Genetic parameters of slaughter and carcase traits in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

1. Genetic parameters of slaughter and carcase traits were estimated for 5-week-old Japanese quail reared under the one-to-one sire and dam pedigree recorded system. Data were analysed using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) with relationship matrix. Records of 1244 animals from 119 sires and 156 dams were analysed. 2. An individual animal model was used which had the animals' genetic effect as the only random factor. Heritability and standard errors of slaughter, cold carcase, breast, leg, wing, others, liver weights and dressing percentage were 0·40 ± 0·07, 0·55 ± 0·07, 0·58 ± 0·07, 0·54 ± 0·07, 0·49 ± 0·07, 0·42 ± 0·06, 0·13 ± 0·04 and 0·21 ± 0·05 respectively. Moderate to high heritability for most of the studied traits suggested that selection to increase or decrease these traits will be successful. 3. The strongest genetic correlation was found between slaughter, carcase and breast weights (0·97-0·87). These high genetic correlations provide an opportunity to select for breast weight on the basis of 5-week weight. 4. It can be concluded that carcase weight and 5-week weight of quail can be included in a selection index to increase the weights of valuable carcass parts.