Hatching traits as influenced by different body weight categories in four close-bred flocks of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of different body weight categories in four close-bred flocks of japanese quails on some hatching traits. a total of 432 adult (12 weeks old) quails,comprising 108 males and 324 females were randomly picked up from the available stock and then divided into 108 experimental units (replicates comprising one male and three females of each.) these experimental units were randomly assigned to 12 treatment groups having 4 close-bred flocks (imported,local 1,local 2,and local 3) x 3 female body weights (heavy 300-350g,medium 250-300g and small 200-250g) with randomized complete block design in factorial arrangements having 9 replicates in each treatment. the results showed significant (p<0.05) difference in dead germ,infertile egg and hatchability percent and non-significant differences in dead in shell percent in all the close-bred flocks of japanese quails. with respect to body weight categories,significant (p<0.05) differences were found in dead germ,dead-in-shell,infertile egg and hatchability percent. the interaction between flocks and body size categories was significant (p<0.05) in respect of all the above hatching traits. no mal-positions were detected. copyright 2013 zoological society of pakistan.