Metabolizable Energy Levels for Meat-Type Quails at Starter Phase

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) levels on meat-type quail performance and carcass traits from 1 to 14d of age. A total of 1120 not sexed meat-type quails were randomly distributed to seven treatments, with eight replicates with 20 quails each. A basal corn and soybean meal-based diet was formulated to meet or exceed quail nutritional requirements, except for ME. Graded levels of soybean oil were added to the basal diet in replacement, to sand, to obtain dietary treatments (2,600; 2,700; 2,800; 2,900; 3,000; 3,100 and 3,200 KcalAMEn/kg diet). Data were analyzed as one-way ANOVA and optimum AMEn levels were estimated using polynomial regression model. Increasing in dietary AMEn levels elicited a linear decrease (p<0.01) in feed intake and nutrient intake (AMEn, protein and lysine). Quail weight gain and final body weight exhibited a quadratic response (p<0.03) to increased AMEn levels, being both optimized at 2820 KcalAMEn/kg diet. Graded AMEn levels elicited a linear increase (p<0.01) in carcass dry matter and fat content, whereas moisture content was linearly decreased (p<0.01). The protein content of the carcasses was not influenced (p>0.05) by AMEn. Based on the results, the dietary AMEn level that warrants adequate performance and carcass traits of meat-type quails from 1 to 14d of age is 2,820 Kcal/kg diet.

Performance and egg production of European quails fed with increasing levels of apparent metabolizable energy

“…Quails seek to keep their energy intake constant, according to the energy level of the offered feed, so that their requirements for performing physiological functions are met (Muniz et al, 2018). In turn, high energy levels in the feed induce lower intake to avoid excess energy in the body (Kang et al, 2018).…”

Apparent metabolizable energy, growth performance and carcass traits of Japanese quail fed select modern grain sorghum varieties

“…Feed intake in Experiment 1 was not affected by AME n , suggesting no influence of treatment when 20% of the GE of corn is substituted by grain sorghum even though there were varying AME n values across treatments at 3 and 6-weeks of age. Muniz et al [ 15 ] and Wilson et al [ 16 ] reported a negative correlation between FI and AME n of which, birds consume more feed of lower AME n and less feed of higher AME n . However, this finding was not in agreement with the lack of difference in feed intake of Experiment 1.…”

Impact of Pre-transport Feed Withdrawal on Welfare and Meat Characteristics of European Quails

“…Different on-farm fasting times are used in meattype quails, e.g. four and six hours in the study of Muniz et al (2018) and Pasquetti et al (2014), respectively; which raises doubts regarding the preslaughter handling of quails. Becker et al (1985) reported a decrease in the body weight of Japanese quails after 12 hours of feed withdrawal.…”