- Turkish Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
- Vol: 44 Issue: 2
- Nutrient digestibility, performance, and egg quality traits of quails raised in different stocking d...
Nutrient digestibility, performance, and egg quality traits of quails raised in different stocking densities and ascorbic acid supplementation in a hot, tropical environment
Authors : Adı Ratriyanto, Firmanda Firmanda, Henı Purwanti, Murjoko Murjoko
Pages : 350-357
Doi:10.3906/vet-1909-1
View : 3 | Download : 2
Publication Date : 9999-12-31
Article Type : Makaleler
Abstract :This study investigated the effects of stocking density SD and ascorbic acid AA supplementation on nutrient digestibility and laying performance of quails in a tropical environment. Four hundred and eight Japanese quails were designated in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with four replicates. The birds were distributed to three SDs, namely 40 SD-1 , 45 SD-2 , and 50 birds per m2 SD-3 by allotting 15, 17, and 19 birds per cage, respectively cage size: 3750 cm2 . Each SD was supplemented with AA 0 and 250 mg/kg . Interaction was identified between SD and AA on egg production P < 0.01 , while the highest value was yielded in SD-2 supplemented with AA 83.6% . SD-3 achieved lower ether extract EE and crude fiber CF digestibility P < 0.05 and eggshell thickness P = 0.01 than SD-1 or SD-2. AA supplementation enhanced dry matter DM , EE, CF, crude ash CA , and calcium Ca digestibility P < 0.05 . AA improved egg weight, feed conversion, and protein and energy efficiency ratios as well as eggshell weight and thickness P < 0.05 . The SD of 45 birds per m2 , combined with AA supplementation at 250 mg/kg, can be recommended for quails housed in hightemperature environmentsKeywords : Ascorbic acid, environmental temperature, heat stress, stocking density, quail