PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAILS FED DIETS CONTAINING Moringa oleifera LEAF MEAL IN SUDAN SAVANNAH REGION OF NIGERIA

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the performance and egg quality characteristics of Japanese quails. Five diets were formulated containing Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) at 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10% levels designated as Treatment T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Ninety (90) four weeks old Japanese quails were fed these diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated 3 times consisting 6 quails per replicate. The experiment lasted 5 weeks. Feeds were offered daily and water was supplied ad libitum. The results of the performance of quails showed there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the final body weight (143.80 -165.23g), percent body changes (24.45-30.32%), daily feed intake (23.23-26.87g) and hen day egg production of quails (67.34 - 88.54%): The feed cost per kilogram gains (90.14-95.95 N/Kg gain) and feed conversion ratio (3.27- 4.28). The quails fed 7.5 MOLM diets had efficiently utilized the feed at lowest cost compared to others. The results of eggs qualities characteristics showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in the eggs weights among the treatments means. However, the eggs length (2.81-3.16 cm), albumen weight (2.69 2.89g) and egg yolk weight (2.72- 3.73g) were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the treatments. Albumen and yolk weights were recorded highest for quails fed 7.5% MOLM diets. The Hug Unit value evaluated was significantly (P<0.05) better for quails fed 7.5% MOLM diets compared to other treatments. Based on this study, it was therefore concluded that Moringa oleifera leaf meal can be included in the diet of Japanese quails up 7.5 % without any detrimental effect on the performance and egg quality characteristics with some reduction in the cost of production.