Genetic selection for avian embryo development at an elevated temperature

Graduation date: 2002A genetic selection study to determine the effects on egg hatchability and subsequent chick performance of Japanese quail eggs incubated at a 38.9° C (102° F) dry bulb temperature (Selected, S) when compared to 37.8 C (100°F) (Control, C) was conducted for four consecutive generations. Eggs from a randomly mated population of Japanese quail were randomly allocated to the two treatment groups and incubated in dedicated Jamesway 252 units for the first 14 days then transferred to a common hatcher 36.9° C (98.5° F). Using family-based selection, the chicks that hatched from the two lines were subsequently used as breeders (25 pair matings/line) and the resulting eggs incubated at their respective temperatures. After four consecutive generations, percent egg fertility, percent early dead embryos (1 -7days), and percent hatch of fertile eggs were numerically higher in line C vs. S. While total development time was reduced in line S vs. C by 24 hours, mean egg weight and body weight were higher (p < 0.01) and age to first egg was reduced in line S