Abstract:
The current study was conducted to determine the optimum level of dietary protein for the best performance and carcass characteristics of Japanese quail from (3-6 wks). Two hundred and forty (240) unsexed dark brownish colored Japanese quails were used in this experiment. Treatments consisted of 3 isocaloric diets (2900 kcal/kg) metabolizable energy (ME) contained different levels of crude protein (CP) 22, 24 and 26%. Quails were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups and each group was then subdivided into 4 replicates of 20 quails each. Feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and body weight gain (BWG) were recorded weekly. The results showed that, the group fed on 26% protein had the significant (P < 0.05) highest BWG and lowest FCR in the period 3 - 6 wks, but FI was not significantly different between groups. On the contrary, the quail's performance parameters in the period from 3-8 wks was not affected by the dietary protein level. There were no significant differences (P < 0.05) observed in breast, drum stick, legs and wings as percentage of live body weight. From these results it can be suggested that, the diet at 26% CP could be recommended for Japanese quail during the period 3- 6 wks to obtain the best performance. The carried out sensory test showed that quails are more delicious than chicken.
