Effect of Egg Weight on Hatchability and Subsequent Growth and Laying Performance of Japanese Quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Keywords:
Egg Production Performance, Egg Weight, Growth Performance, Hatchability, QuailAbstract
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.
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