Performance Of Japanese Quail Research Articles

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT ENERGY LEVELS OF COCOA HUSK-BASED DIETS ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAILS

Cocoa husk-based diets were used to assess the effect of different energy levels on the growth performance, economics of production and dressing percentage of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) in South Western Nigeria. The assessment period was at 4 to 7 weeks of age. Four isonitrogenous (22% crude protein) diets incorporating graded levels (0, 3, 5, 7.0 and 14%) of cocoa husk meal (CHM) as replacement for maize, were used in the trial which involved 360, 3-week-old quail chicks. The diets had the followjng corresponding ME levels, viz: Diet 1, 2800; Diet 2, 2700; Diet 3, 2600 and Diet 4, 2500 kcal/kg. Each dietary treatment was similar (P > 0.05) among the diets while feed intake was higher (P < 0.05) on Diet 4 than Diets 1 and 2. Caloric intake, feed conversion and calorific efficiency did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among the treatments. Though feed cost and feed price/100 kcal ME decreased numerically across treatment, feed cost/kg gain was similar (P > 0.05). Dressing percentage was not influenced (P > 0.05) by dietary energy levels. Results of this study indicated that dietary energy levels of 2500 to 2800kcal/kg ME of cocoa husk-based diets are suitable for overall acceptable productive performance of Japanese quails during 4 – 7 weeks of age in South Western Nigeria.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND MICROFLORA IN GROWING QUAIL FED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH Lactuca serriola POWDER

The aim of the current study was to assess the influence of Lactuca serriola supplemented diet on performance, carcass characteristics and intestinal microbiota count of Japanese quails. A total of eighty birds of quail (one week of age) were divided into 2 groups of 40 birds each (five replicates of eight birds each). In the first group, the birds were fed a basal diet without Lactuca serriola, while the birds in the second group were fed diets containing 20 g Lactuca serriola /kg feed. Birds in both groups were fed for five weeks. Quails were slaughtered in order to study intestinal microbiota count and carcass characteristics at six weeks age. The results showed that quails fed Lactuca serriola had higher growth performance including body weight in comparison with the control group. The inclusion of Lactuca serriola had significantly higher lactic acid bacteria count and lowest level of E. coli and Salmonella enterica count than the control group. However, Lactuca serriola did not affect carcass measurements. Thus, supplementation of Lactuca serriola can improve the performance of Japanese quail and used as a new feed additive to balance gut microbiota

Effect of egg weight and oviposition time on hatchability and post hatch performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

A total of three hundred (300) Japanese quail eggs were used to study the effect of oviposition time and egg weight on hatchability and post-hatch performance. The eggs were grouped into two (2) of 150 eggs based on the oviposition time of Morning and Afternoon. The eggs in each group (150) were further sub-grouped based on the egg weights of 8 to10 grams designated as small sized and 10.1 to 12 grams designated as big size in a 2 x 2 factorial design trial of 4 treatments. Each treatment had seventy five (75) eggs each with three replicates. The four treatments groups were; Big Morning, Small Morning, Big Afternoon, Small Afternoon. Each treatment group was replicated three times with each replicates consisting of twenty-five (25) eggs. Hatchability parameters were determined during incubation period of 18 days. The quail chicks were fed ad-libitum and the post- hatch performance was studied for eight (8) weeks. The data generated were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance. Oviposition time and size of the egg significantly (p<0.05) affected the average hatch weight. The effect of interaction of oviposition time and egg size on post-hatch performance did not have any significant (p>0.05) influence. Oviposition time had a positive correlation (p<0.05) with egg weight, egg weight loss, percent egg weight loss and fertility percentage but negatively correlated with average hatch weight and hatchability percentage. Meanwhile egg size had a positive significant (p<0.01) correlation with average hatch weight. It was concluded that eggs ranging between 10.1 to 12 grams will produce higher hatch weight. However, setting of Japanese quail eggs ranging between 8 to 12 grams irrespective of oviposition time could not affect post-hatch performance of the chicks.

Growth response, carcass characteristics and egg laying performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica ) fed diets containing varying levels of fermented cassava (Manihot esculenta ) peel meal

A two phased experimental study was conducted on 300, two-weeks-old Japanese quails to determine the effect of feeding diets containing varying levels of fermented cassava (Manihot esculenta ) peel meal on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and egg production of Japanese quail ( ). Japanese quails with mean initial body weight of 26.67 g and of mixed sexes were used. Fermented cassava peel meal (FCPM) was prepared by soaking fresh cassava peels in water (that is twice its weight) for three days. Thereafter, the peels were put in a jute bag and kept for 12 hours under a hydraulic press; sundried for a few days and milled using an attrition mill. During the growing phase, the birds were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with 75 birds per treatment, each replicated three times, with the diets containing FCPM replacing 0, 25, 50 and 75 % maize to form diets T , T , T and T respectively. The diets were isonitrogenous, containing 24 % crude protein, and fed to the experimental birds for six weeks. Data were collected on feed intake, growth performance and carcass characteristics. The laying phase involved 120 female quails from he growing phase that were sexed to retain only the females. They were then allotted to four dietary treatments of three replicates per treatment; with 10 birds per replicate. The birds were fed the experimental diets containing FCPM replacing 0, 25, 50 and 75 % maize for eight weeks, and data were collected on egg production and egg quality parameters. Results show significant (p<0.05) differences in daily feed intake and nutrient digestibility among the treatments, while daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not significantly (p>0.05) different, during the growing phase. For the laying phase, there were no significant (p>0.05) differences in daily feed intake, hen day production (HDP) and all the egg quality traits determined. Therefore, it can be concluded that dietary maize could be replaced with FCPM up to 50 % and 75 % in growing quails without any deleterious effects on growth performance and carcass characteristics respectively; whereas it can replace up to 75 % in the diet of laying Japanese quails without any adverse effect on egg production and egg quality traits.

Effects of African Nutmeg (Monodora myristica) spice in aflatoxin-infected diets on growth Performance of Japanese Quails (Cortunix Cortunix)

A research work was carried out to evaluate the effects of toasted Monodora myristica spice as feed additive in quail diet in a completely randomized design. The proximate, vitamin and mineral composition and anti-nutritional factors, growth performance, cut parts and organ characteristics, biochemical parameters and egg quality traits were evaluated in this study that lasted for fifteen weeks. A total of 120 day-old quail chicks were brooded for 14 days. Thereafter, they were allocated to four dietary treatments designated D1, D2, D3 and D4 also having 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% Monodora myristica respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times at 10 quails (2 males: 8 females) per replicate. Growth performance and carcass characteristics study lasted for 7 weeks while eggs were collected for four weeks. Daily feed intake was reported to be 2.39g/bird/day, 2.83g/bird/day, 3.22g/bird/day and 3.15g/bird/day respectively for 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% Monodora myristica-flavoured diets. There was no significant (P>0.05) increase in the daily feed intake though it increased only numerically as level of inclusion increased from 0% to 1.0% but decreased at the level above 1.0%. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in the average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio among the varying treatments. Average daily weight gains for the groups were 1.68g/b/d, 2.18g/b/d, 3.35g/b/d and 3.37g/b/d respectively for D1, D2, D3 and D4. Significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in the cut parts and organ characteristics. From the results, Monodora myristica was not observed to be detrimental to the quails with respect to the weight of organs and cut parts. Dressed weight increased as level of inclusion increased up to 1.0% but then declined afterwards to 137.69g. Liver weights were 3.55%, 2.55%, 1.79% and 1.77% respectively for D1, D2, D3 and D4. Quails fed the control diet recorded the highest liver weight (P<0.05) of 3.55% indicating stress condition. The low liver weight in quails fed Monodora-flavoured diet indicates potential of Monodora to protect the liver from free radicals that cause stress. Breast meat was significantly reduced at 1.0% and 1.5% M. myristica inclusion

Retinal and extra-retinal photoreceptor responses and reproductive performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) following exposure to different photoperiodic regime

Japanese quail is a truly photoperiodic avian species. In general long days are gonado-stimulatory and short days are gonado-inhibitory for this poultry bird. To investigate the correlation of retinal and extra-retinal photoreceptors with different photoperiodic conditions quail were divided into 2 groups and kept under long day (16L: 8D) and short day (8L: 16D) condition separately to develop photosensitivity and scotosensitivity respectively. Transfer of long day quail to intermediate day-length (13.5L: 10.5D) developed photorefractoriness (relative) and prolonged exposure to short photoperiodic conditions led the birds to develop scotorefractoriness. Increased expression of mRNA and immunosignaling of photoreceptors rhodopsin, transducin in eye and hypothalamus while decreased mRNA expression of melatonin receptors (Mel1b, Mel1c) were noted in the eyes of photosensitive (PS) and scotorefractory (SR) quail compared to photorefractory (PR) and scotosensitive (SS) birds respectively. Decreased expression of hypothalamic GnIH and melatonin receptors mRNA was observed in PS and SR birds compared to PR and SS birds respectively. Modulation of retinal and extra retinal photoreceptors leads to increased spermatogenesis as well as mRNA expression of steroidogenic genes and androgen receptor in the testis of sexually active PS and SR quail. These results led us to conclude that gonadal stimulation in PS as well as SR quail is outcome of activated retinal and extra retinal photoreceptors which lowered melatonin receptors and GnIH expression. Contrarily testicular inhibition in PR and SS is the outcome of decreased photoperception. It is suggested that decreased photoperception in SS quail increases after prolong exposure of the short day (in SR) leading to increased activity of HPG axis.

Meat performance of Japanese quails after the application of bee bread powder

The aim of the study was the evaluation of meat performance of Japanese quails after the addition of bee bread powder into their diet. A total of 80 one day-old Japanese quails were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 20): the control group (C) without additional supplementation, the experimental group E1 supplemented with 2 mg bee bread powder per 1 kg of feed mixture; the experimental group E2 supplemented with 4 mg bee bread powder per 1 kg of feed mixture and the experimental group E3 supplemented with 6 mg bee bread powder per 1 kg of feed mixture. The groups were kept under the same conditions and the quails were slaughtered at 56 days of age. Based on the results, we can conclude that the application of bee bread powder generally has not confirmed a positive effect on the meat performance of Japanese quails, regarding to the quantities of bee bread powder in the experimental groups.

Efficacy of dietary supplementation of nanoparticles-chromium, chromium-methionine and zinc-proteinate, on performance of Japanese quail under physiological stress

The effects of dietary Nanoparticles-Chromium, Chromium methionine, and Zinc-proteinate on performance, blood characteristics and meat quality of physiologically stressed quails were studied. The stress was induced by adding dexamethasone (0.6 mg/kg BW) to diet when quails were between 17 and 22 days of age. Three hundred one-day chicks were randomly assigned to five groups comprising four replicates of 15 birds: negative control diet (no-stress, no-additive), positive control diet (stress, no-additive), and stress additive diets which included three diets containing 800 µg/kg of Nano-Cr, 800 µg/kg Cr-met, and 60 mg/kg Zn-pro. Performance and hematological parameters were affected by physiological stress (p < .05), but were not affected by dietary Nano-Cr, Cr-met or Zn-pro. During the stress period, feed consumption was improved by Zn-pro supplementation. By the end of the experiment, the ultimate pH value of the muscle in stressed birds, which were fed on the Cr-met diet, was higher than those treated with NC, but pH values were not affected by the treatments. Diets containing Nano-Cr and Zn-pro caused a reduction in malondialdehyde concentration in the thigh muscle. In summary, 800 µg/kg of Nano-Cr and 60 mg/kg of Zn-pro can reduce the negative effects of stress on meat quality. Highlights Dietary dexamethasone induced physiological stress in quails. The supplementation of 60 mg/kg of Zinc proteinate had positive effect on feed intake of birds under physiological stress. Dietary Zinc proteinate and Nanoparticles-Chromium increased meat oxidative stability in birds which experienced physiological stress.

Effects of nanochitosan supplementation on productive performance of Japanese quail

The present study evaluated the effects of chitosan nanoparticles ( ChNP ) as a feed additive during the 1-42 d of age on growth performance, blood serum parameters, carcass traits, intestinal bacteria, digestive enzymes, and fat digestibility. Two hundred and forty of 1-d-old Japanese quail were randomly distributed into four groups and fed a basal diet for 42 d. Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were fed 0.0 mg/kg diet (control group), 200-mg ordinary chitosan/kg diet, 50-mg ChNP/kg diet, and 200-mg ChNP/kg diet, respectively. The highest ( P < 0.05 ) final weight and weight gain were recorded in group 4. The feed intake and mortality ratio were not affected significantly by ChNP supplementation. The best feed conversion ratio was recorded by groups 2 and 4. Blood serum parameters were within the normal range; however, serum total triglyceride and malondialdehyde were increased significantly in the control group. The highest values for total Lactobacillus and Enterococcus count in the intestine were observed in the ChNP and chitosan groups. The coliform count was significantly higher ( P < 0.05) in the control group and group 3 than in the other groups. Carcass weights in groups 2 and 4 were significantly heavier ( P < 0.05) than in the other groups. However, the abdominal fat weight was higher ( P < 0.05) in the control group than in the other groups. The lipase activity was decreased significantly ( P < 0.05) in groups 2 and 4 compared with the control group. These results concluded that the addition of ChNP had a positive effect on productive performance of Japanese quail.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Moringa oleifera Leaves and/or Seeds Powder on Production, Egg Characteristics, Hatchability and Blood Chemistry of Laying Japanese Quails

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) leaves and/or seed powder on laying Japanese quail performance in terms of egg production, egg quality, blood serum characteristics, and reproduction. In total, 168 Japanese quails (120 hens and 48 males) at eight weeks of age in laying period were randomly distributed to four treatment groups, with six replicates per group and seven birds (five hens and two males) per replicate. The first group (G1) served as a control group, while G2, G3 and G4 groups were supplemented with M. oleifera leaves (ML) and M. oleifera seeds (MS) and their combination ((1 g/kg ML; 1 g/kg MS; and 1 ML g/kg + 1 MS g/kg (MSL), respectively). From the results, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, fertility and hatchability from fertile eggs, egg and yolk index, and Haugh unit were not affected by dietary treatments. However, egg production, egg mass, eggshell thickness, and hatchability were significantly increased and blood aspartate transaminase (AST) and urea decreased in the MS treatment. Both triglycerides and total cholesterol were reduced (p &lt; 0.05) in all treatments with ML, MS, and MSL, with no significant differences in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, total protein, globulin, and A/G ratio among dietary treatment. Our results clearly indicated that the inclusion of M. oleifera seeds in Japanese quail diet significantly increased egg production and improved hatchability, along with some egg quality parameters, and also lowered some blood biochemical components.

Digestible trypthophan and digestilbe lysine ratios in diets for growing japanese quails

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different tryptophan and 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). A total of 1000 one day old Japanese quails were distributed at random, with five tryptophan and digestible lysine ratios, 10 replicates and 20 birds per experimental unit. A tryptophan- deficient basal diet was formulated with 1.48 g of digestible tryptophan /kg, corresponding to a ratio of tryptophan and lysine of 0.14. This basal diet was supplemented with five levels of L-tryptophan (98%), replacing glutamic acid corresponding to the tryptophan and lysine ratio of 0.14 (no supplementation); ratios of 0.16; 0.18; 0.20 and 0.22, being the diets isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The performance of the birds in the growing and egg laying phases was evaluated. Although body weight and weight gain until 40 days of age had increased (P&lt;0,001) and feed intake in the egg laying phase had decreased (P=0,037) in a linear fashion, LRP was the one with the best adjustment for those parameters. The effect was quadratic for feed intake (P=0,0069), feed conversion (P=0,0032) and viability (P&lt;0,001) of the birds in the growing phase. A quadratic effect was found for egg production per bird housed at one day of age (P&lt;0,001), weight gain at 110 days of age (P=0,039) and feed conversion per egg mass (P=0,046) in the laying phase. Intake of tryptophan increased (P&lt;0,001) and egg production per housed bird in the laying phase linearly decreased (P&lt;0,001) with the increase in the ratios between tryptophan and lysine. The digestible tryptophan and digestible lysine ratio is 0.18 (1.88 g of tryptophan/kg and 10.5 g of lysine/kg of diet), corresponding to an intake of 20.63 mg of tryptophan per bird per day, in the diet for growing, provides greater viability of birds in the growing phase and a satisfactory performance of Japanese quails in the laying phase.

Effect of dietary supplementation of whey powder and Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, gut and hepatic function, and muscle antioxidant capacity of Japanese quail.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of whey powder (WP), Bacillus subtilis (BAS), and their combination (MIX) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, caecal microflora, hepatic gene expression, blood metabolites, and skeletal muscle antioxidant capacity in Japanese quails. A total of 400 one-day-old Japanese quails were randomly distributed to 20-floor pens (4 dietary treatments, 5 replications per treatment, 20 birds per pen). The birds were fed a basal diet (control, CON) or the basal diet supplemented with 40g/kg WP, 1g/kg BAS probiotic or 40g/kg WP plus 1g/kg BAS probiotic for five weeks. Feed intake was not affected by the treatments at any stage of the trial. However, the WP, BAS, and MIX feed had better weight gain and feed conversion ratio compared to the CON during the entire production period (day 1-35; p<.05). Feeding the WP, BAS, and MIX diets caused no significant difference in morphometric measures in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum other than the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the ileum (p<.05). The expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and growth hormone genes was highly upregulated in the liver of the birds fed the MIX diet (p<.05). Feeding birds with the diets containing WP, BAS, and MIX increased the population of caecal lactic acid bacteria and reduced serum cholesterol concentration compared to the CON diet (p<.05). Likewise, the tested feed additives increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities in the thigh muscle (p<.05). No synergistic effect was found between WP and BAS in studied parameters other than IGF-1 gene expression. Improved growth performance of Japanese quails by feeding the WP, BAS, and the MIX feed could be linked to improved absorptive capacity of the small intestine as well as over-expression of anabolic growth factors. In conclusion, WP with or without BAS could be considered as a beneficial dietary supplement to enhance productive performance, gut functionality, and antioxidant capacity of Japanese quail.

Effect of In-Ovo Administration of L-Arginine on the Gross Anatomy of Tibia Bone, Alkaline Phospahtase and Growth Performance in Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)

Effect of In-Ovo Administration of L-Arginine on the Gross Anatomy of Tibia Bone, Alkaline Phospahtase and Growth Performance in Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)

Arthrospira (Spirulina) Platensis Can Be Considered as a Probiotic Alternative to Reduce Heat Stress in Laying Japanese Quails

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina platensis, SP) on feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, hen day egg production, intestinal microflora, heat stress biomarkers, and HSP70 gene expression in laying Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) suffering heat stress condition. A total of 250 female quails were allocated to 5 treatments, 5 replicates and 10 birds in each replicate in a completely randomized design. Experimental treatments included: 1) basal diet, 2) basal diet+ 0.03 % probiotic, 3) basal diet+ 0.1 % SP, 4) basal diet+ 0.3 % SP, 5) basal diet+ 0.5 % SP. During the last 6 days of the experiment, the quails were exposed to 8h of 34±1°C. The birds had free access to feed and water during the experiment. The results showed that using probiotic and different levels of Spirulina had no significant effect on laying performance of Japanese quails (p>0.05). Probiotic supplement increased Lactobacil bacteria population in laying quails’ ileum under heat stress (p<0.05). Different levels of SP decreased Escherichia coli population in laying quails’ ileum suffering heat stress (p<0.05).SP at the level of 0.5% caused the lowest blood Malondialdehyde level, heterophil, and H/L ratio (p<0.05).However, HSP70 gene expression in the heart or the liver of laying quails was not different (p>0.05). In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed that SP at the level of 0.5 % has the potential to be considered as a probiotic alternative in the diet of laying quails suffering heat stress condition.

Effect of Essential Fatty Acid Proportion in Feed on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

ABSTRACT This investigation was carried out to determine the effect of Essential Fatty Acids proportion (EFAs [n-6, n-3]) in feed through the mixture of soy, olive, canola or chia oil on EFA profile in eggs as well as productive and reproductive performance of Japanese quail. We used 120 quail from 7 to 22 weeks of age, in 15 cages in groups of 6 females and 2 males assigned according to the completely randomized design to 3 treatments with 5 replicates. The treatments were n-6:n-3 proportions 10:1 (control), 4:1 and 1:1. FA profile in yolk, feed intake, laying rate, egg weight, fertility, hatchability, and embryonic mortality were measured. In the egg yolk, n-6 content was similar in the proportions (p>0.05), while n-3 content increased (p 0.05). In 4:1 and 1:1 proportion laying percentage was greater, but egg weight was lower (p 0.68). Early and total embryonic mortality was lower in 10:1 and 4:1 proportion (p 0.30). The results of the experiment indicate that the mixture of soy, olive, canola or chia oil, to obtain n-6:n-3 proportion of 1:1, 4:1 and 10:1 does not modify feed consumption, laying rate, egg weight, fertility, and hatchability; but, 4:1 and 10:1 proportions favor a lower embryonic mortality.

Effect of Different Levels of Symbiotic on the Japanese Quail Performance, Immune Response and Small Intestine Histomorphology

Effect of Different Levels of Symbiotic on the Japanese Quail Performance, Immune Response and Small Intestine Histomorphology

THE EFFECT OF ADDING CUTTLEBONE MEAL ON THE PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAIL.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding different dietary levels of cuttlebone meal (CBM) on the productive and reproduction performance of Japanese quail. A total number of 112 birds of the 6-weeks Japanese quail were used and randomly distributed on 4 treatments with 4 replicates per 7 birds (2 males and 5 females). The birds were fed by treatments the following treatment: the first treatment (a control 0.0 % CBM, the second treatment (0.5% CBM), third (1.0% CBM), and fourth treatment (1.5% CBM). Body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed consumption (FC), feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg laying rate, egg weight, egg mass, fertility, hatchability, weight of chicks hatch, egg quality, and relative economic efficiency (REE) were estimated for the whole experimental period (10 weeks). It was observed that no significant effect on egg weight, egg mass, and feed intake due to addition CBM. There were significant (P 0.05) for yolk weight, eggshell weight, yolk percentage, albumen percentage, eggshell percentage, shape index, yolk index Haugh Unit (HU), shell thickness, width of egg, ESA and SWUSA between the treatments. However, albumen weight, increase significantly (P 0.05) due to addition 1.5% CBM comparing 0.5% CBM group. Insignificant differences in hatchability rate between the experimental treatments However, fertility rate increased significantly due to addition 0.5 and 1.5 CBM comparing the addition 1% CBM group and the body weight of chicks at hatch increase significantly (P<0.05) due to addition 1 and 1.5% CBM comparing the control group.

Effect of using ionized water on some productive and physiological performance of Japanese quails

This study was conducted to explore the effects of using ionized water on the productive and physiological performance of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). Our study was conducted at a private farm from 20th April, 2016 to 13th July, 2016 (84 d). One hundred 42-day-old Japanese quail chicks were used, divided randomly into 5 groups with 4 replicates. Treatments consisted in a control group (T1 - normal water:), alkaline (T2 - pH 8 and T3 - pH 9), and acidic water (T4 - pH 6 and T5 - pH 5). All birds were fed a balanced diet of energy and protein. The egg production ratio, egg weight, cumulative number of eggs, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, productivity per hen per week, and effects on plasma lipids, uric acid, glucose, calcium, and phosphorus were studied. The T3 group exhibited greater (P ≤ 0.05) average egg production, productivity per hen per week, cumulative number of eggs, and egg mass compared with the other groups. Moreover, all treated groups (T2 to T5) had higher (P ≤ 0.05) overall average egg weights compared with that of the T1 group. At 18 wk old, plasma cholesterol was decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in the T3 and T5 groups. Furthermore, more (P ≤ 0.05) high-density lipoprotein and less low-density lipoprotein were observed in all treated groups compared with the T1 control group. In conclusion, the productive and physiological performance of Japanese quail was improved in the T3 (alkaline water; pH 9) and T5 (acidic water; pH 5) groups compared with the other experimental groups.

Growth Performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) reared on deep litter and cages in the hot humid tropics of Southern Bénin Republic

The performance of male and female quails reared separately in cages and on deep litter was investigated. One hundred and eighty 3-week old quails managed for five weeks. There were three replicates per treatment with stocking densities of 120cm2/bird in cage and 180cm2/bird on deep litter and sex as a block factor. Data on weekly body weight, weight change, daily feed and water intakes, feed: gain, carcass yield and costs of production were analysed. Daily water consumed by quails between the housing systems (62.76±11.21mL/d on deep litter vs. 66.96±12.18mL/d in cage system, p&gt;0.05) were same. However, quails housed on deep litter consumed more feed from 43-56 days of age (25.34±1.77g/d vs. 22.99±1.55g/d). Quails reared on deep litter also grew faster during the first week of that period (3.33±1.70g/d vs. 0.69±0.87g/d). However, gain in body weight was noticed from day 22 to day 49 but a sudden decline thereafter for all quails regardless of sex and housing system. Carcass yield was not affected by housing system but values for thighs, empty gizzard and liver of quails kept on deep litter were higher (respectively 12.95±0.86% vs. 11.99±0.83%, 2.12±0.18% vs. 1.84±0.20%, 2.11±0.59% vs. 1.88±0.43%; p&lt;0.05). Production costs were the same (p&gt;0.05) whether on deep litter (3414.30±172.95CFA/kg) or in cages (3283.43±77.72CFA/kg). However, the production cost per kilogram of carcass of male quails was lower compared to females (3205.88±138.95CFA/kg vs. 3484.35±131.57CFA/kg, respectively) regardless of the housing system. Sex and age of quails affect performance and not the type of housing system.

Floor space and betaine supplementation alter the nutrient digestibility and performance of Japanese quail in a tropical environment.

This study investigated the effects of floor space and betaine supplementation on the nutrient digestibility and performance of laying quail, at an advanced stage of production, in a tropical environment. In total, 408 laying quail (23 weeks old) were distributed in 3 × 2 factorial arrangements with four replicates. The first factor was floor space (250 cm2 [FS-1], 221 cm2 [FS-2], and 200 cm2 per bird [FS-3]) by allocating 15, 17, and 19 birds per cage (cage size: 3750 cm2). The second factor was betaine supplementation, administered at levels of 0 (Control) and 0.12% (Betaine). The birds were housed under a natural, tropical environment that was outside the predominant thermoneutral zone, indicating heat stress conditions. Interactions were found between floor space and betaine on crude fiber digestibility, egg production, and eggshell thickness, with the highest values being yielded in FS-2 group supplemented with betaine. Reducing the floor space to 200 cm2 negatively affected nutrient digestibility and performance. The birds kept in FS-3 had lower (P < 0.05) dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, and calcium digestibility values than those kept in FS-1 and FS-2. Birds housed in FS-2 exhibited higher egg weight than those in FS-3 (P < 0.05), although they did not differ from those in FS-1. Furthermore, a lower eggshell weight in FS-3, compared with FS-1 and FS-2, was observed (P < 0.01). Betaine supplementation enhanced the dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, and calcium digestibility values (P < 0.05). Accordingly, betaine improved feed intake, egg weight, feed conversion, and protein and energy efficiency ratios (P < 0.01). Betaine also resulted in higher albumen, yolk, and eggshell weights (P < 0.01). In conclusion, a floor space of 221 cm2, combined with betaine supplementation at 0.12%, can be applied for raising quail under high environmental temperatures.