Effect of Cohabitation Period of Japanese Quail Breeders on Body Injury, Rectal Temperature, Hatching Weight,...

This study investigated the effect of cohabitation period on breeder welfare, hatching weight, performance, and carcass traits of offspring. 180 breeder quails were selected for the formation of the experimental groups, which consisted of breeder Group A (males and females were housed together throughout the experimental period), Group B (males were housed together with females once a week throughout the experimental period), and Group C (males were housed together with females twice a week throughout the experimental period). The body injury score was significantly higher in breeder group B and C compared to breeder group A, with females having significantly higher body injury scores than males (p ≤ 0.05). The rectal temperature was significantly higher in breeder females (p ≤ 0.05). The body weight (1, 3, and 4 wk) was significantly higher and the feed conversion ratio (1 wk) significantly better in offspring of breeder group A (p ≤ 0.05). Lower body weight (at 2 wk), body weight gain (at 1 wk), and poorest feed conversion ratio (at 1 wk) were identified in offspring of breeder group C (p ≤ 0.05). Higher slaughter weight, thigh weight, breast weight, and breast yield were identified in the offspring of breeder group A (p ≤ 0.05).