Genetic parameters of slaughter and carcase traits in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

1. Genetic parameters of slaughter and carcase traits were estimated for 5-week-old Japanese quail reared under the one-to-one sire and dam pedigree recorded system. Data were analysed using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) with relationship matrix. Records of 1244 animals from 119 sires and 156 dams were analysed. 2. An individual animal model was used which had the animals' genetic effect as the only random factor. Heritability and standard errors of slaughter, cold carcase, breast, leg, wing, others, liver weights and dressing percentage were 0 center dot 40 +/- 0 center dot 07, 0 center dot 55 +/- 0 center dot 07, 0 center dot 58 +/- 0 center dot 07, 0 center dot 54 +/- 0 center dot 07, 0 center dot 49 +/- 0 center dot 07, 0 center dot 42 +/- 0 center dot 06, 0 center dot 13 +/- 0 center dot 04 and 0 center dot 21 +/- 0 center dot 05 respectively. Moderate to high heritability for most of the studied traits suggested that selection to increase or decrease these traits will be successful. 3. The strongest genetic correlation was found between slaughter, carcase and breast weights (0 center dot 97-0 center dot 87). These high genetic correlations provide an opportunity to select for breast weight on the basis of 5-week weight. 4. It can be concluded that carcase weight and 5-week weight of quail can be included in a selection index to increase the weights of valuable carcass parts.