Effect of Indigofera leaves as a subtitute for soybean meal in laying quail (Coturnix-coturnix japonica) ration on egg production, feed conversion ratio, and yolk color score

Abstract

Indigofera leaves is one of alternative feed that can be used in quail rations. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of Indigofera leaves a substitute for soybean meal in quail rations. The material used were 100 female quails aged 56 weeks, yellow corn, rice bran, laying hens concentrate, soybean meal, and Indigofera leaves. This research used a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications. The treatments applied were T0 (control), T1 (rations containing 4% Indigofera leaves), T2 (rations containing 6% Indigofera leaves), and T3 (rations containing 8% indigofera leaves). The variables observed were feed consumption, egg production, egg weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and yolk color score. The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance and continued using Duncan Multiple Range Test through SPSS program. The results showed that the use of Indigofera leaves significantly affect (P <0.05) the FCR and egg yolk color score, but did not affect feed consumption, egg production and egg weight. Indigofera zollingeriana leaves meal could be used in laying quail (Cortunix cortunix Japonica) ration up to 8% as a substitute for soybean meal and did not gave a negative effect on its performance. Moreover, Indigofera leaves meal increased egg yolk color value.