Genetic Parameter Estimates of Growth Curve and Feed Efficiency Traits in Japanese Quail

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In poultry genetic improvement studies, the selection schedule evaluates many characteristics together. It is important for the geneticist to know the heritability of these characteristics and their genetic relationships. Heritability estimates for growth traits and feed efficiency traits, as well as genetic correlations between these traits, were determined in this study using Japanese quails, which are acknowledged as model animals for poultry species. Heritability estimates were found to be high for body weight traits, moderate to high for the Gompertz growth curve parameters, and moderate for feed efficiency traits. Negative and moderate genetic correlations were estimated between feed conversion efficiency traits and body weight traits, but no high genetic correlations were estimated between feed conversion efficiency traits and the Gompertz growth model’s asymptotic weight parameter. As a result, it was concluded that the β(0) parameter of the growth curve might be beneficial in selection studies. ABSTRACT: This study aimed to estimate heritabilities for weekly body weight traits, the Gompertz growth curve parameters, and feed efficiency characteristics, as well as genetic correlations among characteristics. A total of 700 Japanese quails with pedigree records were used in this study. Body weight and feed consumption were measured individually on a weekly basis. Using weekly body weight data, the growth model parameters were estimated for each bird using the Gompertz nonlinear regression model. Multi-trait variance-covariance matrices were obtained with Bayesian inference using the Gibbs sampler. While estimates of high heritability (0.59 to 0.61) were found for weekly body weight traits, estimates of moderate heritability (0.23 to 0.37) were determined for feed intake and feed conversion efficiency traits. The estimated heritabilities for the parameters of the Gompertz model and inflection point coordinates were moderate (0.37 to 0.47). While genetic correlations between feed intake and body weight characteristics were positive and moderate (0.28 to 0.49), the genetic correlations between feed conversion efficiency and body weight traits were positive and strong (0.52 to 0.83). It has been concluded that the moderate negative genetic relationship between feed conversion efficiency and body weight may constrain selection studies. Due to the weak genetic correlation between the asymptotic body weight parameter of the Gompertz model and the feed conversion efficiency, it is thought that the total genetic gain will be greater if the mature weight parameter is also used as a selection criterion in genetic improvement studies.