Evaluation of three commercial feeds for the farming of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica Temminck y Schlegel)

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate, for the farming of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) three brands of feed, with different nutritional content, enzyme complexes, particle size and presentation, in the variables of production, weight and length of organs, height of intestinal villi and cost per quail. Design/Methodology/Approach: 300 young birds of both sexes were used; three commercial starter feeds of different brands (A, B and C) were evaluated. The response variables evaluated were feed consumed (AC), total feed consumed (ACT), live weight (PV), weight gain (GP), total weight gain (GPT), feed conversion (CA), total feed conversion (CAT), carcass yield, length, and weight of organs, as well as the size of the intestinal villi and the cost of the quail (CC). An analysis of variance was performed using the SAS® GLM procedure. Results: From week three the birds were classified by sex, and the lowest AC and best CA (p < 0.05) was obtained with treatment A in both sexes. Carcass yield was not affected by treatments (p>0.05); the longest and heaviest proventriculus and gizzard (p < 0.05) were for treatment B. Regarding the villi, it was found that the enzymes favored (p<0.05) their size. Limitations/Implications: The study showed that the size of the intestinal villi is influenced by the type of enzymes that are used, as well as by their concentrations or combinations. Findings/Conclusion: It is concluded that feed presentation influences the consumption of feed. Enzyme complexes improve the size of the intestinal villi.