Analysis of QTLs associated with skeletal traits on chromosome 5 in Japanese quail

The purpose of this research was to locate quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with skeletal traits on chromosome 5 in an F2 population of Japanese quail. The population consisted of 472 birds, phenotypic data were measured for all birds and using three microsatellite markers considered for identify QTL affecting skeletal traits. QTL analysis was performed with least squares interval mapping method fitting nine various statistical models.Genotypic and phenotypic data were analyzed for QTL mapping with interval mapping method based on regression. Significance levels were estimated at the 5 and 1% chromosome-wise. The results were detected significant QTLs for 9 traits (left leg diameter, femur bone weight, right leg length, right leg diameter, femur bone diameter, right leg weight, tibia bone weight, left leg weight and cold carcass weight). Closest marker for the major QTLs was GUJ0049 marker. More research is needed to find genes associated with these traits. Results show the non-Mendelian inheritance rule (genomic imprinting) and pleiotropic and single gene effects in several traits of bones that are important to quail breeding.