Growth Pattern and Physiological Response of Japanese Quails to Administered Aqueous Solution of Egg Lime Molasses Mixture

Abstract

Background: Japanese quails have the potentials of being cheap source of animal protein. This study was conducted to determine the growth pattern and physiological response of Japanese quails to administration of aqueous solution of egg lime molasses mixture (ELM). Methods: ELM was prepared by placing fresh eggs in a bowl after which 1 liter of lime juice and 500 g of molasses were added and left for 10 days at temperature of 27°C and relative humidity of 61%. The entire solution was then blended together. Two hundred day old Japanese quails were assigned to five treatments (4 replicates/treatment) with forty birds in a completely randomized design (CRD). The control (T1) having no administration of ELM, T2 had an inclusion level of 10 ml, T3: 20 ml, T4: 30 ml and T5: 40 ml ELM all into 500 ml of water. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. The study was carried out for 49 days. Data were collected on growth, morphometrics and key physiology parameters. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance using SPSS Version 22. Result: Significant difference (p less than 0.05) was observed only for feed conversion ratio at the starter phase, however, birds administered 20 ml ELM/500 ml of water had the best FCR. Significant differences (p less than 0.05) were observed for live weight and weight gain at the finisher phase. Significant differences (p less than 0.05) were observed in body morphometrics with birds administered 20 ml/500 ml of water having the highest values. There were significant differences (p less than 0.05) in rectal temperature and respiratory rate at the starter phase while at the finisher phase, significant difference (p less than 0.05) was only observed in rectal temperature. It can be concluded from this study that aqueous administration of egg lime molasses solution in the diet of Japanese quails has no detrimental effect on the growth pattern and physiological response.