Effect of Dietary Energy Levels on Growth Performance and Feed Cost Analysis in Japanese Quail

Feed cost has a direct influence on routine farm operations. Optimum energy level in the feed results in better performance as well as proves to be cost effective. The present study was conducted to examine the growth and production of meat type quail along with feed cost analysis using different energy levels. Three diets having energy levels of 2900 kcal/kg (Control group), 2700 kcal/kg (B) and 3100 kcal/kg (C) were offered to 600 one-day-old quail chicks for 28 days to examine the carcass quality and growth performance. Birds were divided into 3 groups. Each group was further divided into 4 replicates with 50 birds in each. High energy diet (3100 kcal/kg) resulted in improved body weight gain, increased feed intake and better FCR (p<0.05). Liver weight was observed better in high energy diet (p<0.05). Dressing percentage was not affected by high energy diet (p>0.05) but a numerical difference existed while breast meat percentage was lower in high energy supplemented group (p<0.05). It is concluded that higher energy diet resulted in better performance and is more economical as it resulted in low cost per Kg live weight gain of birds.