Effect of feeding time on the reproductive performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Feeding time under performance and eggs quality of quails in production

SUMMARY In order to evaluate the performance and egg quality of quails on different time feeding, One hundred ninety two Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) at 24 weeks of age were distributed in a completely randomized design with two replications and twelve treatments eight birds each. The treatments consisted of two different times of feeding at 6h and 16h. The performance was evaluated by the feed intake (g/bird/day), egg production (%), egg mass (g), feed conversion per egg mass (kg/kg ), feed conversion per dozen eggs (kg/dz) and viability (%). The egg quality was evaluated by the eggshell thickness (mm), percentage of albumen, yolk percentage and average egg weight (g). The feeding time at 16h favored the performance of Japanese quails at 26 and 34 wk of age considering egg production, egg mass and average egg weight. Thus, it is recommended to feed the quails at times that coincide with the highest egg laying intensity, which ranges from 16 to 19h.

The effect of feeding time on shell quality and oviposition time in broiler breeders

Three experiments were performed to determine the effect of feeding time on shell quality and oviposition time in broiler breeders. Mean eggshell thickness was increased significantly by 3.5 microm (approximately 1%) per h delay in feeding time when hens were housed in individual cages. However, eggshell thickness was not significantly affected by feeding time when birds were housed on litter floors. Mean oviposition time was delayed relative to lights on by 5 min per h delay in feeding time. Egg weight was not significantly affected by feeding time, suggesting that differences in shell thickness and oviposition times were not due to increased oviducal transit times. Producers who wish to implement delayed feeding may have to turn lights on earlier than usual to compensate for delayed oviposition times.