1.
Productive Performance Of Four Close-Bred Flocks Of Japanese Quails With Different Body Weights And Its Effect on Subsequent Progeny Growth
by Ahmed Sultan | Dr. Abdul Waheed Sahota | Dr. Khalid Javed | Dr. Muhammad Akram.
Material type: ; Format:
print
; Literary form:
not fiction
Publisher: 2012Dissertation note: In Pakistan, the low live and dressed market weights in Japanese quails has been one of the significant problems badly influencing future development in quail production. No serious attempts have yet been made in the country to improve body weight and meat yield in local quails. The present study of one year duration was therefore, planned at Avian Research and Training (ART) Centre, Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. The main objectives of the study were to evaluate productive performance, egg quality, hatching performance, slaughter characteristics and blood biochemical profile in four close-bred flocks of Japanese quails with different body weights and examine its effect on the subsequent progeny growth. For this purpose, a total of 432 (108 males and 324 females) adult quails were randomly picked up from 4 close-bred flocks maintained at ART Centre and then were divided into 108 experimental units/ replicates (comprising 1 male and 3 females each). These experimental units were randomly assigned to 12 treatment groups, having 4 close-bred flocks (imported, local 1, local 2, and local 3) x 3 female body size (heavy, medium and small) with randomized complete block design (RCBD) in factorial arrangements having 9 replicates in each treatment.
The experimental quails were maintained under standard management conditions in individual compartments in multi-deck cages equipped with separate nipple drinkers and were fed ad-libitum with a quail breeder ration prepared according to NRC standards. The weekly data on productive performance (body weight, egg production and feed intake) were recorded. Feed conversion ratio (g feed/egg and g feed/g egg mass) was worked out. Egg quality characteristics (egg weight, shell weight, shell thickness, haugh unit, yolk index, and blood and meat spots) and hatching traits (dead germ percent, dead in shell percent, infertile egg percent, hatchability percent and mal-positions) were recorded. At the termination of the experiment, two breeder quails from each experimental unit (one male and one female each) were randomly picked up and were slaughtered to record the slaughtering traits (live and dressed weight, dressing percentage, weight of giblets and other visceral organs). Proximate composition (crude protein, ether extract, dry matter and ash contents) of thigh and breast meat was determined. Blood samples from each group were analyzed for blood serum glucose, total protein, albumin, cholesterol and urea. Blood macro mineral profile for plasma calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) was determined.
The eggs from each replicate were collected and separately incubated on fortnightly basis to study 3 weeks progeny growth performance (average weight of day-old quail chicks, weekly body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (feed/g gain) and mortality rate). At the end of 3rd week, 2 quails (one male and one female each) from each experimental unit were picked up randomly and were slaughtered to record slaughtering traits (slaughter and dressed weight, dressing percentage, weight of giblets and visceral organs). Economics of quail production up to 3 weeks was worked out.
The data thus collected were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique with randomized complete block design (RCBD) under factorial arrangement for further interpretation using general linear model (GLM) procedures (SAS, 9.1 version). The comparison of means was made using Duncan's Multiple Range (DMR) test.
6.1. Parent breeder flock
In the present study of 31 weeks duration, imported flock of Japanese quails gained significantly higher body weight than local flocks. With respect to body size categories, there was a significant (p<0.05) difference in their mean body weight. The interaction between flocks and body size was also observed to be significant (p<0.05). The heavy weight quails had maximum body weight followed by that of medium and small size quails.
The difference in mean egg production percentage, egg number and feed conversion ratio (g feed/egg) were not significant, whereas, egg weight was significantly (p<0.05) higher in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails. Mean feed conversion ratio (g feed/g egg mass) in imported and local-3 flocks of Japanese quails was significantly (p<0.05) different from other local flocks. The body weight categories had significant (p<0.05) effect on egg production percentage, egg number, feed conversion ratio (g feed/egg) and egg weight, however, their effect was not significant on egg mass. The interaction between flocks and body size showed a similar trend. The mortality remained nil in the experimental breeder quails during this study.
The significant (p<0.05) differences were noted in egg weight, shell weight, shell thickness, yolk index, dead germ, infertile egg and hatchability percent, whereas, haugh unit value was not significantly different in all the close-bred flocks of Japanese quails. The dead in shell percent in different close-bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different in all the parental groups except in H male x H female, M male x H female, S male x M female and S male x S female. With respect to body size categories, differences for egg weight, shell weight, shell thickness, yolk index, haugh unit value, dead germ, infertile egg and hatchability percent were significant (p<0.05). The interaction between flocks and body size was significant in respect of all the above egg quality and hatching traits. Blood and meat spots were found nil and no mal-positions were noted.
The minimum dead germ percent was recorded in local-2 and local-3 flocks in S male x H female, however, the highest hatchability percent was recorded in M male x S female parent of local-3 flock. The significant (p<0.05) effect of parental body weight on dead in shell percent was recorded in H male x M female (in imported, local-1 and local-2 flocks), H male x S female (in imported and local-1 flocks), M male x M female (imported and local-1 flocks), M male x S female (imported and local-1 flocks), S male x H female (imported and local-1 flocks).
The dressed weight (g) in imported and local flocks of Japanese quails was significantly (p<0.05) different in female quails, whereas, dressing percentage in imported and local flocks of male Japanese quails was not significantly different. With respect to body size categories, there was a significant (p<0.05) difference for dressed weight and dressing percentage in both the sexes.
The imported flock of male Japanese quails was significantly (p<0.05) different from all the other local flocks in relative weight of gizzard (with and without contents) .Imported and all the local flocks of Japanese quails were not significantly different in their relative weight of liver in both the sexes. The relative weight of heart and mean weight of intestine in local-3 flock of male Japanese quails were significantly (p<0.05) different, whereas, female birds were not significantly different in this respect from all the local and imported flocks. With respect to body size categories, relative weight of heart, liver, gizzard and intestines in both the sexes were not significantly different. The interaction between flocks and body size was not significant for liver weight, whereas, it was significant (p<0.05) for heart, gizzard and intestinal weight only in male quails.
The intestinal length and testes weight in male and mature ovarian follicle number and reproductive tract weight in female quails were not significantly different in imported and local flocks. With respect to body size categories, differences in mean length of intestine and mean weight of testes were not significant in male quails. The similar non-significant difference in reproductive tract weight and number of mature ovarian follicles was recorded in female quails. The interaction between flocks and body size for intestinal length, reproductive tract and testes weight was not significant, whereas, it was significant (p<0.05) for reproductive tract length.
The crude protein and ether extract percent in breast meat of male and female Japanese quails were not significant. With respect to body size categories, there was a significant (p<0.05) difference in percent crude protein in female quails, whereas, similar trend for ether extract was observed only in male quails. The dry matter percent in breast meat of Japanese quails was significantly (p<0.05) different only in male quails. With respect to body size categories, mean dry matter percent was not significantly different in both the sexes. The interaction between flocks and body size was not significant for crude protein and ether extract, whereas, it was significant (p<0.05) for dry matter percent in both the sexes of quails.
Ash percent in breast meat was not significantly different in male quails, whereas, it was significantly (p<0.05) different in female quails. The ash percent in breast meat and ash and crude protein percent in thigh meat in male and female quails were significantly different among imported and local flocks With respect to body size categories, there was a significant (p<0.05) difference in ash percent in breast meat in female, whereas, difference was noted in ash and crude protein percent in thigh meat in both the sexes of quails was not significant. The interaction between flocks and body size was also non-significant for these components in thigh meat.
The difference in dry matter percent in thigh meat of local -1 male flock was significant (p<0.05) from local-2 and local-3 flocks, whereas, female quails were not significantly different in this respect. With respect to body size categories, there was a significant (p<0.05) difference in mean dry matter percent in male quails. Ether extract percent in thigh meat was significantly different between male and female quails. With respect to initial body size categories, ether extract percent was not significantly different in both the sexes. The interaction between flocks and body size was significant (p<0.05) in both sexes of quails for dry matter and ether extract percent.
The mean serum glucose level in male and female quails was not significantly different among imported and local flocks. With respect to body size categories, a non-significant difference was noted in serum glucose levels. The interaction between flocks and body sizes was also not significant. The total serum protein level was significantly different in both the sexes of imported and local flocks, whereas, serum cholesterol and serum albumin levels were significantly different only in female quails of imported and local flocks. Serum urea concentration was significantly (p<0.05) different only in male quails of imported and local flocks. However, with respect to body size categories, serum protein, cholesterol, albumin and urea levels were not significantly different in both the sexes of quails. The interaction between flocks and body size was significant for serum protein and urea in both the sexes of quails. However, this interaction in respect of serum cholesterol was significant only in male quails, whereas, it was significant for serum albumin only in females.
The difference in mean plasma calcium and sodium levels in male and female quails of imported and local flocks of Japanese quails was not significant. With respect to body size categories, mean plasma calcium level in both the sexes of quails was not significantly different, however, plasma sodium concentration was significantly (p<0.05) different only in female quails. The interaction between flocks and body size for plasma calcium levels was significant (p<0.05) in both the sexes of quails, whereas, for plasma sodium it was significant (p<0.05) only in female quails. The mean plasma phosphorus and potassium levels in imported and local flocks of Japanese quails were significantly (p<0.05) different only in female quails, whereas, plasma magnesium was significantly (p<0.05) different only in male quails. However, with respect to body size categories, plasma phosphorus, potassium and magnesium were significantly (p<0.05) different in female quails only. The interaction between flocks and body size was significant for potassium and phosphorus in female quails only, whereas, it was also significant for plasma magnesium levels in both the sexes of quails
6.2. Progeny flock
In the present study different parental body weight categories significantly (p<0.05) affected day-old, 1st, 2nd and 3rd week progeny body weight in Japanese quails. The heavy male parents had apparently more pronounced effect on day-old and 1st week progeny body weight, however, the results were not significant in all close-bred flocks. The results indicated significant (p<0.05) effect of male parent body weight on 1st week progeny body weight in Japanese quails. The progeny day-old and 1st week progeny body weights in different close-bred flocks were not significantly different from each other. The interaction between parental body weight and close-bred flocks was not significant for day-old body weight.
The cumulative body weight gain in quail progenies from different close-bred flocks were significantly (p<0.05) different in all the parental groups. The interaction between parental body size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05). Effect of different parental body size on 1st, 2nd, 3rd week and cumulative progeny body weight gain was significant (p<0.05). The interaction between parental body size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05) for progeny cumulative weight gain.
In the present study, 1st, 2nd, 3rd week and cumulative progeny feed intake and feed conversion ratio-FCR (feed/g gain) were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by parental body size of Japanese quails. The interaction between parental body weight and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05) for weekly and cumulative feed intake and feed conversion ratio-FCR (feed/g gain) in the progeny. A significant (p<0.05) effect of different parental groups on 1st, 2nd, 3rd and cumulative progeny mortality rate (%) was recorded with significant (p<0.05) interaction between parental body weight and close-bred flocks.
Different parental body size significantly (p<0.05) influenced progeny slaughter weight, dressed weight and dressing percentage at 3rd week in 4 close-bred flocks of Japanese quails. The slaughter weight (g) in different close-bred flocks in male progeny quails from all the parental groups differed significantly (p<0.05) except in M male x M female and S male x H female, M male x S female and S male x M female parents. The slaughter weight (g) in different close-bred flocks in female progeny in all the parental groups was significantly (P<0.05) different except in H male x H female, M male x H female and M male x S female. The interaction between parental body size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05) in both the sexes. The dressing percentage between different close-bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different in female progeny group. The dressing percentage between different close-bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different in the male progeny group, whereas, M male x H female, M male x M female, S male x M female and S male x S female were not significantly different. The interaction between parental body size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05).
The relative weights (g/100g BW) of liver, heart and gizzard in the progeny was found to be significantly (p<0.05) influenced by parental body size in different close-bred flocks of Japanese quails. The liver weight in female progeny of different close-bred flocks in all the parental groups differed significantly (p<0.05) except from H male x S female, M male x S female and S male x M female parent groups. The interaction between parental body size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05) for different organ weights. The heart weight in female progeny in different close-bred flocks in all the parent groups was significantly (p<0.05) different. The relative weight of gizzard in different close-bred male and female progenies of quails were significantly (p<0.05) different from all the parental groups. The interaction between parental body size and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05). The intestinal length in the progeny was influenced (p<0.05) by different parental groups in close-bred flocks of Japanese quails. The intestinal length in female quails in different close-bred flocks was significantly (p<0.05) different in all the parental groups except from H male x M female, H male x S female parent groups. The interaction between parental body weight and close-bred flocks was significant (p<0.05). A higher profit margin was recorded in progeny quails hatched from heavy imported parent flock.
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6.3. CONCLUSION
Based on the findings of this study, the following conclusions have been formulated.
i. Parent breeder flock
a. Effect of close-bred flocks
i. Imported flock of quails had significantly (p<0.05) better egg production percentage, egg weight, yolk index, feed conversion ratio-FCR (g feed/g egg mass), shell weight and dressing yield. Feed conversion ratio (g feed/egg) and egg mass were significantly (p<0.05) better in local-1 and local-3 flocks, respectively. Egg shell thickness and haugh unit were better in local-2 flock.
ii. Final live body weight was higher in female than male quails and it was also better in local-1 male quails than in other close-bred flocks.
iii. Reproductive tract weight and length and mature ovarian follicle numbers were higher in imported flock. Significant variation was recorded in relative weight of giblets, testes and intestines and intestinal length among different close-bred flocks.
iv. The imported male flock had significantly (p<0.05) higher crude protein, dry matter and ash contents in breast and thigh meat.
v. The mean serum glucose and cholesterol concentrations in local-1 male flock and mean serum albumin and urea levels in local-3 male flock were higher; however, total serum protein was also higher in male imported flock than in other local flocks.
vi. Plasma phosphorus and potassium concentrations were not significantly different in male parents, whereas, plasma magnesium concentration was not significantly different in female parents. Plasma calcium was significantly (p<0.05) different in both the sexes.
b. Effect of body size
i. Egg production percentage, feed conversion ratio (FCR), fertility and hatchability percent, reproductive tract weight and length, mature ovarian follicle number and gizzard weight were better in small parents in comparison to medium and heavy parents, whereas, better egg weight and egg quality traits were recorded in heavy quail parents. Dressed weight and dressing percentage were higher in heavy female parents than in medium and small quails.
ii. Crude protein and ether extract contents in breast and thigh meat were higher in heavy female parents, whereas, ash content was higher in thigh meat of heavy female parents.
iii. The higher concentrations of serum glucose, total protein, albumin and cholesterol in heavy male quails were detected, whereas, serum urea was higher in medium female parents.
iv. Plasma macro minerals profile for all the parameters studied was not significantly different in male parents, whereas, plasma calcium (Ca) was not significantly different in both the sexes.
6.3.2. Progeny flock
a. Effect of close-bred flocks
i. The day-old and subsequent weekly body weights/weight gain and feed intake were higher in imported than in local flocks. The lower feed intake and better feed conversion ratio-FCR (feed/g gain) and higher mortality rate were recorded in local-3 as compared to other flocks.
ii. Dressed weight and dressing percentage were higher in male progeny of imported flock. The liver, heart and gizzard weights were higher in local-2 and local 3 male flocks, whereas, higher weight of intestine was recorded in local-1 male flock. Significant variation in carcass traits between different close-bred flocks was observed.
iii. The highest final return per bird of Rs. 5.64 was observed in local-1 flock followed by imported, local-3 and local-2 flocks (Rs. 5.41, 5.15 and 5.14, respectively).
b. Effect of parent body size
i. The progeny secured from heavy male parent had higher hatch weight, body weight, weight gain, feed intake, dressed weight and dressing percentage than those hatched from medium and small male parents, showing more pronounced effect of male parent on progeny growth and on almost all the other parameters.
ii. The liver and gizzard weight and intestinal length were higher in quail progenies secured from small parents than from heavy and medium parents.
iii. The highest final return per quail (Rs. 5.92) was recorded in medium weight parent followed by heavy and small parents (Rs. 5.25 and 4.90, respectively).
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SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Research
The findings of the present study may be helpful in setting up production standards in local quails to be further used as base line data by the research workers and quail breeders for formulating viable future strategy of quail breeding at national level.
Extension
For the future national quail breeding programs, use of heavy male parents for crossing with medium or small female parents may be considered for better progeny meat yield and higher egg production in the female quail parents.
Considerable variations in body weight and other carcass characters in our local quail flocks recorded during the course of this study indicate possibility of further improving their genetic potential.
Further research work is needed for improving genetic potential of our local quail stocks.
Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 1524,T] (1).
4.
Productive And Reproductive Performance Of The Parents And The Growth Performance Of Subsequent Progeny As Influenced By Molting In Japanese Quails
by Muhammad Imtiaz Azam (2013-VA-566) | Dr. Jibran Hussain | Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akram | Prof. Dr. Khalid Javed.
Material type: ; Literary form:
not fiction
Publisher: 2015Dissertation note: Japanese quail is a member of order Galliformes, family Phasianidae, genus Coturnix and specie Japonica. Scientific name of Japanese quail is Coturnix coturnix japonica (Mizutani, 2003). Japanese quail attained significance as agriculture specie due to its unique flavor of eggs and meat hence got importance as a food animal (Kayang et al. 2004). Egg production is important in south East Asia whereas meat is an important product in Europe (Baumgartner, 1994: Minvielle, 1998). Female quail starts laying at the age of 6 weeks and constantly produces eggs for at least one year. Quail is efficient converter of feed, with each egg a female deposits an edible package of 8 percent of her own body weight as compared to 3 percent in case of chicken (Martin et al. 1998).
Molting in avian species is the periodic shedding and replacement of feathers as well as rejuvenation of the reproductive system (Berry, 2003). Molting has been conducted through different techniques including photoperiod reduction, feed restriction, hormone administration, feeding dietary salt of zinc, aluminium and/or iodine (Khan et al. 2011). Molting has been associated with sudden change in physiological biochemistry which requires restoration before coming into production (Khan et al. 2011). The most important advantage of molting is the rejuvenation of reproductive system which increases tissue efficiency, development of reproductive system, loss of fat on female reproductive system, hence better post-molt performance (Park et al. 2004). Attia et al. (1994) explored that bird’s egg shell quality, albumen quality, and hatchability are influenced by molting method.
Molting is followed by ovary and oviduct histophysiological changes (De-cuypere and Verheyen 1986); affecting egg characteristics, hatchability and chick quality.
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
2
Induced molting is an effective management tool, enabling to meet egg production with demand and even providing greater economic benefit as it reduces bird cost per dozen of eggs because it lengthens the productive life of the hen (Carey and Brake 1987).Induced molting is used in the poultry industry to increase the reproductive lifespan of birds leading to new productive cycles (Laurentiz et al. 2005). In the induced molting methods, 25-30% of body mass reduction from initial weight is ideally required to achieve a maximum post-molt performance (Brake, 1993). Induced molting has been reported to improve egg production and other performance parameters (Akram, 1998; Usman et al. 2013). As to body weight loss (BWL), research studies point out that BWL levels between 25 and 30% promotes better post-molting production in a second laying cycle (Hussein, 1996). Reduction in ovary weight depends upon the duration of fasting or body weight loss levels (Berry, 2003); 15% body weight loss results in heavier eggs as compared to 20-25% (Buhr and Cunningham 1994). Post-molt reproductive improvement is related to the regression and to the regeneration of the cells of reproductive system (Brake and Thaxton 1979). Egg quality and hatchability decrease with the age of the breeder and are reported to be improved in terms of Haugh Units and overall hatchability after molting (Lapaˆo et al. 1999). Induced molting not only helps in improving production performance and egg shell quality but also increases profit by optimizing the use of replacement pullets on commercial layer farms (Bell, 2003).
The combination of feed withdrawal and light reduction was most widely used to induce molting in the US egg industry in the past. Most producers used some form of feed withdrawal for periods of 5 to 14 days in breeder birds (Bell and Kuney 2004).
It is further reported that induced molting improves the post-molt performance of the laying hens compared to the pre-molt performance, this improvement includes egg size, shell quality, internal
INTRODUCTION
3
egg quality, and the rate of egg production. Egg size increases significantly after a molt with a higher percentage of higher grade eggs (Zeelen, 1975). Hatchability is influenced by molting method (Attia et al. 1994). Several researchers studied a relationship among hen age and hatchability (King’ori, 2011). Induced molting through feed withdrawal and photoperiod reduction is an effective method to improve egg production, egg quality, fertility and hatchability of broiler breeders (Moustafa et al. 2010).
The effect of molting in chicken and turkey is very well studied and some basic facts have been well established but its significance in quail production is still having a question mark. Reason being the availability of little information on this aspect of quail production. It is also being felt that in Pakistan, especially at Avian Research and Training Center selection for higher body weight is being practiced since last 5-6 years and with the passage of time final body weight (4 week) of quail is almost doubled. These genetically improved quails need to be subjected to maximum experimentation in order to study their potential and standardize their management requirements. Present study is also an effort in the same direction with the main objective to explore the effect of molting on productive and reproductive performance as well as subsequent progeny growth performance in Japanese quails. Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2249-T] (1).
5.
Effect Of Different Dietary Lysine Levels And Feed Restriction Regimes On Growth Performance And Slaughtering Characteristics In Japanese Quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica) Maintained During Hot Season
by Yassar Abbas (2008-VA-753) | Dr. Abdul Waheed Sahota | Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arkam | Prof. Dr. Khalid Javed.
Material type: ; Literary form:
not fiction
Publisher: 2015Dissertation note: High prices, global shortage of feed ingredients and less supply of animal protein against great demand as consequence of ever increasing human population needs to enhance protein supply. One way of enhancing protein supply is to expand poultry production along with increasing production of other micro livestock such as Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) having low maintenance cost, short generation intervals, early sexual maturity and better resistance to diseases and its meat being rich in high quality protein having high biological value with low caloric content. Profit can be optimized by minimizing feed cost that accounts for 60-70 % of the total production cost and any improvements in the performance of birds by manipulation of feeding strategies inevitably have a profound effect on profitability. Any effort to improve commercial poultry production and enhance its efficiency needs to emphasize on better utilization of existing resources. Among different feeding management schemes and strategies phase feeding may be employed with the logic seems to feed birds for shorter periods of time to exactly meet but not exceed the amino acids requirements hence improvement in carcass characteristics and reduction of dietary cost. Commercial availability of very vital limiting amino acids (lysine) has set a new tendency of formulation of poultry feeds having low protein level with addition of amino acids. Lysine, being utmost essential amino acid is used as a reference for other essential amino acids. Feed restriction program may be another managemental tool that may elicit compensatory growth, improved feed efficiency, carcass quality and birds are not exposed to sub optimal level of nutrients but the efficiency of utilization of these nutrients may be improved. On the other hand breed, strain, management and sex differences for carcass traits have also been reported. Very little research focus on the subject has necessitated conducting the
ABSTRACT
vii
present study undertaken in Japanese quails on the similar pattern as adopted in broiler industry to make quail production more cost-effective and commercially viable at Avian Research and Training (ART) Centre, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. A series of experiments at Avian Research and Training (ART) Centre, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan was run to assess the effect of different management interventions on growth performance, carcass characteristics and blood biochemical profile in Japanese quail.
The first experiment was aimed to examine the growth performance and economic efficiency involving 1440 day-old Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) chicks. Three dietary lysine levels (1.3, 1.4-1.2 & 1.5-1.3-1.1 %) in 3 different phases were allocated to four different close-bred stocks (Imported, Local-1, Local-2 and Local-3) of Japanese quails to assess their comparative growth performance by replicating each treatment for three times. The experimental day-old quail chicks were randomly divided into 36 experimental units of 40 chicks each. Quails under 1st treatment were fed a diet with 1.3 percent lysine throughout the grow-out period of 28 days, while, those under 2nd treatment were allotted diet with 1.4 percent lysine up to14 days of age and then subsequently reduced to 1.2 percent lysine up to 28 days. The 3rd treatment was split into 03 different phases. The first phase was up to 9th, 2nd up to 19th and 3rd up to 28th day by allotting diet containing 1.5, 1.3 and 1.1 % lysine, respectively. Weekly data on growth performance were recorded and analyzed through ANOVA technique in CRD under factorial arrangement and the comparison of means was worked out using DMR test by the help of SAS 9.1. Maximum (P≤0.05) feed intake; body weight gain and improved FCR were observed in three phase dietary lysine regimen leading to maximum profit margins.
viii
In the 2nd experiment same experimental design and phase feeding was practiced to observe organ development. Sexing with in treatment was done at the age of three weeks and quails were maintained separately for one week. At 4 week of age, 3 birds/ replicate from either sex were slaughtered through Halal Muslim method for studying carcass characteristics. Two birds per replicate from either sex were used for serum analysis of glucose, cholesterol, urea, albumen and total protein using standard procedures. The analysis showed three phase dietary lysine regimen than other dietary lysine regimens improved (P≤0.05) slaughter characteristics i.e. post slaughter weight (g), dressing percentage with and without giblets, breast yield (g), thigh yield (g), giblet weight (g), liver weight (g), keel length (cm), shank length (cm), weight of visceral organs including intestinal weight (g) and intestinal length (cm). However, heart weight (g), gizzard (empty) weight (g), serum glucose, cholesterol, urea, albumin and total protein were not significantly affected by dietary lysine regimen. While, different close bred stocks did not show any significant differences.
Third experiment was executed to examine the growth performance and economic efficiency of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) subjected to different feed restriction regimes at ART Centre, UVAS, Lahore. For this purpose a total of 3200 quail chicks from four different close-bred stocks were allocated to four different feed restriction regimes comprising four close-bred stocks (Imported, Local-1, Local -2 and Local-3) at the age of 10 days. The experimental quails in group 1 were fed ad-libitum (20.30% CP, 1.3% Lysine, as recommended by NRC) throughout the experimental period to serve as control while groups 2, 3 and 4 were provided with 1 hour feed- 3-hour off, 2-hour feed- 2hour off and 3-hour feed-1hour off feeding regimes, respectively. The analysis of data showed that the maximum feed intake was observed in ad-libitum fed group whereas the highest body weight gain was observed in ad-libitum and 3 hour
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fed quails. The best FCR leading to maximum profit margin was observed in 3 hour-fed group. Different close-bred stocks could not express any significant difference in growth parameters.
In the 4th experiment same dietary plan of time restriction as in 3rd experiment was adopted to observe organ development. At the termination of the experiment (at the age of 38 days), 6 birds (3 male and 3 female) from each replicate were randomly picked up and slaughtered (by Halal method) to study different slaughter parameters. Significantly higher (P≤0.05) carcass weight, mean dressing % with and without giblet, mean thigh weight was observed in ad-libitum and 3 hours fed quails while significantly lower mean dressing %, liver weight, gizzard weight, giblet weight, breast weight and mean intestinal length and weight in one hour fed quail.
Blood profile showed significantly higher (P≤0.05) serum glucose, urea, albumin and total protein level in ad-libitum and 3-hours fed quails while significantly higher (P≤0.05) serum cholesterol level was observed in one hour fed quails. Heart weights (g), keel length (cm), shank length (cm) were not affected significantly among different treatments and close-bred stocks.
Conclusion
Based upon the findings of the present study it may be stated that
1. Maximum (P≤0.05) feed intake; body weight gain and improved FCR were observed in three phase dietary lysine regimen leading to maximum profit margins.
2. Significant improvement in carcass characteristics was recorded in three phase dietary lysine regimen.
3. The best FCR leading to maximum profit margin was observed in 3 hour-fed group in Japanese quails when subjected to different feed restriction regimens.
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4. Three hour fed quails showed superior carcass characteristics at par with ad-libitum fed groups especially in terms of carcass weight, dressing percentage and thigh weight.
5. Significantly higher (P≤0.05) serum glucose, urea, albumin and total protein level were recorded in ad-libitum and 3-hours fed quails while significantly higher (P≤0.05) serum cholesterol level was observed in one hour fed quails.
Suggestions and Recommendations
Four lysine dietary regimens having 1 week each may successfully be employed in Japanese quails in order to get maximum profit. It may further be recommended that Japanese quails may be subjected to feed restriction of 1-hour after 2nd week.
The present series of experimentation is a step towards optimizing the nutritional and managemental strategies in Japanese quails, however, a lot more is still needed to be worked out in this direction. Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2340-T] (1).
