Genetic variability of residual feed consumption (RFC) and its relationships with some production traits and fear response in Japanese quail hens (Coturnic coturnix japonica)

The present study was conducted to estimate genetic parameters of residual feed consumption (RFC) and some other feed consumption traits (feed intake, feed efficiency and feed conversion) and to investigate the phenotypic and genetic correlations between RFC and feed traits, egg production traits and fear response in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Moderate to high heritabilities were estimated for RFC between 10-14 week of age, ranging from 0.12 to 0.52. Heritability estimates for RFC had a tendency to decrease with age. The phenotypic and genetic correlations between RFC and egg production traits were generally low. Rather high genetic correlations between RFC and duration of tonic immobility TI (0.37) and number of inductions (-0.33) were estimated. Genetic correlations between feed traits and tonic immobility responses imply that quail hens utilizing feed more efficiently and consuming less feed may be less fearful and less susceptible to stress. Based on the results of present study, it can be concluded that RFC can be used as a selection criteria to improve efficiency of feed utilization without significant negative changes in egg production and egg quality traits and with a decrease in susceptibility to stress