Genome scan of Japanese quail chromosome 5 for detecting QTLs of growth traits

The aim of this study was to partial genome scan (chromosome 5) of Japanese quail to detect QTLs affecting growth traits based on a four-generation partial diallele cross design in Special Domestic Animals Research Center of University of Zabol. For this purpose, four strains of Wild (A), A and M of Texas (B), Italian Speckled (C) and Tuxedo (D) Japanese quails were crossed in two-strain reciprocal method and were created the first generation. Grandparents and fourth parents (18 and 36 birds, respectively) and all birds of fourth generation (315 birds) were genotyped for three microsatellite markers on chromosome 5. Also, all birds from hatch to 45 days were weighted at 5-day intervals. The QTL analysis was carried out using a regression-based interval mapping method and additive genetic model using GridQTL software. The results showed three different QTLs for hatch weight, weights at 15 and 20 days of age in 4.65, 16.03 and 15.63 cM, respectively.Therefore, if the adjacent marker information be entered in equation of breeding values estimation, it can lead to improve the reliability of prediction breeding value and finally result in genetic progress.