Egg production patterns of quails given diets with different nutrient density

Abstract

Energy and protein ratio in the diet plays an important role in laying quails production. High nutrient density could expose the quails into heat stress due to inefficient metabolic process and nutrient absorption. On the other hand, lower density possesses the risk of nutrient insufficiency. Both cases are potential in affecting the egg production. This study aimed to investigate the egg production patterns of quails fed different nutrient density with constant ratio of metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP). Egg production data was obtained from two hundred laying quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) which were randomly assigned into two distinct experimental diets. Dietary treatments were given for eight weeks and replicated five times each with 20 quails. Two diets were formulated to contain High ME-CP (2,800 kcal/kg ME and 18.7% CP) and Low ME-CP (2, 600 kcal/kg ME and 17.3% CP). The data were analysed using t-test and egg production patterns were plotted. Quails fed with different nutrient density yielded similar egg production values and patterns. We fit non-linear mathematical model into the datasets; similar trends and fitness were also observed (R2 = 0.96). It is concluded that quail fed with different nutrient density exhibited minor difference in egg production pattern.