Comparative study on production performances of the Japanese, White, Black and Brown quail at fifth generation

Abstract

Four quail genotypes namely Japanese (J), White (W), Black (Bl) and Brown (Br) quail are being maintaining at Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute to develop meat type quail genotype. Studied fifth generation (G5) quails were hatched from 4th generation (G4) parents based on estimated breeding value for 5th week body weight. Standard management practices were followed during study period. Hatching eggs were collected from every single pen of the selected parent quails. A total of 1750 day-old chick comprising of J, W, Br and Bl were hatched in one batch. Collected data were analyzed in a CRD by General Linear Model (GLM) Univariate Procedure in SPSS Computer Program. Body weight of quails at 3rd, 4th, and 6th week of age were (p<0.001) influenced by genotype. The 6th week body weight was 126.51, 133.19, 130.80 and 115.40g, respectively for J, W, Br and Bl genotypes. Body weight was higher (p<0.001) in W and Br followed by Bl and J quail genotypes at different age. The hatchability rate was (p<0.001) higher in J (58.38%) compared to other three genotypes of W (50.30%), Br (47.79%) and Bl (46.45%), respectively. Chick mortality during 0 to 5 week age did not varied (χ2 = 2.19; p>0.05) among Bl (8.78%), J (6.66%), Br (6.31%) and W (5.36%) genotypes. Comparing the performances, W quail was superior for body weight and Bl quail for egg production.

Bangladesh J. of Livestock Res. 21-25: 65-68, 2018