Authors : Ahmad Sultan Jatoi, Fazal Raziq, Abdul Waheed Sahota, Khalid Javed, Erum Bughio, Sohail Ahmad and Arif Hameed Kakar
Abstract: The present study was conducted to investigate effect of different body weight categories in four close-bred flocks of Japanese quails on their carcass traits. For this purpose, 432 adult (12 weeks-old), quails comprising 108 males and 324 females were used. The body weight categories of male and female quails ranged from 270 to 315 g and 300 to 350 g for heavy, 225 to 270 g and 250 to 300 g for medium and 180 to 225 g and 200 to 250 g for small. The results showed that dressed weight (g) in imported and local flocks of Japanese quails differed significantly (p<0.05) in female quails. With respect to body weight categories, a significant difference (p<0.05) was recorded for dressed weight and dressing percentage in both the sexes. The imported flock of male Japanese quails differed significantly (p<0.05) from all the other local flocks in relative weight of gizzard (filled and empty). The relative heart weight and intestinal weight in local-3 flock of male Japanese quails differed significantly (p<0.05) from imported and all other local flocks. The interaction between flocks and body weight was significant (p<0.05) for heart, gizzard and intestinal weight only in male quails. The interaction between flocks and body weight was significant (p<0.05) for reproductive tract length and number of mature ovarian follicles. From above trial, it was concluded that birds based on its body weight should be reared because it is more economical and desirable by farmers.
Ahmad Sultan Jatoi, Fazal Raziq, Abdul Waheed Sahota, Khalid Javed, Erum Bughio, Sohail Ahmad and Arif Hameed Kakar, 2021. Carcass Traits as Influenced by Different Body Weight in Four Close-bred Flocks of Japanese Quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Research Journal of Poultry Sciences, 14: 1-10.