Growth and Immuno-competence of Japanese Quail (White Breasted Line) to Different Dietary Energy and Amino Acid Levels

Abstract

Objective of this study was to determine the response of growing Japanese quails (White Breasted line-CARI UJJWAL, n=900, 36 groups) to three dietary essential amino acids (EAA) levels viz., 85, 100 and 115% of NRC (NRC, 1994) at three metabolizable energy levels viz., 2700, 2900 and 3100 kcal/kg (3 × 3 factorial design) on their growth and immunity. Each diet was offered to 4 replicates of 25 quails each up to 5 weeks of age. Ratio of lysine to protein and methionine and threonine to lysine, as specified by NRC, remained almost similar in all diets. Linear increase in body weight gain observed with increased EAA levels during 0–3 or 0–5 weeks of age. Feed intake increased linearly with decreased ME (P<0.01) and increased EAA (P<0.01) levels while improved feed conversion ratio was observed in highest energy level. Protein efficiency improved (P<0.01) with decreased EAA and increased ME levels whereas reverse for energy efficiency. Maximum performance index was observed in 3100 kcal/kg and 115% EAA diets. Humoral (SRBC) and cellular (PHA-P) immune response did not differ due to ME, EAA or ME × EAA. Optimum level of dietary ME is 2700 kcal/kg with CP 25.83%, lysine 1.49%, methionine 0.58% and threonine 1.17% on dry matter basis during 0–5 weeks of age for gain. For optimum feed conversion, growing quails required diet with ME 3100 kcal/kg with CP 23.23%, lysine 1.30%, methionine 0.50% and threonine 1.02% for 0–5 weeks of age.