Empirical evaluation to QTL mapping of carcass traits in quail using a half-sib design on chromosome z

To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) on chromosome 2 affecting carcass traits and its components, a paternal half-sib design was implemented in Japanese quail. Using a reciprocal cross between two strains, white (laying) and wild (broiler) of Japanese quail, 34 birds were obtained in F1 generation and 422 offspring related to 9 paternal half-sib families in 5 consecutive hatches were generated. Progeny from 9 paternal half-sib families were measured for carcass traits, and genotyped for four microsatellite markers on chromosome 2. QTL analysis was performed with least squares interval mapping method based on regression in across and individual paternal half-sib family. In across paternal half-sib family design traits of Pre-stomach weight and percentage close to the GUJ0084 marker in position 49 cM and pancreas percentage in 60 cM position and close to GUJ0093 marker were significant. In individual paternal half-sib family design in addition to the three traits mentioned in across family, 12 other traits in different situations and with the allele substitution effect had significant QTL. Percentage of QTL variance in individual family ranged from 6.67 to 33.87 and in across family ranged from 2.35 to 6.10. QTLs discovered for carcass traits in this study can be useful to survey candidate genes and marker-assisted selection for carcass traits in the Japanese quail.