Avaliação de critérios de seleção em codornas de postura (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the selection criteria to be applied in two laying quails lineages, for improvement in the number of eggs produced. We used data of females from two incubations of the two lineages of laying quails maintained under selection. The characteristics studied were body weight of the bird (BW), average egg weight (EW), partial production (PP) and total egg production (EP). The characteristics were evaluated in four partial periods, P1 corresponding to 60 days of production, (P2), (P3) and (P4) corresponded to 30 days each and the total egg production corresponded to 150 days of production. The data were analyzed by the Bayesian Inference multicaracter procedure using gibbs sampling. genetic parameters were estimated, calculated the direct and indirect responses to selection, and selection efficiency in producing genetic gain in total egg production in 150 days of posture due to selection based on incremental production of eggs at 60 days. The heritability estimates of total egg production were low, for the partial egg production were average, for egg weight low to medium, and for the body weight high. genetic correlations showed values ranging from moderate to high for all combinations. the indirect response was more efficient than direct selection for gentic gain. The partial period p1 (60 days) was the period indicated for the quails selection criteria to increase the total production of eggs, resulting in greater genetic gain with decrease the generation interval.