Feed Efficiency of Selected and Nonselected Japanese Quail Lines

Two trials were conducted to investigate the feed conversion ratios of quail following long-term selection for high 4-week body weight. Feed conversions of two selected lines were superior to that of the nonselected control line. Feed intake of the selected lines was less than twice that of the control line, while the body weights of selected quail were approximately double the body weights of control quail. Special procedures utilized to reduce feed wastage resulted in feed/gain ratios of 2.08 and 2.34 in the two selected lines through 4 weeks of age on a diet with 28% protein. The feed/gain ratio in the control line was 2.72.