Correlated response to selection for residual feed intake in japanese quail (Coturnixcoturnix japonica)‎

Abstract EN

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of direct selection for feed conversion ratio (FCR) on the residual feed intake (RFI) as a correlated response to selection character (CRRFI).

Layer performance, expected feed intake (EFI) and genetic parameters for the associatedcharacters in base generation (F0), selected parent (SP) and offspring generation (F1), were studied by using batteries as pens and individual cages in Japanese quail.

A total of 240 and 180 birds aged 6 weeks old were utilized for both F0 and F1, respectively.

EFI was estimated by simulation during the period from 12-16 weeks of age.The findings showed a significant difference between both generationsin body weight (BW), egg mass (EM) and feed intake (FI).

Estimation of heritability for WG, EM, FCR and RFI were 0.27, 0.57, 0.62 and 0.54, respectively.

Equations for EFI were derived for F0, SP and F1; Residual curves with both observed feed intake (OFI) and EFI were drawn.

The CRRFI was computed and determined as 10.57g