Prediction of body weight from linear body measurements in Japanese quail

A total of 168 two-weeks-old Japanese quail chicks of mixed sex were used to study the relationship between Body weight and linear measurements in Japanese quail. Data were collected on body weight, body length, body girth, wing length, shank length and drumstick length fortnightly for eight weeks to predict body weight. Data were subjected to SAS for analysis. The mean body weights were 38.31, 81.12, 121.38 and 132.15g, respectively. Body weight gain increased as the birds advance in age and the highest body weight gain was between week 2 and week 4. Female birds were significantly (P< 0.05) heavier than male. Body weight had a positive correlation with all linear body measurements at week 2 except for drumstick length. The best correlation was obtained between body weight and body girth at the 2nd week of age (0.82) (P< 0.05). The estimates of coefficient of determination which ranged from 0.0043 to 0.68 and predictive equations show that body weight in Japanese quail is linearly related to body measurements especially with body girth and body length. The study showed that Body girth and Body length could be used as criteria for assessment and early selection of Japanese quail for body weight.