Feed Conversion Efficiency in Japanese Quail Egg Production Mathematical Assisted

Abstract

It was study the feed conversion efficiency in Japanese quail using energy and protein balances during the peak period of laying. The quails were given a diet with 20% crude protein and 2880 ME kcal/kg feed. The feed was given ad libitum. The environmental temperature was 25⁰C (neutral thermal zone). The energy and protein balances were studied for three weeks. It was monitored the fallowing parameters: feed intake, excreted waste, body weight evolution, egg production. Feed, excreta and samples of egg and meat were analyzed according to Weende scheme. On the basis of digestibility and comparative slaughtering, were determined the energy and protein requirements for maintenance and for protein and fat retention mathematical assisted. The daily feed intake was 361 KJ gross energy and 5.32 g crude protein. The energy and protein requirements for maintenance were 648 KJ/kg^0.75 and 6.2 g/ kg^0.75. The efficiency of metabolisable energy utilisation on egg production was 26.6% and for corporal synthesis 5.5%. The obtained results will be used to develop a mathematical model for energy and protein retention in Japanese laying quail.