Response of growing Japanese quail raised under two stocking densities to dietary protein and energy levels

Abstract EN

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of dietary levels of protein and energy on growth performance and carcass traits of growing Japanese quail during 1-6 weeks of age under two stocking densities.

A factorial design (2 x 2 x 3) arrangement was used included two stocking densities (12 birds or 24 birds in space of 40 x 50 cm), two levels of CP (22 and 24 %) and three levels of energy (2800, 2900 and 3000 kcal ME/ Kg).

The results of the present study showed that increasing stocking density of Japanese quails from 12 to 24 birds per 2000 cm² led to a significant (P≤0.01) reduction in live body weight at 3 and 6 weeks of age and body weight gain through 4-6 and 1-6 weeks of age.

Live body weight at 3 weeks of age and live body weight gain during 1-3 of age were significantly (P≤0.01) maximized when chicks were fed 22% protein compared to those received 24% protein.

Live body weight at 3 and 6 weeks of age and live body weight gain through 1-3 and 1-6 weeks of age were significantly (P≤0.01) decreased linearly with the increase in dietary energy from 2800 to 3000 kcal ME / kg diet.

Interaction between stocking density and protein levels were significant (P≤0.05) on live body weight at 3 weeks of age and body weight gain through the whole experimental period (1-6 weeks of age).

Quail kept at 80 cm² consumed (P≤0.01) less feed as compared with those kept at 160 cm² while, the best feed conversion ratio was obtained for birds kept at 160 cm² than birds kept at 80 cm².

During 1-3 and 1-6 weeks of age, an improvement (P≤0.05) in feed conversion was noticed with lower protein level (22%).

Increasing energy level in the quail grower diets from 2800 to 2900 and 3000 kcal/ME/ kg was associated with a significant (P≤0.05 or 0.01) decrease in feed consumption and significant (P≤0.01) improvement in feed conversion ratio during all the experimental periods studied.

The present results did not show any significant effect on all studied carcass characteristics of growing Japanese quail due to stocking density, dietary protein and energy levels and their interaction, except giblets which was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in chicks fed diets contained 2900 and 3000 kcal ME/kg.