Growth and carcass characteristics of selected and control lines of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Growth rate from day-old to 6 weeks of age and carcass and organ weight characteristics of two growth selected and one control line of Japanese quail were evaluated. The lines selected for 4-week body weignt for 19 generations were heavierthan the unselected control line by 10.3 to 45.3% at different ages. Sexual dimorphism for body weight became distinct at 3-weeks of age. Selection for 4-week body led to modification of growth pattern which was associated with higher growth rate during the first 2-weeks of age. Sexual dimorphism and sex-line interaction for RGR were absent. Live body-weight and absolute weight of carcass, liver, heart, gizzard, viscera, intestine increased from 68 weeks but their weight expressed as per cent of eviscerated weight did not show a consistent trend. Selection for 4week body weight was associated with increase in dressing, evisceration and giblets percentages but was associated a decrease in per cent visceral weight.