Combining ability in a diallel cross of three lines of Coturnix coturnix japonica.

Three random-bred lines of Japanese quail were crossed in a 3 X 3 diallel to estimate their combining ability for hatchability, growth rate, and age at 25, 50, 75 and 100% lay. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with a 3 X 3 X 2 X 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (3 lines of sire X 3 lines of dam X 2 ambient-temperature stresses X 2 sexes). Approximately 1200 eggs in three hatches were set; 496 progeny measured for five week body weight; and 212 hens observed for age at maturity. General combining ability effects were highly significant for percent hatchability. Specific combining ability was not important for hatchability in the three lines tested. Data on body weight revealed highly significant effects due to general combining ability, specific combining ability, sire X sex interaction, hatch, ambient-temperature stress and sex. Data for age at 25, 50, 75 and 100% lay indicated that general and specific combining abilities as well as maternal effects were all highly significant.