Relationship between body weight and some egg production trait in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Abstract
A total of 48, 6 week old Japanese quails were selected randomly from an existing flock at the University of Ilorin. These were reared in individual cages to determine the effect of body weight on some egg production traits. Weekly body weight
was obtained for each bird for a period of nine weeks. Eggs laid by each bird was collected and weighed weekly. One egg was selected per bird per week for external and internal egg analysis.
Data obtained were subjected to a one way analysis of variance using SPSS (2009). Phenotypic correlations among body weight and some egg production trait as well as regression equation that can be used to establish models for estimating production trait from the body weight were determined.
Body weight was positively and significantly (P<0.05) correlated with egg length (0.774) but not significantly (P>0.05) correlated with egg number, egg weight, egg breadth, yolk height, yolk weight, shell weight and the Haugh unit. Negative
correlations were observed between body weight and album height (-0.003) and eggs index (-0.728). Average matured body weight was found to be 124.5 ± 26.3. Coefficient of determination for the regression analysis were not significant (P>0.05)
except for egg length (R 2 =0.599) and egg index (R 2 =0.531).
For satisfactory performance in the Japanese quail a uniform flock body weight of at least 150g at sexual maturity should be maintained.
was obtained for each bird for a period of nine weeks. Eggs laid by each bird was collected and weighed weekly. One egg was selected per bird per week for external and internal egg analysis.
Data obtained were subjected to a one way analysis of variance using SPSS (2009). Phenotypic correlations among body weight and some egg production trait as well as regression equation that can be used to establish models for estimating production trait from the body weight were determined.
Body weight was positively and significantly (P<0.05) correlated with egg length (0.774) but not significantly (P>0.05) correlated with egg number, egg weight, egg breadth, yolk height, yolk weight, shell weight and the Haugh unit. Negative
correlations were observed between body weight and album height (-0.003) and eggs index (-0.728). Average matured body weight was found to be 124.5 ± 26.3. Coefficient of determination for the regression analysis were not significant (P>0.05)
except for egg length (R 2 =0.599) and egg index (R 2 =0.531).
For satisfactory performance in the Japanese quail a uniform flock body weight of at least 150g at sexual maturity should be maintained.
Full Text:
PDFRefbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.