The effect of female breeder age x egg weight interaction was evaluated on the performance of meat type quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) at 21st and 42nd days of age. For every female breeder age class (70, 205, and 280 days of age), 600 eggs were classified according to egg weight class (class 1: 11.0-12.9; class 2: 13.0-14.9, and class 3: 15.0-16.9g). A total of 225 quails of both genders, totaling 75 quails for every egg weight class were used in this study. A completely randomized experimental design with five replicates of 15 quails was used. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 28% crude protein and 2,900 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME). Weight gain, body weight, feed consumption, and weight gain: feed consumption ratio from hatch to 21st day and from hatch to 42nd day of age were recorded. Both egg weight and female breeder age classes affected body weight, weight gain, and feed consumption at 21st and 42nd days of age. Quails from heavier egg weight class and female breeder age classes 205 and 280 days of age showed higher performance (P<0.05). Quail viability was affected by egg weight class, i.e. quails from lighter eggs showed lower viability at 21st and 42nd days of life. Heavier eggs originated heavier quails at hatch (P<0.05)
meat type quail; female breeder age; body weight; egg weight
