Effects of varying dietary protein levels on the performance of laying Japanese quail(Coturnix coturnix japonica) in a semi-arid environment

Abstract

Four dietary treatments differing in protein levels were compared to ascertain the protein requirement of laying Japanese quail in a semi-arid environment. One hundred and twenty quails were randomly assigned to four treatments (TI — 22%CR T2 — 20%CP T3 — 18%CP and T4 - I6%CP) in a completely randomized block design Each treatment was replicated thrice with ten quails each. Feed intake, body weight gain, hen day egg production, feed conversion ratio FCR), egg quality and hematological constituents were the response criteria. The study lasted seven weeks. Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the experimental period No significant (P> 0.05) effect of dietary protein was observed for feed intake, average body weight gain, hen-day egg production, F CR, dressing percentage and hematological parameters. Average body weight was significantly (P<0,05) enhanced by high dietary protein. Egg weight and Haugh unit were significantly (P<0. 05) better for the groups fed the higher protein levels (20 and 22% CP). Hen-day egg production, albumen index, specific gravity, shell weight and percent shell were not affected (P>0.05) by dietary protein levels. The costs of producing l kg egg in the treatment groups were ₦25926, ₦21007, ₦252.44 and ₦1263./10 for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. It was concluded that about 20%CP is required in the diets of laying Japanese quail under a semi-arid environment of Nigeria.