Protein, methionine+cystine and lysine levels for Japanese quails during the production phase

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia/Unesp - Botucatu for 168 days to evaluate the effects of protein, Met + Cys and lysine diet levels on egg production and egg quality of laying Japanese quails. Quails with 42 days of age were reared in a completely randomized design. There were 1,944 quails distributed in four replicates of 27 birds per pen, according to a factorial 3x3x2 with three crude protein levels (16, 18 and 20% CP), three Met + Cys levels (0.700; 0.875 and 1.050%) and two lysine levels (1.100 and 1.375%). Birds fed diets with 18 and 20% CP had higher feed intake and egg production than those fed diets with 16% CP. There was significant interaction (p<0.05) between protein and Met + Cys levels on egg weight. There was no effects (p>0.05) of the protein level on feed conversion per dozen eggs; however, improved feed conversion per egg mass was seen for birds fed diets with 20% CP compared to those fed diets with 16% and 18% CP. Protein and lipid percentage in the yolk increased when dietary protein level increased from 16 to 18%. Increasing Met + Cys from 0.700% to 0.875% reduced yolk protein percentage. Higher lipid percentage in the yolk was seen in eggs from quails fed diets with 1.050% Met + Cys, whereas 1.375% lysine in the diet of resulted in decreased egg production and egg mass, besides poorer feed conversion per dozen eggs and per egg mass

Effects of Organic Acids Supplement on Performance, Egg Traits, Blood Serum Biochemical Parameters and Gut Microflora in Female Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

“…Given that a very high percentage of embryos inside the eggs die due to lack of vitamins and minerals during the incubation period, it is understandable that with increased nutrients in the feed for breeders, eggs richer in vitamins and minerals are produced resulting in higher fertility rate. This particular effect might be because diets containing BD+AA and BD+LA, increase fertility in eggs (Chan et al, 1994;Gama et al, 2000;Zanaty et al, 2001;Yakout et al, 2004;Garcia et al, 2005;Mohamed & Bahnas, 2009). However, many studies have shown a direct correlation between live weight and sexual maturity there (Chan et al, 1994).…”

“…Therefore, it can be said that increase in serum levels of these proteins, increased the level of protein secreted to the eggs by the reproductive system of the female Japanese quail resulting in high egg weight that could have high fertility effect (Chan et al, 1994;Gama et al, 2000;Zanaty et al, 2001;Yakout et al, 2004;Garcia et al, 2005;Mohamed & Bahnas, 2009). However, diets containing LA decreased bacteria population in the gut and stool.…”

“…Many researchers have reported FI is associated with IQU, egg shell thickness, egg shell weight and egg shell surface (Chan et al, 1994;Gama et al, 2000;Zanaty et al, 2001;Yakout et al, 2004;Garcia et al, 2005;Mohamed & Bahnas, 2009). Given that the diets containing BD+LA and BD+AA increased FI, it seems that an increase in FI increased calcium intake and egg shell thickness; this process resulted in body weight changes of shell and shell surface.…”

“…On the other hand, the separation of calcium ions of calmodulin protein in an acidic environment facilitated carriers (Chan et al, 1994). All these mechanisms increases the deposition of calcium in the egg shell, which subsequently increase the weight and thickness of the egg shell (Chan et al, 1994;Gama et al, 2000;Zanaty et al, 2001;Yakout et al, 2004;Garcia et al, 2005;Mohamed & Bahnas, 2009). …”

Effects of Dietary Protein Level and Betaine Supplementation on Nutrient Digestibility and Performance of Japanese Quails

“…Under tropical conditions, Musa et al (2008) recommended 18% CP for laying quails, which is lower than the 20% recommended by the NRC (1994). Garcia et al (2005) observed that, in quails, increasing dietary CP from 16% to 18% improved egg production and feed conversion ratio, while increasing dietary CP to 20% did not result in the further performance improvements. According to Junqueira et al (2006), for brown hens, feeding with 16% CP was adequate and resulted in better performance and egg quality than 18% and 20% CP.…”