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Laying Performance and Egg Quality of Japanese Quail Reared in Cages and on Floor

M.S. Islam
Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.

S.D. Chowdhury
Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.

M.A.R. Howlider
Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Forty eight, 14-week old Japanese quail were reared in cages and on littered floor to compare their growth, egg production and egg quality characteristics. Little differences in growth rate and feed intake were obtained between two rearing systems (p>0.05). The cage reared quails had higher egg production, feed conversion and survivability than those reared on littered floor. The yolk index, shell surface area, shell thickness including shell membranes, shell breaking strength, specific gravity and shell including shell membranes percent did not differ significantly (P>0.05) between birds in cages and on floor. Shape index, albumen index and Haugh unit were better (P<0.05) for eggs laid by floor- reared birds. It was concluded that for laying quails, cage rearing may be better than floor rearing.

Keywords: Performance, Egg quality, Quail

Location: Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University Mymensingh.

Start Date: 00-07-1994

End Date: 00-09-1994

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Quail

Objectives:

To compare the laying performance, egg quality characteristics and survivability of Japanese quail reared in cages and on littered floor.

Methodology:

Forty eight, 14-week old Japanese quail were divided into 2 groups consisting of 4 replications in each group, having 6 birds in each replication. The experimental birds were placed in previously prepared, clean and disinfected cages and pens. In case of cage system, 200cm²/bird floor space was provided for each quail, while on the floor, space was 250cm² per quail. Rice husk was spread at a depth of 5 cm as litter on the floor. The experiment was conducted during the month of July to September, 1994.The estimation of dry matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF) and ash contents of the feed ingredients (wheat, rice polish, sesame oil cake, fish meal, soyabean meal) used for the formulation of diet was done according to AOAC (1980). During the experimental period, all birds were fed ad libitum a dry mash containing 22.09% CP, 2645.79 kcal ME/kg. 2.92% Ca, 0.69% available P. All quails were exposed to a continuous lighting of 16 hours and a dark period of 8 hours in each 24 hours throughout the experiment period. Normal day length of 12 hours and additional artificial lighting was done by a 100-watt electric bulb in the experimental room from 6 P.M. to 10 P.M. to make lighting period to 16 hours daily. Body weight gain, feed intake, mortality, egg production, egg weight and feed conversion data were recorded during the experimental period. A study on egg quality characteristics was made from eggs laid by quails reared in cages and on floor. A total number of 40 eggs were collected (20 from eage and 20 from floor reared birds) for the evaluation of egg quality characteristics. The eggs were collected during the last three days of the experimental period.

For shell thickness (with membrane) the readings were taken from four randomly selected pieces considering no particular region . The readings were taken to nearest 0.01 mm. Shape index, albumen index, yolk index. Haugh unit (HU), shell surface area, shell thickness including shell membrane, shell breaking strength, specific gravity were also recorded during the experimental period. All data were for a Completely Randomized Design. Data were analysed by a paired t-test.

Source of Information: Bang. J. An. Sc.1997, 26(1-2) : 1-6 (ISSN 0003-3588)

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The cage reared quails had higher egg production, feed conversion and survivability than those reared on littered floor. The yolk index, shell surface area, shell thickness including shell membranes, shell breaking strength, specific gravity and shell including shell membranes percent did not differ significantly (P>0.05) between birds in cages and on floor. Shape index, albumen index and Haugh unit were better (P<0.05) for eggs laid by floor- reared birds. It was concluded that for laying quails, cage rearing may be better than floor rearing.

Knowledge Management: Journal