This study was carried out to compare and relate the performance and carcass traits of different quail genotypes from hatch to 35 days of age. A total of 1176 one-day-old quails of both sexes were allotted in a completely randomized experimental design, in a 7x2 factorial scheme (genotypes x sexes), in seven replicates with 12 quails per experimental unit. Quails of each genotype were weighed weekly from hatch to 35 days of age. At 35 days of age two males and two females of each genotype and replicate were sampled and slaughtered to evaluate carcass weight and main cut yield. Statistical analyses were performed by GLM and CORR procedure from the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2000, version 9.0), with the MANOVA option of the SAS device to assess the differences between the genotypes and the correlation between variables. There was no interaction (P≥0.05) between genotype and sex with the performance characteristics of weight and weight gain. However, there was a significant effect of genotype x sex (P<0.05) for the characteristics carcass,breast, thigh and drumstick weights. In general, quails of genetic groups UFV1, UFV2 and UFV3 were heavier from 7 to 35 days of age. We observed that for the correlation the tendency is that quail that showed higher body weight and weight gain will have greater housing and main cuts weight.
body weight; carcass; Coturnix coturnix; phenotypic correlation; weight gain