Response of Japanese quail chicks (Cortunix cortunix japonica) to various dietary energy levels in a tropical environment

A total of one thousand and eighty (1080) unsexed day-old quail chicks with an average initial weight 7.68±0.39g were used in a feeding trial to determine the growth response fed iso-nitrogenous rations various dietary energy levels Nigerian (tropical) environment. Six (26% CP) diets containing 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900 3000 Kcal/kg ME complete randomized design, respectively for study. The birds feed water ad libitum 6 weeks at end which 10 from each replicate randomly selected carcass analysis. There significant (P<0.05) differences final live weight, gain, cost per gain age 1 egg across treatments. Feed, intake decreased non-significantly (P>0.05) as level increased diets. Total protein, Haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood white non significantly affected by treatments within normal range quails. cholesterol however, increased. Except abdominal fat, parameters not It was concluded that 2800 ME, will be adequate optimum performance under condition this experiment