Effect of recessive colour mutation on haematological characteristics of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Abstract

Recessive colour mutation of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) was evaluated for haematological characteristics. Eighty wild type (brown in colour plumage) and 80 recessive white type (white type plumage) quails obtained from wild type quail colony were reared under standard conditions. Effect of genotype, sex and age and their interactions were evaluated. The recessive white quails had higher (P < 0.001) hematocrit, leukocyte and thrombocyte values compared to wild type animals which exhibited relatively advantageous growth performance characteristics.