Bayesian estimation of genetic parameters for individual feed conversion and body weight gain in meat quail

We estimated genetic correlations between partial and total body weight gain (BWG) and individual feed conversion (FC) aiming to identify possible partial traits as selection criteria in meat quail breeding programs. Data included 379 records from two different genetic lines (188 quails from UFV1 and 191 from UFV2). The following traits were evaluated: individual feed conversion from 21 to 28 (FC21–28) and from 28 to 35 days of age (FC28–35); body weight gain from 1 to 21 (BWG1–21), 21–28 (BWG21–28), 28–35 (BWG28–35) and from 1 to 35 (BWG1–35, full period) days of age. Genetic parameters (heritabilities and genetic correlations) were estimated through multi-trait models via Bayesian inference. For UFV1 line, genetic correlations estimates (with respective credible intervals) between BWG1–21 and BWG1–35, BWG21–28 and BWG1–35, BWG28–35 and BWG1–35, FC21–28 and FC28–35, FC21–28 and BWG1–35, and FC28–35 and BWG1–35 were 0.62 0.15–0.90), 0.81 0.60–0.94), 0.69 0.35–0.88), 0.06 (−050 to 0.60), −0.87 (−0.97 to −0.63) and −0.51 (−0.84 to −0.01), respectively; and for UFV2 line, these estimates were 0.33 (−0.05 to 0.63), 0.79 0.59–0.92), 0.88 0.73–0.96), 0.35 (−0.30 to 0.78), −0.56 (−0.85 to −0.09) and −0.76 (−0.93 to −0.41), respectively. Additionally, for the UFV1 line heritability estimates for BWG21–28 and FC21–28 were 0.69 0.40–0.86) and 0.55 0.31–0.74), respectively; while for UFV2 line the heritabilities for BWG28–35 and FC28–35 were 0.68 0.47–0.83) and 0.37 0.17–0.63). Based on these results, we recommend as target traits BWG21–28 and FC21–28 for UFV1 line; and BWG28–35 for UFV2 line. Selecting for these indicated traits, we expect to reduce breeding program costs related mainly to feeding of non-selected animals and labor with phenotyping.