Vol. 10, Issue 12, Part G (2025)

Author(s): Krishna KS, R Narayan, Jaydip Rokade, Med Ram Verma, M Monika and Prasad M Govindaiah

Abstract: Improving egg production efficiency and egg quality traits through genetic selection is a key objective in laying bird breeding programs. This study investigated the genetic parameters of egg production and egg quality traits in two selected lines of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) across three generations (2021-2022) at the Central Avian Research Institute (CARI), India. Pedigreed data were generated from 200 sires and 200 dams in the base population, with subsequent generations produced by random mating of selected parents. A total of 100 sires and 100 dams were evaluated per generation for economically important traits, including age-specific egg number (12-16 weeks), egg weight, and comprehensive egg quality parameters (shell weight, shell thickness, albumen height, Haugh unit, yolk color, yolk weight, and yolk density). Heritability estimates for cumulative egg number from 12 to 16 weeks of age were moderate to high (h²=0.32-0.58), indicating substantial additive genetic variance and strong potential for genetic improvement through selection. Egg weight exhibited moderate heritability (h²=0.28-0.41). Most egg quality traits showed moderate to high heritability (h²=0.25-0.62), except for yolk density, which was low in both lines. These results highlight the effectiveness of partial-period analysis in revealing exploitable genetic variation during early production phases. The findings demonstrate considerable scope for simultaneous genetic improvement of egg production efficiency and internal/external egg quality in Japanese quail, providing a robust foundation for targeted breeding strategies in resource-limited production systems.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2025.v10.i12g.2860