SEXUAL DIMORPHISM ON CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF JAPANESE QUAIL (Coturnix coturnix japonica) REARED IN DERIVED SAVANNA ZONE OF NIGERIA

This study was conducted to determine the sexual dimorphism on carcass characteristics of Japanese quail (Coturnix courtnix japanica). A total of 180 quail chicks were used in the study; comprises 90 males and 90 female birds. The quail were kept on separate floor system and were feed ad libitum. Data were obtained on live weight, body weight, Drumstick weight, thigh weight, shank weight, breast weight, back weight and as well as inedible giblets such as heart weight, gizzard weight, liver weight and offal weight on both sexes of the birds. It was determined that there were significant (P < 0.05) difference between the carcass component and the sex of the birds. The female quail had higher significant values for live weight (139.43g), body weight (133.93g), thigh weight (11.40g) and shank weight (2.68g) than its counterparts male quail of 128.5g, 122.13g 10.55g and 2.60g for live weight, body weight, thigh weight and shank weight respectively. Meanwhile, the visceral organs were also significantly (P<0.05) differed among the sexes of the used quails. Higher values were obtained for female quails in respect of heart weight (1.33g), Gizzard weight (4.68g) liver weigh (5.15g) and offal weight (12.18) than the male quails. Consequently, it was concluded that quail breeding for carcass components both edible and visceral organs were favored for female Japanese quail and meat production female quails were better than the male quails.

[1]  S. Amao,et al.  Evaluation of growth performance traits in three strains of broiler chickens reared in derived savanna environment of Nigeria , 2011 .

[2]  A. Aguilera,et al.  Effect of Heat Stress During Transport and Rest Before Slaughter, on the Metabolic Profile, Blood Gases and Meat Quality of Quail , 2007 .

[3]  O. Ozmen,et al.  Effect of Slaughter Age on Fattening Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Japanese Quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) , 2007 .

[4]  S. Kul,et al.  Effect of separate and mixed rearing according to sex on fattening performance and carcass characteristics in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) , 2006 .

[5]  H. Rahmani,et al.  Genetic Parameters of Body and Some Carcass Traits in Two Quail Strains , 2005 .

[6]  F. Minvielle,et al.  Carcase characteristics of a heavy Japanese quail line under introgression with the roux gene , 2000, British poultry science.

[7]  T. Ayaşan,et al.  Effects of sex and different stocking densities on the fattening characteristics of Japanese quails , 2000 .

[8]  G. B. Havenstein,et al.  Genetic and phenotypic relationships in Japanese quail. 1. Body weight, carcass, and organ measurements. , 1991, Poultry science.

[9]  D. Thyagarajan,et al.  Influence of stocking density and layer age on production traits and egg quality in Japanese quail , 1991 .

[10]  F. Minvielle,et al.  Mass Selection for 45-Day Body Weight in Japanese Quail: Selection Response, Carcass Composition, Cooking Properties, and Sensory Characteristics , 1990 .

[11]  K. Nestor,et al.  Relationship of plasma growth hormone to growth within and between turkey lines selected for differential growth rates. , 1988, Poultry science.

[12]  R. J. Baker.  SELECTION INDEXES WITHOUT ECONOMIC WEIGHTS FOR ANIMAL BREEDING , 1974 .

[13]  E. Hafez.  Symposium on Growth: Physio-Genetics of Prenatal and Postnatal Growth , 1963 .