Phenotypic and morphometric characterization of the various strains of quail raised in Algeria

Abstract

Since the absence of studies dealing with the genetic biodiversity and phenotypical description of different breeds of quails in Algeria, we have initialized this work in order to investigate and to contribute in a characterization of the quails in some states. A total of 206 adult quails, distributed in 09 regions in Algeria from which 11 morphometric measurements and 11 phenotypic characters were selected for this study. The measurements Lie (wing length), Lq (tail length), Lc (neck length), Dg (big finger), Dm (medium finger), Dp (small finger), Lt (total length), Lts (tarsus length), Ab (abdomen), Lgp (chest width), Lbe (beak length), W (weight). A multiple correspondence factorial analysis was performed on the phenotypic characteristics, and reveals two main component that constitute 19.61% and 13.41% of inertia, percentages respectively related to the length of wing, of the tail, of neck, big finger, middle finger, little finger, the total length of abdomen, of the tarsal width, width of the chest, the length of the beak and weight. This analysis has made it possible to establish remarkable phenotypic differences which have implications to be taken into consideration in the characterization and conservation program of the species. We have found that the sex has no effect on the measurements parameters, except the weight. However, the effect pf the strain may have some differences on the morphometric measurements studied. Finally, it should be noted that the present work of morphometric characterization of high quail strains in Algeria deserves to be continued and developed in the future, based on the determination of zootechnical performances (productive and reproductive) of these strains, and also the preservation of this genetic heritage deemed important.