Phenotype Correlation of Carcass Traits in Three Japanese Quail Lines

• Ruqad F. Al-Bayati1*, Maeda K. Al-Kazraji2, Ahmed Sami Shaker3

  Author

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between body weight and various carcass, non-edible, and internal organ traits in three genetically distinct lines of Japanese quail (white, brown, and gray) to inform selection strategies for carcass yield improvement. A total of 180 healthy chicks (60 per line) were reared under controlled conditions at the poultry farm of the Animal Production Department, College of Agriculture, Kirkuk University, from January to March 2023. At six weeks of age, 45 males (15 per line) were slaughtered for carcass evaluation. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated using SPSS (v26.0) to assess the strength and direction of relationships among traits. Across all lines, body weight exhibited strong positive correlations with carcass weight (r = 0.826 to 0.855; p≤0.001) and chest muscle weight (r = 0.555 to 0.821), confirming these as reliable indicators of meat yield. Thigh weight also showed moderate to strong associations with body and carcass weights (r = 0.337 to 0.806). Back and wing weights demonstrated weaker or inconsistent correlations, particularly in brown and gray lines. Among non-edible parts, feet and neck weights showed moderate positive correlations with body weight, while head weight was uncorrelated across all lines. Gizzard and liver weights showed weak to moderate positive correlations with body weight, whereas heart weight showed inconsistent, generally weak associations. Notably, negative correlations were observed between heart and liver weights across lines. The findings emphasize the value of chest and thigh traits as selection targets in breeding programs. Additionally, internal organ correlations provide insight into physiological scaling relevant for optimizing production efficiency and bird welfare.

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