Study of hatching time of divergent lines of Japanese quail vis-à-vis post – hatching performance

Samita Saini, G.S. Brah and M.L. Chaudhary
Deptt. Of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary Science
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana - 141001

Seven divergent lines of Japanese quail viz; two growth selected, one growth cum sexual maturity selected, one genetic control and three plumage and egg color variant lines were used for study of hatching time and its effect on post hatching performance. Hatching commenced at 387 h after the eggs were placed in the incubator proceeded sharply until 405 h by which about 65% of the potentially hatch able chicks emerged. Subsequently hatching proceeded slowly until the termination of the hatching by 441 h (18.38 d). Control line exhibited a consistently linear pattern of hatching as compared to the growth selected lines. Control line (PQ 3) and growth cum sexual maturity selected line had longer hatching time (by 2 h) than other lines. Differences in hatching time among divergent lines were, however, statistically non-significant. Distribution of hatching time conformed to the normal curve implying polygene control. Hatching time did not influence body weight up to 6 weeks of age. The post hatch mortality (up to 6 weeks) was higher in late hatching (423-435 h group) while lower in early hatching (387-399 h group) chicks.

Source : IPSACON-2005

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