Classification of the coefficients of variation of parameters evaluated in japanese quail experiments

Abstract

The objective of this study was to design a classification range of the coefficients of variation (CV) of traits used in experiments with eggtype Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The journal Revista Brasileira de Zootecniawas systematically reviewed, using the key word 'quail' during the period of January, 2000 to 2010. The CV of feed intake (g/bird/d), egg production (%/bird/d), egg weight (g), egg mass (g/bird/d), feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs (g/dozen), feed conversion ratio per egg mass (g/g), and egg specific gravity (g/mL) were collected. For each parameter, CV were classified using the following median (MD) and pseudo-sigma (PS) ratio as follows: low (CV ≤ MD - PS), medium (MD - PS < CV ≤ MD + PS), high (MD + PS < CV ≤ MD + 2PS) and very high (CV > MD + 2PS). According to the results, it was concluded that each parameter has a specific classification range that should be taken into account when evaluating experimental precision.