The Effect of Different Feeding and Lighting Regimes during the Growing Period on the Laying Performance of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonicum)

Clarita  T. Dagaas,; Nelson  G. Natural,; Jason  L. Caballes,

The Effect of Different Feeding and Lighting Regimes during the Growing Period on the Laying Performance of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonicum)

Clarita T. Dagaas | Nelson G. Natural | Jason L. Caballes

Abstract:

The study compared the effects of different feeding and lighting regimes of growing quails on their subsequent performance during the laying period. A total of 192 female Japanese quails were grown under different feeding and lighting regimes, namely: T1 - continuous light and ad libitum feeding (control); T2 continuous light and restricted feeding; T3 - 10 hours light and ad libitum feeding; and T4 -10 hours light and restricted feeding. The birds were individually weighed and randomly assigned to the four treatments, which were replicated three times comprising of 16 birds per replicate. The growing quails were subjected to the different treatments until sexual maturity when the first egg was laid. Thereafter, all sexually matured quails were given continuous light and ad libitum feeding. Neither lighting nor feeding regimes significantly affected the body weights, egg weight and livability of quails. Similarly, no significant interaction between feeding and lighting programs (P>0.05) was observed on feed efficiency parameter. However, significant interaction between feeding and lighting program was noted only during the 1st month of laying period, with regards to hen-day egg production efficiency. The average net income was highest when the birds were raised under continuous light and ad libitum feeding (control) during their growing period.