Calcium requirement of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) chicks in Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract A 6-week feeding trial was carried out to investigate the optimal calcium level in the diet of quail chicks in Nigeria. Four isonitrogenous (25% crude protein) diets containing 0.5, 1.0,1.5 and 2.0% dietary calcium were employed in the trial which involved 480) day-old, uncensored quail chicks. The diets were also isocaloric (2750 kcal/kg M. E). Each dietary treatment was replicated three times. Responses measured included weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio. Feed intake was higher in diet A (P<0.05) in comparison to others. Diet D recorded lower feed intake (P<0.05) than Diets B and C. Weight gain was similar (P>0.05) for Diets A, B and C which were better than diet D (P>0.05). Feed conversion was better with Diets C And D (P<0.05) than with diets A and B. Diet A was poorer (P<0.05) than diet B in terms of feed conversion. Feed cost/gain ratio was lower (P<0.05) on Diet A than others. Percent bone ash was similar on the diets except Diet C. Results of this study indicated that dietary calcium levels of between 0.5 and 1% will support acceptable weight gain and % bone ash in the first 6 weeks of life.