Changes in protein level for bobwhite quail

Abstract

SUMMARY Limited information exists concerning the dietary requirements of bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus), and producers who rear this species for sport shooting and stocking could benefit from such information. In this experiment, 576 two-week-old bobwhite quail were divided among 6 treatment groups and randomized into 8 replications with 12 birds/replicate. A 26, 24, or 22% CP diet (2,810 kcal of ME/kg) was fed to 4 or 6 wk of age, followed by the introduction of a 20% CP diet (2,810 kcal of ME/kg) fed through 8 wk of age. Birds and feed were weighed on a biweekly basis. No differences were observed in BW or gain of birds fed the 3 CP regimens from 2 wk until introduced to a 20% CP diet. Feed consumption was significantly decreased in the 22% CP group that was introduced to the lower CP diet (20%) after 2 wk. Although this treatment exhibited a marginally low protein intake as compared with the other treatments, growth performance remained uncompromised. Period FCR appeared to be unaffected by dietary CP regimen, but overall FCR for the 8-wk period was highest for birds on the 26% CP regimen (3.824), whereas the 22% CP regimen was intermediate (3.768), and the 24% CP regimen provided the best FCR (3.639). Therefore, bobwhite quail appear to be unaffected by major dietary changes in protein level and a 26% CP diet may provide adequate nutrition for the 0- to 2-wk starting period, followed by a 24% CP diet for a 2- to 4-wk period, and a 20% CP diet thereafter.