Study on growth and morphometric traits of quail reared under sub-tropical region of Jammu
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Date
2022-09-26
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Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu (J&K)
Abstract
Quail farming is becoming an in-demand enterprise, due to lesser capital requirements and better profit margins. The study evaluated the effects of variety on growth and morphometric traits of two varieties (Pharaoh and Pearl variety) of quail. A total of 250 birds (125from each variety) and 300 eggs were observed and studied. Observations were recorded for various phenotypic traits (plumage colour, skin colour, shank colour and eye colour), morphometric traits (body length, body girth, wing length, shank length, shank diameter, drumstick length, breast width, pelvic width and keel length) and growth traits (body weight and body weight gain), along with egg quality traits. A total of 300 eggs (100 per month) were also procured and evaluated for egg quality parameters for three months. Data collected were analyzed by SPSS, SPAB and R studio soft-wares. Sexual dimorphism based on plumage colour was observed in Pharaoh variety and was absent in Pearl.The results showed that variety had impact on the linear body measurements at different age groups, except shank diameter and breast width. The effect of variety on body weight was also very significant at different ages. The age groups had highly significant effect on body weight gain in both the varieties. The effect of sex on body weight gain was also highly significant, with females being heavier than males in both the varieties. Both the varieties showed highest body weight gain during 3-4 week of age. The average values for Egg weight (11.35 g) and Haugh Unit (94.96%) showed highest values during third month.
Pearl variety showed better performance for all the traits than Pharaoh variety. The present scientific study could be considered as pilot study which can provide a base line information for further studies and can also provide optimal information for those interested in quail farming in sub-tropical region of Jammu.