Abstract
The aim of the study was to identify polymorphisms in the ovalbumin gene - SERPINB14 gene and evaluate their effect on hatchability traits and egg quality changes during storage in two strains of Japanese quails: meat-type (F33) and laying-type (S22). To individually determine hatchability traits for each female, eggs were collected and incubated. To determine egg quality traits, 10 eggs were collected from each female and stored for 14 weeks. Egg quality was analyzed 10 times during storage. All exons and the 3'UTR of the SERPINB14 gene were sequenced. A total of 17 SNPs were identified in both strains: 4 in exons, 5 in the 3'UTR, and 8 in intron regions. Association analysis showed significant effects of SNP14 and SNP16 on the percentage of late died embryos. Fresh egg weight in F33 females was influenced by eight SNPs: SNP6, SNP7, SNP9, SNP11, SNP14, SNP15, SNP16, and SNP17, with significant diplotype effects observed. Individuals with H3H3 and H7H7 diplotypes showed the highest egg weight. SNPs 6, 7, and 11 influenced eggshell thickness on the laying day and at 2, 4, and 14 weeks of storage. The effects of haplotypes on this trait were also observed. Significant SNP effects were also found on albumen weight and albumen percentage at different storage times. Moreover, diplotypes from block 1 influenced albumen traits during storage. These studies provide new information on the SERPINB14 gene polymorphism in Japanese quail, and some of the markers merit further validation as useful tools for selection to improve hatchability and egg quality in poultry breeding programs.