Data from two genetic groups UFV1 and UFV2 of meat-type quail, with 629 animals the first file and 707 the second, were evaluated by technique main components. The following characteristics were considered for analyses: bird weight (P1, P2, P3 and P4), egg average weight (POM1, POM2, POM3 and POM4), shell average weight (PCM1, PCM2, PCM3 and PCM4), yolk average weight (PGM1, PGM2, PGM3 and PGM4), egg average specific gravity (DM1, DM2, DM3 and DM4), egg average width (LOM1, LOM2, LOM3 and LOM4), egg average length (COM1, COM2, COM3 and COM4), number of eggs (N1, N2, N3 and N4), and age at the first egg (IDPO). After data collecting were carried analyses of the main components out with the aim to select the most explanatory characteristics. Next the highest significant characteristics in total variance had their genetic parameters and genetic correlations estimated. For genetic group UFV1 were: P1, PCM1, PCM3, PGM1, PGM2, PGM4, DM4, LOM2, LOM3, COM1 and IDPO. For UFV2: P1, P2, PCM1, PCM4, DM3, LOM2 and LOM4. The high estimates of heritability capacity found indicate a high variability for the characteristics of egg quality. The genetic correlations indicate the possibility of correlation between body weight gains and the quality of eggs. Little response to selection for egg production can be expected for these genetic groups.
main components; correlations; heritability; genetic parameters
