Repeatability of Egg Quality Traits in the Coturnix Quail

Padgott and Ivey (1959), Wilson et al. (1961) and Howes and Ivey (1961) discussed and evaluated the Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica, as a pilot animal for research. Jaap (1964) indicated that the Coturnix, due to its tremendous reproductive potential, may take the place of the chicken for research in poultry genetics. Marks and Kinney (1964) reported heritability estimates for various reproductive traits in the quail. In addition, these authors pointed out that if the quail is to be used as a pilot animal for genetic studies, information regarding the similarity of the genetic parameters of quail with those of domestic fowl should be useful. Jones et al. (1964) discussed the problems involved in identification of eggs from different females. The authors reported that the eggs produced by an individual were of similar size, shape, and color. The similarity was sufficiently great that by selecting the females on the basis…