Growth Performance, Egg Production, and Egg Quality Characteristics of Japanese Quail Lines Obtained by Selection According to Feather Color

This study aimed to investigate the feed intake, feed conversion ratio, growth performance, first laying age, and egg quality of Japanese quail lines. The study material consisted of Yamtar-I and Yamtar-II Japanese quail lines bred on a private farm in Karaman province, along with a control group derived from these lines. From 0-5 weeks of age, Yamtar-II showed higher live weight than the control group at 5 weeks, though averages were similar during the first four weeks of age (p<0.01). Growth and fattening analysis revealed significant differences in live weight gain and daily live weight gain between 3-4 and 4-5 weeks of age (p<0.05), while feed intake and feed conversion ratios were similar. Egg production was monitored from first laying to 93 days of age, with quails housed in 1:2 (male/female) single mating cages. At 10 weeks of age, egg quality characteristics were analyzed using 20 quail eggs per group. The control group showed delayed egg laying (p<0.01), and lower egg production (p<0.05) compared to the other groups. Significant differences in egg and yolk weights (p<0.01) were found among the groups. On the other hand, shape index, shell thickness, shell ratio, yolk ratio, Haugh unit, albumen weight, and albumen ratio were similar. In conclusion, Yamtar-I and Yamtar-II lines, which were obtained by selection by the breeder, showed no significant differences in fattening. Moreover, Yamtar-I have demonstrated better egg production and quality characteristics compared to the control group. These findings suggest that applying a conscious selection strategy could enhance commercial quail breeding potential.