Identification of QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) Affecting Skeletal Traits on Second Chromosome of Japanese Quail

This study aims to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) related to the skeletal traits of Japanese quail on chromosome 2. Eight males and eight females from wild type (W) and white (S)) were selected as the parent generation (F0) and the crossing between them was reciprocal. The population consisted 422 birds of F2 population through random mating of F1 generation (17 progenies (SW) derived from crosses between white male × wild female (14 females and three males) and 17 progenies (WS) derived from crosses between wild male × white female (11 females and six males)), which were slaughtered at the end of a 35-day period of breeding. Subsequently, the phenotypic characteristics of the bone were recorded and blood samples were taken for genotyping four microsatellite markers on chromosome 2. QTL analysis was performed by least squares interval mapping method based on regression; QTL effects were estimated using three different statistical models (additive model; additive and dominance model; additive, dominance, and imprinting model); and 19 QTL were identified with nine traits. The weight of left foot, femur weight, and diameter of left and right feet had significant QTL almost in most of the models. The results of this study showed that there were significant loci on chromosome 2, which could affect some traits of bone at the significance level of P