Combining ability analysis of a diallel cross involving three quail lines for production traits

A 3 x 3 diallel cross study was conducted to evaluate combining ability (g.c.a., s.c.a and r.e.) of three quail lines B, H and M involving 2570 progeny of nine single crosses and observations were recorded on economically important traits. Significant genetic group differences were observed for both productive and reproductive traits. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) per cent fertility (95.5%) and hatchability (70.9) were observed in B x H and H x B crosses. All the crosses exhibited significant differences for body weight, age at first egg, egg production and egg weight. Variance due to g.c.a. was more important for body weight, egg production and egg weight, while variance due to s.c.a. was significant for age at first egg and reproductive traits. Significant reciprocal effects were noticed for body weight, age at first egg and egg weight. However, no reciprocal effects were observed for reproductive traits. This study indicated that M line proved to be a general combiner with other two lines and in particular with B females. Hence the cross M x B emerged as the best commercial cross with higher growth rate and moderately high egg production with better egg size.