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Date
2017-02-24
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Ahmadu Bello University Zaria
Abstract
A study was designed to estimate genetic parameters of growth, haematological and
glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity and egg production characteristics in the base, F1
(first filial) and F2 (second filial) generations of Japanese quail. A total of 100 day old
chicks were raised on diet containing 26% CP and 2741 ME Kcal/Kg until 4 weeks of
age, and then were introduced to breeder diets containing 24%CP and 2900 ME Kcal/kg;
45 females and 15 males were randomly selected using a mating ratio of 1male: 3
females. Bird shank length, body length and thigh length of the quails were measured in
cm at four and six weeks of age. Birds were weighed in Grams at two, four and six weeks
of age. Growth rate during the periods of two, four and six weeks were calculated. About
1.5ml of blood was collected at six and nine weeks of age and evaluated for glutathione
peroxidase (GPx) in plasma and other haematological variables. Also, Egg production
measures such as age at sexual maturity, egg number and egg weight at nine weeks, days
in lay and rate of lay were recorded. Obtained data were subjected to one-way analysis of
variance to test sex effect, generational effect of egg production, Phenotypic correlation
between growth, haematological, enzyme activity and egg production variables and
heritability estimate were also determined in the F1 and F2 generation. The result showed
that GPx enzymes activity and blood plasma constituents are positively correlated with
growth traits and egg production traits. Heritability of Glutathione peroxidase based on
sire variance was high. (F1 0.51: F2 0.55). In conclusion glutathione peroxidase activity
were high in females than in males (Females 12.75u/g, Males 12.18u/g) GPx enzymes
activity and blood plasma constituents are positively correlated with growth traits and egg
production traits. Therefore selection for either of the traits (GPx enzymes and Blood