Effect of Egg Weight on Hatchability and Subsequent Growth and Laying Performance of Japanese Quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Alvah Zibi; Aziwo Tatanja Niba; Guiekep  Nounamo J. A

Authors

Alvah Zibi Dapertment of Animal Production Technology, College of Technology, University of Bamenda,
Aziwo Tatanja Niba a:1:{s:5:"en_US";s:93:"Department of Animal Production Technology, College of Technology,, The University of Bamenda";}
Guiekep Nounamo J. A Department of Animal Production Technology, College of Technology,, The University of Bamenda

Keywords:

Egg Production Performance, Egg Weight, Growth Performance, Hatchability, Quail

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the influence of egg weight on hatchability and subsequent growth performance of Japanese quails. A total of 108 eggs were shared in 3 egg weight groups of 36 eggs each: Small (S < 10 g), Medium (M 10 – 12.9 g), and Large (L13 -16 g). Each group was randomly subdivided into 3 replicates of 12 eggs each. After 18 days of incubation, the live hatch weights of chicks were recorded and were brooded for 3 weeks in the brooding unit and thereafter grown in battery wire cages for 3 weeks to evaluate the growth performance. Then, twelve birds (3 males: 9 females) were selected from each of the groups to determine egg production which was done from week 6 to week 12. Results showed that hatchability and survivability were respectively highest in M (91.66%; 86.11%) and lowest for S (66.66%; 52.78%). The highest mortality was recorded in the S group (13.88%). Chick weights and weight gain were significantly (p<0.05) affected by egg weights. Feed intake was directly proportional to the chick's weight. The highest number of eggs (318) was recorded in the M group, followed by L (298) and least by S (182). Medium-sized eggs constituted a majority (356) of all the eggs (798) produced. Therefore, hatchability and survivability are associated with egg weight. Quail producers may opt for medium-sized eggs since they could be good for the excellent sustainability of Japanese quail production.

Author Biographies

Alvah Zibi, Dapertment of Animal Production Technology, College of Technology, University of Bamenda,

THis author is a research student of the department who is researching on quails.

Guiekep Nounamo J. A, Department of Animal Production Technology, College of Technology,, The University of Bamenda

Doctor Gu1ekep Nounamo is an academic staff and researcher in the department who particpated in the studies and write-uup of the manuscript

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