Abstract:

The aim of this study is to determine the hatching characteristics, growth performance and slaughter-carcass traits of Japanese quails obtained from hatching quail eggs divided into four classes (G1: less than 8 g, G2: between 8-10 g, G3: between 10-12 g, and G4: heavier than 12 g) according to egg size. The animal material of the study consisted of chicks (60 birds were used in each group) obtained from a total of 525 eggs simultaneously obtained from a Japanese quail parent flock (random mated, not previously selection applied, at 16 weeks of age). The mean values of fertility in G2 and G3 were found to be higher than those of the other groups (P<0.05). There were no differences between the egg weight groups for either early or late embryonic mortality means. Also, there was no difference between the groups in terms of hatchability. Quail chicks obtained from light eggs had the lowest average (96.43%) in terms of chick quality determined by the Tona score method (P<0.05). A positive-linear relationship was found between egg weight and chick weights, and chick weight averages increased as egg size increased (P<0.05). According to the results of the profile analysis performed using weekly body weight values, the chick weight difference between egg weight classes was also reflected in the growth profiles. The growth profile of quails obtained from heavy class eggs were higher than the others (P<0.05). The mean values of asymptotic weight parameter and body weight at inflection point of Gompertz growth model were higher in quails obtained from heavy eggs (both P<0.05). There was no difference between the experimental groups in terms of carcass yield and percentages of carcass parts, but the lowest abdominal fat ratio was found in the G1 group (P<0.05). As a result, it can be thought that the use of higher weight hatching eggs in the incubation of Japanese quails raised for meat yield will provide economic benefits.

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