Studies on Growth Performance and Genetic Parameters of Three Varieties of Domesticated Japanese Quail

The quantitative genetic study involving a pure line mating of 160 pairs of three varieties of domesticated Japanese quails (CARI-Ujjawal; CARI-Suneheri and CARI-Brown) were maintained under individual pedigree cages for breeding. A total of 6221 quail chicks from three hatches comprising three varieties were used for this study. Among them, CARI-Ujjawal has higher hatchability with less rearing mortality percentage. CARI-Ujjawal had highest (P<0.01) body weight at all ages when compared to the other two varieties. The heritability estimates on body weight (0-5 weeks) among the varieties range from low to moderate in all the three varieties. The positive correlation was observed among all the varieties at different ages. High genetic correlations between body weights at early as well as later ages confirms that selection for body weight at early ages would improve body weight at later (maturity) ages. Amongst all, CARI-Suneheri was having better heritability values and during further generations of selections it performed also well to improve because of its better heritability. Also from above results this variety could be recommended for broiler quail breeding after field testing.