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Effect of Dietary Calcium Sources and Levels on Egg Production and Egg Shell Quality of Japanese Quail

F. Sultana
Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh.

M.S. Islam
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:

The research was conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Mymensingh to evaluate the effect of different levels and sources of calcium on egg production and egg shell quality of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) up to 23 weeks of age. For that purpose a total number of 108 Japanese quails aged 20 week were fed on diets containing different levels (2.5%, 2.75% and 3.0%) of dietary calcium from different sources eg. Oyster shell, limestone and Calcium premix. They were placed in the experimental cages. Six birds were considered for a replication of each treatment. The birds were reared in clean laying cages an open sided house. The experimental quails were exposed to identical care and management throughout the experimental period. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. Eggs were collected twice daily at morning and evening. The number of eggs laid by birds in each replication was recorded daily. The external quality of collected eggs were measured weekly from each treatment and level randomly. No significant difference (p>0.05) in egg weight, shell weight, shell percentage, except egg production and shell thickness was noted due to variation of different levels and calcium sources. But as the birds were getting older calcium premix produced better shell quality than oyster shell and limestone. It was concluded that any of these calcium sources can be considered for laying Japanese quail but calcium premix produces better shell quality at later age. This result also suggested that a level of 2.5% calcium increases egg weight and shell thickness, while 2.75% increases body weight and shell weight and 3% increases egg production and shell percentage.

Keywords: Quail, Egg production, Egg shell guality, Oyster shell, Limestone, Calcium premix

Location: Bangladesh Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Mymensingh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Quail

Objectives:

1. To test the effect of oyster shell, limestone and calcium premix on body weight, egg production and egg shell quality of Japanese quail.

2. To find out the suitable source and the optimum level of calcium for Japanese quail.

Methodology:

The research was conducted for a period of 4 weeks at Bangladesh Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Mymensingh with 108 Japanese quails (Colurnix colurnix japonica) aged 20 weeks to evaluate the effect of different levels of oyster shell, limestone and calcium premix on egg production and egg shell quality. They were placed in the experimental cages, 6 birds were considered for a replication of each treatment. Required feed ingredients for preparing experimental diets were supplied by Bangladesh Agricultural University Poultry Farm. Oyster shell, limestone and calcium premix were purchased from the local market of Mymensingh district town. Corn, Rice polish, Soya bean meal, Full fat Soyabean, Jassoprot, Til oil cake, oyster shell or limestone or calcium premix, common salt and vitamin- mineral premix were mixed according to requirements of NRC. Feed ingredients in three dietary treatments were same except for three test ingredients, e.g., oyster shell, limestone and calcium premix and also corn because, corn was adjusted according to the different level of testing ingredients. All feed ingredients were hand mixed thoroughly and vitamin-mineral premix was mixed properly. Mixed feed was prepared weekly. The experimental diets were prepared weekly and stored in plastic containers. Feed and water were offered ad libilum. Eggs were collected twice daily at 9.30 am and 3.30 pm. In experimental period, the birds were exposed to 14 hours day length followed by 2 hours of artificial light in the evening by using 60-watt electric bulb hanged 2 meter above the floor. The number of eggs laid by birds in each replication was recorded daily and expressed weekly hen day egg production per cent. Eggs from each replication were collected and brought to laboratory for examination on each 7 days period. Three eggs from each replication and 27 from each treatment and level were randomly collected in each 7day period. Eggs were washed, dried and then numbered on both ends. Clean and numbered eggs were weighed using an electric balance. Weighed on all the eggs were recorded and average was calculated for each replication. The eggs were broken at the equator region by the help of spatula and the interior contents were allowed to drain out. The egg shell along with membrane was sunk in 5% EDTA solution for 30 minutes. After then shell membrane was removed carefully. Egg shells were dried in the air and weight was taken using an electric balance. The shell percentage was calculated using the following formula Shell percentage = (Weight of egg shell/Egg weight) x 100. After drying, shell thickness was measured using an egg shell thickness meter in millimeter. To reduce error, three measurements were taken for each egg shell; one on large end, one on small end and one on the equator region. The mean of three measurements was considered as the shell thickness of a particular egg. All recorded and calculated data were for a 3 (calcium source (levels of calcium) factorial experiment with multiple observations (2) per cell in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed to partition variances into sources, level; sources=level and error to compare different parameters among the treatments combinations. If ANOVA showed significant difference, Least Significant Difference (LSD) was calculated to isolate the differences test at 1 and 5% level provability.

Source of Information: International Journal of Poultry Science 6 (2): 131-136, 2007, ISSN 1682-8356

Article Link (Online Journal): http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=ijps.2007.131.136

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Considering the above result it may be concluded that the increasing of shell weight suggests that calcium premix helped to increase shell weight as the birds were getting older. This result also suggests that calcium premix improved shell percentage as well as shell thickness at older age of bird. There were no significant differences on shell thickness when limestone replaced by oyster shell. This result also suggested that a level of 2.5% calcium increases egg weight and shell weight and 3% increases egg production and shell percentage.

Knowledge Management: Journal