External and internal egg quality characteristics in Japanese quails of different plumage color lines

The present study was conducted to determine the external and internal egg quality characteristics in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) of different plumage color lines. A total of 150 eggs obtained from Japanese quails of different plumage color lines at 20 weeks of age were used in the study. The eggs were randomly gathered from same age quails with brown, gray and white plumages. The eggs were examined for external and internal quality characteristics. Concerning the external quality characteristics, there were statistical differences regarding shape index (%) and shell ratio (%) among the different plumage color lines (P<0.01, P<0.05). Of the internal quality characteristics, the differences among plumage color lines in yolk weight(g), albumen weight (g), yolk ratio (%), albumen ratio (%), yolk/albumen ratio (%), albumen index (%) and haugh units were statistically significant (P<0.01). It was also found that there were statistically significant phenotypic correlations with respect to some egg quality traits in the different plumage color lines. According to the findings of the study, the fact that the haugh unit observed in the quail group with brown plumage was higher compared to the other plumage color lines brings into mind the idea that it could be more convenient to offer the eggs in the brown group for consumption as human food. In addition, knowing the significant differences among the different plumage color lines in different quality characteristics will be useful in assisting prospective studies on quail lines.