Environmental enrichment impact on the Japanese quails productivity

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the production parameters and eggs quality of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) as a possible response to the enrichment of the birds' living environment. The study material consisted of 280 individually marked Japanese quails (56♂:224♀). Birds at 5 weeks of age were randomly divided into 7 equal-sized groups with replication subgroups (4 per group, 10 birds in each replication). Birds were maintained in 0.5 m2 cages with unlimited access to water and feed. The differentiating factor was the presence or absence of enrichment in the birds' cages. The following groups were used: 1 – control (reared without any enrichment), 2 - nest box, 3 - scratching surface, 4 - corrugated flexible tube (tunnel), 5 - limestone cubes, 6 - sand bath box, 7 - drilled feed box. Bird liveability and productivity indices (laying rate, egg weight, body weight of birds) were recorded throughout the experiment. After 6 weeks of the experiment, 24 eggs were randomly collected from each group for qualitative analysis. It was shown that the presence of an enriched environment positively influences the production parameters and the quality of eggs obtained from Japanese quails compared to birds kept under standard environmental conditions.