Performance Of Japanese Quail Research Articles

Effect of Feed Supplement and Probiotics on Growth Performance of Japanese Quails

The study was conducted on 120 day-old Japanese quail chicks under deep litter system which were randomly divided into four group viz., T1, T2, T3 and T4 of thirty birds each. Group T1, T2 and T3 were given feed supplement, probiotic and their combination, respectively along with basal diet and the group T4 was kept as control. At 6 week age, higher (P<0.05) body weight was observed in group T3 (147.33±2.57 g) and T1 (147.00±4.58 g) in comparison to group T2 (127.00±4.24 g) and T4 (125.27±4.28). The average FCR was better in group T3 (3.24±0.44) followed by T1 (3.26±0.45), T2 (3.68±0.58) and T4 (3.81±0.60) during 0–6 weeks age. The present finding suggested that the feed supplement, probiotic and their combination might be utilized in Japanese quail farming under deep litter system.

The role of vitamin E or clay in growing Japanese quail fed diets polluted by cadmium at various levels

This study was conducted to verify whether vitamin (Vit) E or natural clay as feed additives has the potential to modulate the deleterious effects resulting from exposure to cadmium (Cd) in growing Japanese quail. 648 Japanese quail chicks (1 week old) were used to evaluate the effects of dietary Cd (0, 40, 80 and 120 mg/kg diet) and two levels of Vit E (0, 250 mg/kg diet) or two levels of natural clay (0 and 100 mg/kg diet) to study the influences of Cd, Vit E, clay or their different combinations on growth performance, carcass traits, some blood biochemical components and Cd residues in muscles and liver. Live BW and weight gain of quails were linearly decreased with increasing dietary Cd levels. Moreover, feed conversion was significantly worsened with increasing Cd level. Mortality percentage was linearly increased as dietary Cd level increased up to 120 mg/kg diet. Carcass percentage was linearly decreased as dietary Cd level increased. While, giblets percentage were linearly and quadratically differed as dietary Cd level increased. Cd caused significant changes in total plasma protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, creatinine, urea-N and uric acid concentrations as well as ALT, AST and ALP activities. Increasing dietary Cd level was associated with its increase in the muscles and liver. Dietary supplementation with 250 mg of Vit E/kg diet or 100 mg clay/kg improved live BW, BW gain and feed conversion when compared with the un-supplemented diet. Quails fed diet contained 250 mg Vit E/kg and those fed 100 mg clay/kg had the highest percentages of carcass and dressing than those fed the un-supplemented diet. Blood plasma biochemical components studied were better when birds received 250 mg of Vit E/kg diet and those received 100 mg clay/kg. Cd residues in the muscles and liver were significantly less in the birds had 250 mg of Vit E/kg or those received 100 mg clay/kg diet than those un-supplemented with Vit E. Growth performance traits and blood plasma biochemical components studied were significantly affected linearly by the interactions among Cd and each of Vit E and clay levels. In conclusion, the present results indicate that the deleterious effects induced by Cd plays a role in decreasing the performance of Japanese quail and that dietary supplementation with natural clay or Vit E may be useful in partly alleviating the adverse effects of Cd.

Influence of the integration among oxytetracycline, oregano essential oil or garlic powder on intestine microbial population and productive performance of Japanese quail

Influence of the integration among oxytetracycline, oregano essential oil or garlic powder on intestine microbial population and productive performance of Japanese quail

Ideal ratio of digestible methionine plus cystine to digestible lysine for growing Japanese quails

Background: methionine is considered essential for maintenance, growth, and feather development. Methionine supply during the growth phase can influence the weight at sexual maturity and egg size. Objectives: to evaluate the effects of several digestible methionine + cystine/digestible lysine ratios for growing Japanese quails (1 to 40 days of age) with repercussions on the early stage of production (41 to 110 days of age). Methods: a total of 1,000 one-day-old Japanese quails were randomly distributed to five digestible (methionine + cystine)/digestible lysine ratios, with 10 replicates and 20 birds per experimental unit. A basal diet formulated to meet all nutrient requirements was added with graded levels of DL-methionine replacing glutamic acid. Results: weight of the birds at 40 days, weight gain until 40 days, feed intake, carcass weight, fat, and bodyprotein deposition, methionine + cystine intake and birds viability in the growing phase presented a linear trend. A quadratic effect was observed for feed conversion and uniformity at 40 days of age, and percentage of feathers did not vary. A linear increase occurred in the laying phase for feed intake and weight gain of the birds. No effects of the assessed ratios were observed on the other variables. Conclusions: a 0.73 ratio of digestible (methionine + cystine) to digestible lysine in the growing phase provided uniform growth and satisfying performance of Japanese quails during the laying phase.

Effects of preincubation application of low and high frequency ultrasound on eggshell microbial activity, hatchability, supply organ weights at hatch, and chick performance in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) hatching eggs

The aim of the current study was to establish the effects of preincubation application of low and high frequency ultrasound on egg weight loss, hatchability, supply organ weights, chick performance, and eggshell microbial activity in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). A total of 630 fresh eggs were randomly divided into 3 groups. Treatments were no ultrasound but eggs were sprayed with benzalkonium chloride solution (B), 35 kHz ultrasound applied for 30 min (U35), and 130 kHz ultrasound applied for 30 min (U130). At the beginning of the incubation, the eggs in the U130 treatment had lower coliform, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus counts than those in the B group. However, no significant differences were found in coliform, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus counts among treatments at d 14 of incubation. Among treatments, there were no significant differences in egg weight loss, hatchability, embryonic mortality, supply organ weights, spread of hatch, or relative growth.

Effects of Dietary Protein, Energy and Lysine Intake on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Growing Japanese Quails

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of dietary levels of protein, energy and Lys on growth performance and carcass traits of growing Japanese quails during 1-5 weeks of age. A factorial design 3×2×2 arrangement was performed including three levels of crud protein (CP; 22, 23.5 and 25%), two levels of metabolizable energy (ME; 2900 and 3000 kcal ME kgG 1 ) and two levels of total lysine (Lys; 1.3 and 1.45%). Live Body Weight (LBW) at 3 weeks of age and Body Weight Gain (BWG) during 1-3 weeks of age were significantly (p#0.01) maximized when chicks were fed 22% CP compared to those received 23.5 and 25% CP. LBW at 3 and 5 weeks of age as well as BWG through 1-3 and 1-5 weeks of age were statistically (p#0.05) decreased with increasing dietary energy from 2900-3000 kcal ME kgG 1 diet. LBW at 3 weeks of age and BWG during 1-3 weeks of age were maximum when chicks were fed 1.45% Lys compared with group received 1.3% Lys level. Interaction between protein and energy levels significantly (p#0.01) affected LBW at 3 weeks of age and BWG through 1-3 weeks of age. Also, LBW at 5 weeks of age and BWG through 1-5 weeks of age were statistically (p#0.05) influenced by the interaction between ME and Lys levels. Increasing dietary ME level from 2900 to 3000 caused significant improvements in FCR at all studied ages except period 1-3 weeks of age. The present results did not show any significant effect on all carcass characteristics due to different dietary CP, ME and Lys or their interactions, except carcass percentage was higher in chicks fed diet contained 1.3% Lys. Also, giblet percentage was significantly (p#0.01) affected by energy levels and the interaction among dietary CP, ME and Lys levels. Moreover, dressing percentage was significantly (p#0.01) influenced by CP and Lys levels. It can be concluded that, diet formulated in 22% CP, 2900 kcal ME kgG 1 and 1.3% Lys can adequately ensure the growth performance in Japanese quails.

Correlated response to selection for some egg performance traits in egg line of Japanese quail

Estimation of correlated response to selection in female line of Japanese quail after a short-term selection experiment was conducted. The total number of 547 female (275 selected and 272 control) Japanese quail included in the selection experiment of selection depended on aggregate breeding values based on animal model Best Linear Unbiased Prediction. Correlated selection response estimates were favourable for all the studied traits and significant (–0.38, –9.89, –12.86, –16.64, –5.08 and –8.24) for first egg weight (FEW), age at the first 10 eggs (AGE10), age at first 30 eggs (AGE30), age at first 60 eggs (AGE60), days needed to produce the first 30 eggs (DN30) and the first 60 eggs (DN60), respectively. Estimates of heritability were moderate for egg mass for the first 10 eggs (EM10), the first 30 eggs (EM30), the first 60 eggs (EM60), AGE10 and AGE30 (0.17–0.30), but low for AGE60, DN30 and DN60 (0.01–0.10). Genetic correlations between the selection criteria traits (AFE, BWSM and DN10) and the studied egg production traits were positive and ranged from 0.25 to 0.97, 0.24 to 0.95 and 0.06 to 0.98 for AFE, BWSM and DN10, respectively, whereas phenotypic correlations ranged from 0.12 to 0.89, 0.01 to 0.34 and 0.06 to 0.87 for the same traits. The favourable genetic response obtained for egg traits could be an indicator for improving egg production performance in Japanese quail.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN BUNGKIL INTI KELAPA SAWIT YANG DIFERMENTASI MENGGUNAKAN ISOLAT SELULOLITIK DARI BELALANG KEMBARA PADA PAKAN TERHADAP PENAMPILAN PRODUKSI PUYUH JANTAN

&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;em&gt;This research was conducted to examine the effects of fresh and fermented palm kernel cake (BIKS) &lt;/em&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;em&gt;supplementation in the diets on male japanese quail performance. Two hundred and ten day-old quails &lt;/em&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;em&gt;were randomly devided into seven treatment diets in three replications of ten quails each. The dietary &lt;/em&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;em&gt;treatments were: diet without palm kernel cake (control; K), control diets supplemented with 10%, 20% , &lt;/em&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;em&gt;30% BIKS (BIKS10%, BIKS20%, BIKS 30%), control diets supplemented with 10%, 20%, 30% fermented &lt;/em&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;em&gt;palm kernel cake (BIKSF10%, BIKSF20%, BIKSF30%). The collected data were final body weight, feed &lt;/em&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;em&gt;consumption, feed conversion, and carcass production. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA, &lt;/em&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;em&gt;followed by Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test for any result with significant different. The results showed &lt;/em&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;em&gt;that dietary supplementation did not influence the final body weight and carcass production. The final body &lt;/em&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;em&gt;weight of the birds were 123.55, 122.34, 118.35, 122.24, 119.24, 124.72 and 121.95 g/head/35 day, carcass &lt;/em&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;em&gt;percentation were 65.35, 64.68, 64.87, 65.20, 66.57, 65.36, and 64.87%. However, Japanese quails that &lt;/em&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;em&gt;given fermented palm kernel cake had higher feed consumption and conversion ratio, except for the birds &lt;/em&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;em&gt;with 10% BIKSF. It might be concluded that the additions of BIKSF in diet did not give beneficial effects on &lt;/em&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;em&gt;the performance of Japanese quail.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Key words: Fermentation, Palm kernel cake, Performance, Quail)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Growth Performance of Japanese Quail as Affected by Dietary Protein Level and Enzyme Supplementation

Growth Performance of Japanese Quail as Affected by Dietary Protein Level and Enzyme Supplementation

Chemical composition of solar dried blood and the ruminal content and its effect on performance of Japanese quails.

Aim:The aim was to determine the chemical composition of solar dried blood and rumen content (DBRC) and further ascertain the concentration at which DBRC could be included in Japanese quail diets without any adverse effect on its performance.Materials and Methods:Feeding trial on the effect of DBRC on performance of Japanese quails was studied up to 5 weeks. 252 numbers of day old (Nandanam Type III breed) Japanese quails were purchased from Poultry Research Station, Madhavaram and divided into 7 batches (control+ six treatments) each consisting of 36 birds. The DBRC was included at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% in diets as control, treatment-1 (T1), treatment-2 (T2), treatment-3 (T3), treatment-4 (T4), treatment-5 (T5) and treatment-6 (T6) respectively in a completely randomized design to replace soybean meal in Japanese quail feed. The birds were provided with ad-labidum feed and drinking water ad-libitum during the entire experimental period.Results:The crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE) and ash contents of DBRC were 35.87%, 17.40%, 3.6% and 12.6%, respectively. The amount of essential amino acids and non-essential amino acid content were found to be 12.98 and 4.87 (g/100 g of feed) respectively in DBRC feed. Result showed that all birds fed DBRC diets performed better than the control group. Mortality was unaffected by dietary treatments. There was a significant difference (p<0.01) observed in weight gain in treatment groups compared to the control.Conclusion:Up to 30% DBRC could be incorporated in the diets of Japanese quails without any adverse effects on its performance.

Palm Kernel Meal and Brewer's Dried Grain Improve Laying Performance of Japanese Quails (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica) without Affecting Egg Quality Characteristics

This study was carried out to evaluate the laying performance and egg quality characteristics of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) fed palm kernel meal (PKM) and brewers dried grain (BDG) based diets. Five diets were formulated with diet 1 (control) containing 0%PKM and 0%BDG. PKM and BDG were included at two levels each in diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively (15%PKM, 30%PKM, 15%BDG and 30%BDG). A total of 150 Japanese quail (point of lay) of six-weeks old were allotted to five dietary treatment groups of 30 quail birds each with three replicates of 10 birds per pen in a completely randomized design. The diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (22%CP). The birds were raised in cages for sixteen weeks. Water and feed were offered ad libitum. The result of the experiment showed that there were significant (P 0.05) differences in daily weight gain, egg production and egg weight across the treatment groups. Peak egg production was significantly (P 0.05) difference across the treatments when compared with the control. Thus, utilization of BDG and PKM in quail’s diet at 30% inclusion level during the egg laying phase resulted in enhanced growth and egg production performance at the least cost.

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

The response of growing Japanese quails (White Breasted line-CARI UJJWAL, n=900, divided into 36 subgroups) to three dietary levels of essential amino acids (EAA) at three different metabolizable energy (ME) levels (3×3 factorial design) on growth and immunity was investigated. Nine diets including three levels of ME (2700, 2900 and 3100 kcal/kg) each at three levels of EAA (low, medium and high) were formulated. Each diet was offered to 4 replicated groups of 25 Japanese quails up to 5 weeks of age. The ratio of lysine to protein and the level of methionine and threonine to lysine, as specified by NRC (NRC, 1994), remained almost similar in all the diets. Body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio did not differ statistically due to the treatments i.e. interaction of ME and EAA levels. However, there was linear increase in body weight gain with increased EAA levels during 0-3 or 0-5 weeks of age. Feed intake increased linearly with the decreased ME (P<0.01) and increased EAA (P<0.01) in diets. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved (P<0.01) linearly with increase in dietary ME concentration from 0-3, 3-5 or 0-5 weeks of age. Protein efficiency (PE) improved (P<0.01) with decreased EAA levels and also with the increase in dietary ME level during 0-3, 3-5 and 0-5 weeks of growing age, whereas energy efficiency is influenced by EAA levels during 0-3 and 3-5 weeks of age (P<0.01). Maximum performance index during 0-5 weeks of age was observed in diet with 3100 kcal ME/Kg and 115% EAA. Nitrogen retention per unit energy intake was increased (P<0.01) with the increased EAA levels and decreased energy levels. Humoral (SRBC) and cellular (PHA-P) immune response did not differ due to ME, EAA or ME x EAA. Thus, it was concluded that the 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 was optimum for gain. However for optimum feed conversion, the 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.

Complete replacement of corn by white or red sorghum in japanese quail feeds

This study aimed at evaluating the total replacement of corn by white or red sorghum and the inclusion or not of pigment in the diet on the performance and yolk color of Japanese quail eggs. In the trial, 210 Japanese quails were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design consisting of five treatments with six replicates of seven birds each. Treatments consisted of Corn-based diet (C), white sorghum-based diet (WS), white sorghum-based diet + pigment (WSP), red sorghum-based diet (RS), and red sorghum-based diet + pigment (RSP). Feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg production, and egg mass were no influenced by the treatments. However, paler egg yolks were produced when corn was replaced by sorghum. When red and white sorghum varieties were compared, there were no differences in yolk color or response to pigment dietary inclusion. It was concluded that the total replacement of corn by sorghum in the feed did not influence the performance of Japanese quails and that yolk color response is not affected by the inclusion of pigments in diets containing sorghum, independently of its variety.

Fattening Performance of Japanese Quails (coturnix coturnix japonica) Fed on Diets with High Levels of Dry Fermented Wheat, Barley and Oats Grains in Whey with Citrus Pomace

In order to test the effects of fermenting grains in liquid whey with citrus pomace and copper sulphate for 8 h at 30-40 0 C, a control diet with 60% non-fermented corn (CON) and three diet with 60, 57 and 57% of dry fermented wheat (DFW), barley (DFB) and oat (DFO), respectively were fed to 1 day-old quails for 35 days in experiment 1, and fed to 21 day-old quails for 15 days in experiment 2. Experiment 1: in comparison to CON, birds fed on DFW had similar feed intake (FI), while produced significantly (P<0.05) high weight gain (WG), body weight (BW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Birds of DFB had similar BW and WG with the birds of CON, but had significantly (P<0.05) increased FI and worsened FCR in first two weeks. Birds of DFO had significantly (P<0.05) reduced FI, but with better FCR values. Birds on DFO had significantly (P<0.05) low BW and WG at day 7 and day 14, but hereafter they compensated for the depressed BW and WG, to be closer to that of CON birds. Experiment 2: birds fed on DFB and DFO decreased FI, BW and WG, but with similar FCR values, compared to birds on CON and DFW. Carcass yield and digestive tract development were influenced by fermentation. It was concluded that DFW, and partially DFB significantly (P<0.05) improved bird’s performance when fed from day 1, but no beneficial effects were observed when fed from 21 day old, and that dietary levels of fermented barley and oats must be set under 50%.

Effects of Functional Feed Additives on Growth Influenced Hormones and Performance of Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica)

The objective of this research was to determine the effects of Protexin®, Fermacto® and its compounded effects on growth performance, visceral organs weight, insulin, thyroxin and growth hormone of Japanese quails. Growth performance with respect to body weight gain and visceral organs weight were recorded and then blood sampling were taken for analysis of serum hormones using ELISA technique. The analyzing of data in completely randomized design showed that consumption of each Fermacto® and Protexin®+Fermacto® caused elevation in feed intake and body weight (p<0.05). The gizzard weight in males fed Fermacto® was decreased and in females fed all additives, especially protexin® was elevated (p<0.05). Males and Females fed Fermacto® have lighter intestines weight than other additive groups (p<0.05). The heart weight in males fed additives were reduced and in females fed Protexin® were elevated (p<0.05). In males fed additives liver weight was lighter than control group (p<0.05). In females fed Fermacto® and Protexin® + Fermacto® liver weight was reduced (p<0.05). Insulin level increased (p<0.05) by feeding of Fermacto and Protexin®+ Fermacto® in female and males respectively. The level of thyroxin in females depressed by feed additive consumption (p<0.05). Growth hormone level was elevated by consuming of feed additives in female birds (p<0.05). It was concluded that consumption of each Fermacto® and Protexin®+ Fermacto® in quail's diet can improve growth performance values by increasing the feed intake and stimulating the insulin and growth hormone release.

Performance of Japanese quail on organically complexed minerals by replacing inorganic sources

Day-old quails (459) were divided into 9 groups and each group was assigned with one dietary treatment, viz. T0 (control), T1 (100% organic Zn, Cu and Mn), T2 (100% organic Mn), T3 (50% organic Mn), T4 (100% organic Cu), T5 (50% organic Cu), T6 (100% organic Zn), T7 (50% organic Zn) and T8 (50% organic Zn, Cu and Mn). Weekly body weight and feed consumption were recorded. At 42 day, the serum biochemical indices and carcass characteristics were determined. Also the tibia bone parameters and weight of the immune organs were studied at 42 day of age. At 0 day, 7th day, 14th day and 21st day, the body weight of experimental quail of all the groups did not differ significantly. At 6th weeks, the body weights of T8 attained highest body weight with no significant difference with the body weight of T1, T3, T4 and T7. At 6th week, T8 recoded better FCR with no significant difference from T1, T4, T5 and T7. The serum glucose, serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride, albumin, globulin, albumin and globulin ratio, calcium, phosphorus, SGOT, SGPT, ALP levels of all the treatments of the experimental quails did not differ significantly but the serum protein, urea and haemoglobin of the quails of treatment groups differed significantly. The carcass characteristics of the experimental quail did not differ significantly (P&gt;0.05). The tibia wt (g), tibia length (mm), tibia Ca (%) and tibia P (%) of all the treatments of experimental quails did not differ significantly but the tibia ash content was significantly higher in organic mineral supplemented groups. The weight of lymphoid organs (spleen, bursa and thymus) of experimental quail at sixth week of age of all treatments did not differ significantly. It may be concluded that 50% replacement of inorganic Zn, Cu and Mn with their corresponding organic sources showed better performance in quail.

Effects of different levels of copper sulfate on performance in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The main purpose of the current study was to investigate possible Effects of different levels of copper sulfate on performance in Japanese quail. Four hundred, day old male Japanese quail were randomly allocated into 5 treatment groups and 4 replicates (each treatment included 20 replicate). All birds received basal diet until 7 days of old. Birds were received experimental diets from day 8 to 42 of the study. Group A (control) received no supplemented diet, whereas B, C, D and E groups were received basal diet supplemented by 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg copper sulfate, respectively. Body weight (gr), Body weight Gain (BWG) (gr), Food intake (gr) and Food Conversation Ration (FCR) were determined in three phases: phase one from days 0-7, phase two 7-21 and phase three 21-42 of the study. Carcass characteristics (Brest, Drumstick, Gizzard percent and total Intestine length (Cm) were determined at the end of the study. According to the results, there was no significant results on performance in birds fed supplemented diets with different levels of copper sulfate (50, 100, 150 and 200 mg) at any stage of the study (p>0.05). Furthermore, no significant results was observed on performance in Japanese quail fed diets supplemented with copper sulfate (50, 100, 150 and 200 mg) at day 42 (p>0.05).

Effects of replacing maize meal with rumen filtrate-fermented cassava meal on growth and egg production performance in Japanese quails (Cortunix japonica)

This study evaluated the effects of replacing maize in quail diets with graded levels of rumen filtrate-fermented cassava meal (FCM) on growth and egg production performance. Cassava meal (CM) was mixed with dried layer’s manure at 75 g/kg CM. This mixture was thoroughly mixed with freshly collected rumen filtrate (1 L/5 kg CM), and fermented in sealed bags for 14 days. It was then sun-dried and incorporated in grower/finisher diets at 0, 50, 75 and 100%. Then, 84-three weeks-old Japanese quails (Cortunix japonica) were divided into four groups that were randomly assigned to 0, 50, 75 and 100% FCM grower/layers diets. The diets and drinking water were supplied to birds ad libitum until 56 days of age. Daily feed consumption, weekly body weights, weight gains, feed conversion ratios (FCR), hen day, and egg weights were monitored. Replacing maize with FCM in quail diets had significant effect on all the parameters assessed. Quails fed diets with 75% FCM were superior (p

Effects of Partially Replacing Soybean Meal in Grower Diets with Pawpaw (Carica papaya) Leaf Meal on Nutrient Digestibility and Growth Performance of Japanese Quails (Cortunix japonica)

This study assessed nutrient digestibility and growth performance of Japanese quails (Cortunix japonica) fed diets with 0, 2, 4 and 6% pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaf meal (PLM) as a protein source. Fresh pawpaw leaves were collected, dried under a shade to a crispy feel, and pounded into a fine PLM. The PLM was used to formulate diets in which it replaced soybean meal at 0, 2, 4 and 6%. Thereafter, 108 three-weeks-old quails were individually weighed, divided into four groups based on body weights, and groups randomly assigned 0, 2, 4 and 6% PLM-diets. The diets, and drinking water were offered to the birds ad libitum until 42d of age. Feed intake, weight gain, body weights, feed conversion ratios (FCR), and digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE) and nitrogen free extract (NFE) were assessed. Feed intake, weight gain, body weights, FCR, and digestibility of DM, CP, CF, EE, and NFE significantly improved with increase in PLM content in the diets. Birds fed 6% PLM-diet were superior (p < 0.05) in all these parameters, followed by those in 4% PLM group. No significant differences were observed between control and 2% PLM-diet fed birds. Thus, partially replacing soybean meal with PLM improved nutrient digestibility and growth performance of quails, and optimal results were achieved at 6% PLM replacement level.

Effects of prestorage application of propolis and storage time on eggshell microbial activity, hatchability, and chick performance in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) eggs

Propolis, a resinous mixture produced by honeybees from substances collected from plants, has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. The purpose of the current study was to establish the effects of prestorage application of propolis and storage time on eggshell microbial activity, egg weight loss, hatchability, and chick performance in quail hatching eggs. Treatments were compared in a 2 × 5 factorial design with 2 different storage times (7 and 14 d) and 5 prestorage applications (control, ethyl alcohol 70%, 5% propolis, 10% propolis, and 15% propolis solution). After application, the eggs were stored for 7 or 14 d at 13°C and 75 to 80% RH before incubation. Eggs sprayed with propolis had lower levels of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, coliform, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus spp., and mold yeasts than control eggs over the storage period and incubation period. Microbial activity in eggs stored for 7 d was significantly higher than in eggs stored for 14 d at the end of the storage. The lowest egg weight loss during storage was obtained in P15 treatment eggs stored for 7 d, whereas the highest egg weight loss was found in the treatment A after storage for 14 d. Although propolis treatment at 3 different doses was not effective on relative growth, only P15 decreased the BW at d 10, compared with the control. Hatchability in eggs stored for 14 d was significantly lower than in eggs stored for 7 d. No significant differences were observed for hatchability and embryonic mortality among propolis treatment groups. Propolis did not have a detrimental effect on hatchability, embryonic mortality, or BW gain. Our results indicate that propolis may be used to effectively reduce microbial activity on the surface of quail hatching eggs during storage and incubation without any detrimental effects on hatchability.