The Effect of Using Different Levels of American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana) powder on Productive and Physiological Performance of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of using different levels of American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) powder on productive and physiological performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). One hundred and thirty-five, 45 days-old of Japanese quail females were randomly divided into three groups (45 females for each). Each group has three replicates (15 females per each). The groups were included: The first group was fed on experimental diet included with 0 % of insect powder and 6% of protein concentration as the control. The second group was fed on experimental diet included with 3% of protein concentration and 3% of insect powder. The third group was fed on experimental diet included with 0 % of protein concentration and 6% of insect powder. The results showed no significant in the egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion ratio and mortality among groups. The birds in the third group were recorded a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in the egg production (%), on the other hand, it recorded a less value in the feed intake compared to other groups. The results of relative weight of ovaries and oviducts showed the birds in the third group were recorded a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) compared to other groups. On the other hand, the second group was recorded a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) compared to first group (control). The results were indicated no significant in the levels of estrogen hormone among groups. While, the results of the levels of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were indicated a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in the third group compared to other groups. In addition to, the second group was recorded a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) compared to first group (control). In conclusions, so far proves the potential of the American cockroach (P. americana) meal for use in quail production systems. American cockroach (P. americana) food based feed can completely replace protein sources by 100 per cent without negative effect on the productive performance of quail and, in some ways, can achieve better than conventional protein based feeds such as protein concentrations. On the other hand, the American cockroach (P. americana) meal improved physiological performance of quail.