher in medium
female parents.
iv. Plasma macro minerals profile for all the parameters studied was not significantly
different in male parents, whereas, plasma calcium (Ca) was not significantly
different in both the sexes.
6.3.2. Progeny flock
a. Effect of close-bred flocks
i. The day-old and subsequent weekly body weights/weight gain and feed intake were
higher in imported than in local flocks. The lower feed intake and better feed
SUMMARY
261
conversion ratio-FCR (feed/g gain) and higher mortality rate were recorded in local-3
as compared to other flocks.
ii. Dressed weight and dressing percentage were higher in male progeny of imported
flock. The liver, heart and gizzard weights were higher in local-2 and local 3 male
flocks, whereas, higher weight of intestine was recorded in local-1 male flock.
Significant variation in carcass traits between different close-bred flocks was
observed.
iii. The highest final return per bird of Rs. 5.64 was observed in local-1 flock
followed by imported, local-3 and local-2 flocks (Rs. 5.41, 5.15 and 5.14,
respectively).
b. Effect of parent body size
i. The progeny secured from heavy male parent had higher hatch weight, body
weight, weight gain, feed intake, dressed weight and dressing percentage than those
hatched from medium and small male parents, showing more pronounced effect of
male parent on progeny growth and on almost all the other parameters.
ii. The liver and gizzard weight and intestinal length were higher in quail progenies
secured from small parents than from heavy and medium parents.
iii. The highest final return per quail (Rs. 5.92) was recorded in medium weight
parent followed by heavy and small parents (Rs. 5.25 and 4.90, respectively).
SUMMARY
262
SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Research
The findings of the present study may be helpful in setting up production
standards in local quails to be further used as base line data by the research workers
and quail breeders for formulating viable future strategy of quail breeding at national
level.
Extension
For the future national quail breeding programs, use of heavy male parents for
crossing with medium or small female parents may be considered for better progeny
meat yield and higher egg production in the female quail parents.
Considerable variations in body weight and other carcass characters in our
local quail flocks recorded during the course of this study indicate possibility of
further improving their genetic potential.
Further research work is needed for improving genetic potential of our local
quail stocks.
263
Chapter 7
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