Using partial data in the selection of meat-type quail for egg production

Abstract

The objective of this work was to verify the possibility of using partial data in the selection of meat-type quail for egg production. The genetic groups UFV1 and UFV2 of meat-type quails, which are from different origins were evaluated. Information from 1,632 mothers, of which 816 from UFV1 and 816 from UFV2 genetic group, was used. The genetic parameters were obtained at the partial periods from the 6^th to 24^th (P₂₄), 32^th (P₃₂), 40^th (P₄₀) and 48^th (P₄₈) weeks, and at the total period of egg production (P₅₂), from the 6^th to 52^th week. The components of variance and covariance and the genetic parameters were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood, using a univariate animal model. The partial and total production of eggs were estimated by the multivariate animal model through the Wombat application. For UFV1, the heritability values were: 0.09, P₂₄; 0.09, P₃₂; 0.09, P₄₀; 0.08, P₄₈; and 0.07 for P₅₂; and the genetic correlations ranged from 0.79 to 0.99. For UFV2, the heritability values were: 0.09 for P₂₄; 0.09, P₃₂; 0.10, P₄₀; 0.11, P₄₈; and 0.13 for P₅₂; and correlations ranged from 0.70 to 0.99. For UFV1 selection, it is recommended to consider egg production up to 40 weeks, and for UFV2 selection, egg production until the 48^th week. The low heritability estimates suggest that management changes should be done in order to control  environmental effects.