Effect of Dietary Calcium Sources and Levels on Egg Production and Egg Shell Quality of Japanese Quail

Abstract

The research was conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Mymensingh to evaluate the effect of different levels and sources of calcium on egg production and egg shell quality of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) up to 23 weeks of age. For that purpose a total number of 108 Japanese quails aged 20 week were fed on diets containing different levels (2.5%, 2.75% and 3.0%) of dietary calcium from different sources eg. Oyster shell, limestone and Calcium premix. They were placed in the experimental cages. Six birds were considered for a replication of each treatment. The birds were reared in clean laying cages an open sided house. The experimental quails were exposed to identical care and management throughout the experimental period. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. Eggs were collected twice daily at morning and evening. The number of eggs laid by birds in each replication was recorded daily. The external quality of collected eggs were measured weekly from each treatment and level randomly. No significant difference (p>0.05) in egg weight, shell weight, shell percentage, except egg production and shell thickness was noted due to variation of different levels and calcium sources. But as the birds were getting older calcium premix produced better shell quality than oyster shell and limestone. It was concluded that any of these calcium sources can be considered for laying Japanese quail but calcium premix produces better shell quality at later age. This result also suggested that a level of 2.5% calcium increases egg weight and shell thickness, while 2.75% increases body weight and shell weight and 3% increases egg production and shell percentage.