Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate different inclusion levels of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) from corn in the diet of quails. A total of 210 japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were distributed in a completely randomized design of five treatments and six replicates, with seven quails per experimental unit. The treatments used were: control feed; inclusion of 5, 10, 15 and 20% of DDGS. The variables assessed were: feed intake, feed conversion per dozen and egg mass, egg production, egg weight, specific gravity, yolk color and economic analysis. Data were analyzed by regression model and Dunnett’s test at 5% probability. For individual feed intake, laying rate, and feed conversion per egg mass, specific gravity and yolk color by color fan, there was effect caused by inclusion of DDGS (p < 0.05), but the other variables did not show significant difference. By Dunnett’s test, for feed intake, feed conversion per egg mass, specific gravity and digital colorimeter’s L parameter, there was effect (p < 0.05). As for economic analysis, DDGS presented low cost. It can be concluded that DDGS can be used in feed at a 20% level without impairing the performance and quality of quails eggs.
Highlights
Quail farming for egg production is quite substantial in Brazil
dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are rich in protein, amino acids, energy, phosphorus, fiber, but a major problem when it comes to using them is their great variability, nutritional composition and quality (Lumpkins et al, 2004)
According to the values recorded by the thermometers, the quails went through a period of high temperatures, considering that conditions of thermal comfort are close to 21°C, and relative humidity of the air around 57 to 69% (Oliveira et al, 2006)
Summary
Quail farming for egg production is quite substantial in Brazil This sector has been growing every year as a consequence of all positive performance aspects and low farming investment (Rocha-Silva et al, 2016). DDGS (distillers dried grains with soluble) are a co-product of the corn ethanol industry (Abousekken, 2014; Lumpkins, Batal, & Dale, 2004). DDGS are rich in protein, amino acids, energy, phosphorus, fiber, but a major problem when it comes to using them is their great variability, nutritional composition and quality (Lumpkins et al, 2004) This co-product is similar to soybean meal in terms of energy value, having tryptophan, arginine and lysine as limiting amino acids (Parsons, Baker, & Harter, 1983)
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