Egypt. Poult. Sci.

Vol (34) (II): (381-395) (2014) (1504)

Egyptian Poultry Science Journal

http://www.epsaegypt.com

ISSN: 1110-5623 (Print) – 2090-0570 (On line)

GROWTH, PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE

OF JAPANESE QUAILS (COTURNIX COTURNIX JAPONICA) IN
HUMID ENVIRONMENT

G. Dauda,* O. M. Momoh,* N. I. Dim* and D. M. Ogah1

*Dep. of Anim. Breeding and Physiology, College of Anim. Science, Univ. of Agric.,
Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
1
Dep. of Anim. Science, Fac. of Agric., Nasarawa State Univ. Keffi

Received: 23/03/2014 Accepted: 04/05/2014

ABSRACT: This study was undertaken on Japanese quails to evaluate their growth,
production and reproductive performance in a Humid environment of central Nigeria. One
hundred and sixty nine (169) pedigrees hatched day-old Japanese quail chicks from 10 sires
were used for this study. The traits studied include body weight, morphological traits, feed
and reproductive traits. Results show that hatch weight and mature body weight of Japanese
quails were 5.74±1.10g and 89.81±1.20g, respectively. At maturity, mean shank length,
body length, wing length and breast girth were 3.93±0.15, 18.0±0.16, 15.00±0.17 and
6.51±0.07cm, respectively. Growth rate was highest (3.02±0.11g) at 4-5 weeks of age. Feed
intake increased with age from 3.12±0.09g (week 0-1) to 15.16±0.08g at 5-6 weeks while
feed conversion ratio was best (3.01±0.18g) at 1-2 weeks. Mortality decreased with age.
Mean age at sexual maturity (AFE), was 54.49±0.20 days while body weight at first egg
(BWFE) and weight of first egg were 138.91±0.64 and 7.83±0.08g, respectively. Hen-day
and Hen-house egg production were 25.77 and 17.57%, respectively at the 3rd month of lay
while part-period egg number was 62.43±0.23 eggs per hen. Percentage mean fertility was
80.72±1.03 while that of the hatchability of eggs was 70.48±1.74. It was concluded that
given the productive and reproductive estimates, Japanese quail can serve as an alternate
livestock species that can ameliorate shortage of protein intake in environment studied.

Key Words: Growth, production, japanese quails, humid environment.

Corresponding author: gambodauda21@gmail.com

G. Dauda et al

INTRODUCTION the humid central Nigeria has not being

adequately studied.
It has been observed by FAO (1991)
The objective of the study is to
that the daily protein intake in many
estimate growth, egg production and
developing countries is still far below the
reproductive performance of Japanese
recommended level of 67g per Head per
quails reared in the Southern Guinea
day of which 58% must be of animal
Savannah Zone of Nigeria.
origin. Nigerians consume only 5.5g of
animal protein per person per day as MATERIALS AND METHODS
against 38.86g per person per day The experiment was carried out at
recommended by FAO (1991). This has Mundi’s Farm behind Livestock Teaching
adverse consequences on health, and Research Farm of the Faculty of
productivity and development of the human Agriculture, Nasarawa State University
being especially children, aged and Keffi, Lafia campus, Nasarawa State
pregnant women who are most susceptible Nigeria. Nasarawa State falls within the
to low protein intake. Southern Guinea Savannah zone of
Production of livestock species with
Nigeria. The state lies between latitude 7⁰
short generation interval could be a viable
and 9⁰ North and Longitude 7⁰ and 10⁰
option in ameliorating shortage of protein
East. It has a climate typical of the tropical
among the populace in developing
zone because of its location. It has a
countries (NVRI, 1994; Muthukumar and
temperature ranging from 25⁰c in October
Dev Roy, 2005). Japanese quail is one of
to 36⁰c in March while rainfall varies from
the poultry types with very short generation
13.73 cm in some places to 14cm in others
interval. Quail farming serves as a form of
(Nasarawa State Ministry of Information,
alternate poultry production in many
2006).
nations and is gaining attention from the
farmers, entrepreneurs, and researchers. It Experimental Birds and Their
is used for food, game, pet and also for Management:
research purposes (Muthukumar and Dev The Japanese quails for this
Roy, 2005). Its consumption may be experiment were procured from Titus’s
preferred by all, as it has no religious Farm along NTA road, Tudun Amba, Lafia,
taboo. It has good nutritive value, amazing Nasarawa State. The total of 30 females
taste, gamy flavor, tender meat that are and 10 males at three weeks of age were
delicious with low caloric value and high purchased and used as the base population.
dry matter. It is rich in protein, vitamins, The base population is part of an original
essential amino acids, saturated fatty acids, random bred population of Japanese quails
unsaturated fatty acids and phospholipids purchased from the poultry unit of the
(Muthukumar and Dev Roy, 2005). National Veterinary Research Institute,
Although considerable work has been done Vom, Plateau State. This base population
on quail production, management, health was housed in the same pen for two weeks
and genetics, most of the works were for the purpose of acclimatization. At the
carried out in temperate and sub-temperate 6th week of age, they were randomized into
climates. However in Nigeria, some studies 10 breeding cages in the rearing house. A
have been conducted on quail production, mating ratio of 1:3 (i.e. 1 cock to 3 hens)
nutrition, management and health NVRI was used. Each breeding cage has a
(1996), Bawa (2006), Chindo and dimension of 47(length) x 40(width) x
Olowaniyan (2006), Dafwang (2006) and 36(height) cm. The hens in each breeding
Tuleun et al. (2008), there performance in cage were allowed to freely mate the

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Growth, production, japanese quails, humid environment.

respective cock as from 6 weeks of age. electric bulbs as sources of heat and
However, fertile eggs for hatching were illumination. Wood shavings were used as
collected when the birds were at least 9 litter materials. These were spread at a
weeks of age. This is because higher rates sufficient depth (5cm); and chicks guards
of fertility and hatchability of Japanese were put in place to discourage chicks
quail eggs are achieved between 9 - 19 staying away from the heat sources.
weeks of age. The birds were fed Feeders and drinkers were arranged to
formulated diet containing 18% crude facilitate easy feeding both within and
protein and 2700 Kcal/Kg metabolizable outside the brooder box. Stone pebbles
energy as recommended by Dafwang were placed within the drinkers to
(2006). Feed and water were provided discourage drowning and were removed
adlibitum. after 2 weeks when the chicks have passed
Hatching eggs were collected twice the stage when they can easily be drowned.
a day and were given sire identifications. The quail chicks were brooded at a
The eggs were accumulated for 6 days. The temperature of 35⁰C with adequate water
eggs were held in egg crates under room and feeding spaces provided. Light was
temperature with good ventilation. At the provided for 24 hours during brooding to
end of 6 days of egg collection, the eggs avoid pilling and death. The temperature
were set for pedigree hatching in an electric was reduced gradually at the rate of 3.50c
incubator. Incubated eggs were placed on weekly basis as brooding progresses.
horizontally in egg boxes. The egg boxes The chick’s phase of the study
were placed in the egg tray and set in the lasted for 3 weeks (21 days). During this
incubator. The eggs were turned manually phase, the birds were fed formulated chick
during the day between 7am and 7pm at 4 mash which contained 24% crude protein
hourly intervals, each day i.e. at 7am, (CP) and 2800 ME Kcal/kg metabolizable
11am, 3pm and 7pm. Turning of eggs was energy. After the chick phase is the
stopped three days to the expected date of grower’s phase which lasted for another
hatching to avoid dislocating the positioned three weeks and the birds were fed growers
beak ready for piping. mash containing 21% CP and 3000 ME
However, since the Japanese quail kcal/kg metabolizable energy.
egg shells are coloured, tinted and botched, Layers mash which contained
accurate assessment of the embryo by 20%CP and 2,600 ME Kcal/kg
candling was not possible. Therefore, after metabolizable energy was given to the
taking out all the hatched chicks from the birds at point of lay (6 weeks of age). The
incubator, the unhatched eggs were broken birds were then allowed to lay and records
open on the hatch day under bright sunlight of egg production were taken for the first
to identify infertile eggs, early and late three months (part-period egg production)
embryonic mortality. On hatching, chicks to determine egg traits.
were weighed and given individual and sire Though quail is known to be
identities using permanent marker of resistant to most viral diseases of poultry,
various colours. The chicks were then taken anti-stress (vitalyte), antibiotics and
to brooding room immediately for coccidiostat were administered through
brooding. The brooding house and water at various times to check against
experimental pens were thoroughly possible disease outbreak. Also, good
cleaned, scrubbed and disinfected using a hygiene, cleanliness and biosecurity
disinfectant (Izal) and allowed to dry for measures were ensured throughout the
two weeks before the arrival of the chicks. experimental period.
The brooding was carried out for a period
of 21 days (3 weeks) using stoves or

383
G. Dauda et al

Measurement of Traits: weeks of age were determined from the

weekly body weight changes using the
Growth Traits:
formula: Growth Rate = (W2-W1) / 0.5
Body Weight: (W2-W1)
Live body weights were measured Where W1 = weight at the
at hatch using sensitive electronic scale and beginning of the period and W2 = weight at
then at weekly intervals after wards until 6 the end of the period.
weeks of age. Feed Intake:
Body Weight Gain: Average daily
Feed intake was recorded for the
gains (ADG) were estimated using the
first 6 weeks. This was estimated on daily
formula
W2−W1 basis.
Body weight gain = N
Feed Conversion Ratio:
Where W2 is the final weight
W1 is the initial weight The gain per feed intake was
N is the number of days taken from initial estimated for the first 6 weeks on weekly
weight to the present weight. basis. This was estimated using the
formula:
Growth Rate: Feed intake
Feed conversion ratio = Weight gain
Absolute growth rate during the
period of 0-1, 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5 and 5-6

Mortality Rate:
The percentage mortality was estimated for the first 6 weeks on weekly basis. This
was estimated using the formula:
No. of dead quail over the week 100
Mortality rate = No. of quail at the begining of the week × 1

Linear Body Measurement: Body Weight at First Egg (BWFE):

The linear body measurements such This is the weight of the hen when
as body length, shank length, wing lengths the first egg was laid.
and breast girth were measured at weekly
Weight of First Egg (WFE):
interval for the first 6 weeks using
measuring tape. The weight of first egg for each
Egg Production Traits quail hen was taken using sensitive
electronic scale as the weight of first egg.
Age at First Egg (AFE):
Egg Number:
This is the age at which quails lay
their first egg. Age at first egg is the age at The total numbers of eggs laid by
which quail attain sexual maturity. each hen was recorded monthly for a
period of 3 months (part period egg
production). The following measures of
egg production were determined.

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Growth, production, japanese quails, humid environment.

(a) Part-lay Hen Housed Production (% HHP): This was expressed as:
Total egg laid 100
% HHP = No. of birds housed × No of days since housed × 1
(b) Part-lay Hen Day Production (% HDP)
Total egg laid 100
% HDP = No.of birds housed × No.of days since hen laid × 1
(c) Egg number per hen housed: The average number of egg per hen housed was
determine as:
Total egg laid
Egg number per hen =No. of hen housed

Egg Weight: word, random samples of dams were nested

within random sample of sire.
The weights of the first 3 eggs of
each hen were taken in grams at week 1, Data Analysis:
week 4, week 8 and week 12 of lay to The data collected from all the
determine average egg weight processes were analyzed using the
Reproductive Traits
restricted maximum likelihood (REML)
Fertility: procedure of SPSS Statistical software
(2011). The linear model fitted to the body
Fertility was determined based on
measurement data is as shown below:
total eggs set. Percentage fertility was
Number of fertile eggs 100 yij = µ+Si +eij
expressed as: × 1 Where yij=Single observation.
Total egg set
µ= Overall mean (constant).
Hatchability:
Si = Fixed effects of sex
This was expressed on the basis of eij = Random residual error
fertile eggs and total eggs set.
RESULTS
Percent hatchability based on fertile egg =
Number of hatced chicks 100 Body Weight:
×
Total fertile eggs 1
Percent hatchability base on total egg set Table 1. shows the summary
(reproductive capacity) = statistics of linear body parameters of
Hatched chicks 100 Japanese quails. It was evident that shank
× 1 length, breast girth, body length and wing
Total egg set

Embryonic Mortality: length increased with age. Mean shank

length at maturity was 3.93±0.15cm and a
This is the fertile egg that does not value of 1.39±0.14 at week 1. However,
develop fully to normal chicks. Those that mean values for breast girth, body length
died shortly after being developed were and wing length at maturity were
considered early embryo mortality while 6.51±0.07, 18.0±0.16 and 15.0±0.17cm
others that developed fully but could not with respective ranges of 2.30, 5.90 and
hatch were termed late embryo mortality. 6.90cm. The coefficient of variation CV%
Percent embryonic mortality = in shank length presents an interesting
Number of dead embryo 100 trend. It was highest in week 2 (77.8%) but
×
Total no. of fertile eggs 1 gradually reduces with age to a value of
Analysis of Data: 43.6% at week 6. For wing lengths, breast
girth and body length, highest CV(%)
The design of the experiment was a
values of 54.4, 31.7 and 30.5, respectively
nested or hierarchical design. In other
occurred at week 1 and thereafter

385
G. Dauda et al

respectively decreased to 12.8, 10.9 and 1-2 and 4-5 weeks, respectively. However,
10.5 at week 6 (maturity). no mortality was recorded at between 2-3,
The mean values and their standard 3-4 and 5-6 weeks age. Mortality rate
errors of the mean for body weight at decreased with age. The average daily gain
various ages are shown in Table 2. It was was between 0.74±0.05g (week 0 - week 1)
evident that regardless of sex, the mean and 3.02±0.11g at 4-5 weeks of age.
body weight remarkably increased as the Average daily gain did not increased with
quail advanced in age. Body weight at chronological age, however feed intake
hatch, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks of age increased with advancement in age and
averaged 5.74±1.10, 10.88±1.10, 23.70± ranged from 3.12±0.09g in week 1 to
1.18, 34.73±1.18, 54.54±1.19, 76.08±1.20 15.16±0.08g at the sixth week of age. Feed
and 89.81±1.20g, respectively. conversion ratio estimates were 3.01±0.18g
Table 3. Presents the least squares at week 2 and 7.08±0.18g at week 6. Feed
means of mortality rate, average daily conversion ratio in quail increased
weight gain, feed intake and feed gradually at the initial stage of life and later
conversion ratio. The mortality rates were it increased largely as birds’ attained
18.34%, 2.90% and 1.49% at between 0-1, maturity.

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Growth, production, japanese quails, humid environment.

Table (1): Summary statistics of linear body measurement (cm) of Japanese quails reared
in southern guinea savannah zone of Nigeria
Age/Parameters Mean Min. Max. Range Var. SD SEM CV (%)
WK1 SL 1.39 1.00 1.90 0.90 0.38 0.62 0.14 44.63
BG 2.15 1.40 3.40 2.00 0.46 0.68 0.06 31.72
BL 5.78 4.50 9.00 4.50 3.11 1.76 0.15 30.46
WL 3.28 2.20 4.80 2.60 3.19 1.79 0.15 54.38
WK2 SL 2.19 1.80 2.60 0.80 2.90 1.70 0.15 77.75
BG 3.10 2.30 4.30 2.00 0.53 0.73 0.06 23.51
BL 9.24 6.80 12.30 5.50 3.52 1.88 0.16 20.30
WL 7.41 3.60 9.90 6.30 3.60 1.90 0.16 25.61
WK3 SL 2.50 2.00 3.10 1.10 2.86 1.69 0.15 67.49
BG 4.34 3.00 5.40 2.40 0.53 0.73 0.06 16.79
BL 11.49 7.60 14.50 6.90 3.47 1.86 0.16 16.22
WL 9.90 4.20 12.70 8.50 3.60 1.90 0.16 19.16
WK4 SL 2.91 2.20 3.50 1.30 2.90 1.70 0.15 58.43
BG 5.38 3.80 7.00 3.20 0.55 0.74 0.06 13.78
BL 14.50 10.00 18.00 8.00 3.52 1.88 0.16 12.93
WL 12.37 7.00 15.30 8.30 3.65 1.91 0.17 15.44
WK5 SL 3.21 2.70 3.70 1.00 2.93 1.71 0.15 53.32
BG 5.81 4.20 7.00 2.80 0.51 0.71 0.07 12.25
BL 16.84 12.80 19.00 6.20 3.55 1.88 0.16 11.19
WL 13.80 10.00 17.50 7.50 3.68 1.92 0.17 13.90
WK6 SL 3.93 2.90 3.70 0.80 2.93 1.71 0.15 43.57
BG 6.51 5.30 7.60 2.30 0.51 0.71 0.07 10.94
BL 17.99 14.60 20.50 5.90 3.55 1.88 0.16 10.47
WL 15.00 11.00 17.90 6.90 3.68 1.92 0.17 12.79
WK= week, SL= shank length, BG= breast girth, BL= body length, WL= wing length, Var.
=variance, SD=standard error of the mean, SD= standard deviation, CV=coefficient of
variation.

Table (2): Least squares means±sem of body weight of japanese quails at various ages
Age (week) No. of Observation Body Weight (g)
Day-old 169 5.74±1.10
1 138 10.88±1.10
2 134 23.70±1.18
3 134 34.73±1.18
4 134 54.54±1.19
5 132 76.08±1.20
6 132 89.81±1.20

387
G. Dauda et al

TABLE (3): Least squares means±sem of average daily gain (g), feed intake (g),
feed conversion ratio and mortality rate (%) of Japanese quails raised
in southern guinea savannah zone of Nigeria
PERIODS NO. OF MORTALIT
ADG (g) FI (g) FCR (g)
(WEEK) OBSER. Y RATE (%)
0-1 138 18.34 0.74±0.05 3.12±0.09 4.22±0.20
1-2 134 2.90 1.83±0.05 5.50±0.08 3.01±0.18
2-3 134 0.00 1.58±0.09 7.65±0.07 4.84±0.19
3-4 134 0.00 2.87±0.13 11.63±0.08 4.05±0.16
4-5 132 1.49 3.02±0.11 14.03±0.09 4.65±0.17
5-6 132 0.00 2.14±0.18 15.16±0.08 7.08±0.18
ADG = Average daily gain, FI = feed intake and FCR = feed conversion ratio

Reproductive and Egg Production housed and hen-day egg production

Performance: increased as month of lay increased. Hen-
housed egg productions were 13.11, 16.61
The mean performance of
and 17.57 percent for months 1, 2 and 3,
reproductive traits of Japanese quails in the
respectively. The corresponding values for
population studied is presented in Table 4.
hen-day egg production were 19.23, 24.37
The average percentage fertility, early
and 25.77 percent, respectively.
embryo mortality (%), late embryo
Table 5. presents short-term (three
mortality (%), hatchability (%) and
months) egg number, egg weight and egg
reproductive capacity (%) were
mass of Japanese quails. Average monthly
80.72±1.03, 17.10±1.66, 12.42±1.24,
egg numbers per bird were 17.31±0.05,
70.48±1.74 and 56.90±1.81, respectively.
21.93±0.08 and 23.19±0.11 for the 1st, 2nd
Age at first egg ranged from 46-63 days
and 3rd month of lay, respectively with a
with a mean of 54.49±.20 days. Similarly,
mean short-term egg number per bird of
weight of first egg ranged from 6-10 g with
62.43±0.23 eggs, egg weight of 8.43±0.06g
a mean of 7.83±0.08 while body weight at
first egg with a mean of 138.91±0.64 g and egg mass, 526.28±2.66. Egg numbers
and egg mass increased with months of egg
ranged from 114-167g.
production.
The hen-housed and hen-day egg
productions are shown in Table 5.The hen-

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Growth, production, japanese quails, humid environment.

Table (4): Reproductive performance of Japanese quails raised in the southern

guinea savannah zone of Nigeria
Parameters No. of Observation Mean±SEM.
Fertility (%) 297 80.72±1.03
Hatchability (%) 240 70.48±1.74
Reproductive capacity (%) 297 56. 90±1.81
Early embryo mortality (%) 240 17.10±1.66
Late embryo mortality 240 12.42±1.24
Age at first egg (days) 43 54.49±0.20
Body weight at first egg (g) 43 138.91±0.64
Weight of first egg (g) 43 7.83±0.08

Table (5): Short-term hen-day and hen housed egg production of Japanese quails raised
in the southern guinea savannah zone of Nigeria
Month of Lay No. of Observation Hen-housed (%) Hen-day (%)
1 42 13.11 19.23
2 42 16.61 24.37
3 42 17.57 25.77

Table (6): Some egg parameters of Japanese quails in the first three months of lay
Month of Lay No. Of Birds Egg no. Per Bird Egg Weight (g) Egg Mass (g)
1 42 17.31±0.05 8.41±0.12 145.578±2.33
2 42 21.93±0.08 8.28±0.09 181.58±2.08
3 42 23.19±0.11 8.60±0.04 199.43±3.02
Mean value 42 62.43±0.23 8.43±0.06 526.28±2.66

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G. Dauda et al

DISCUSSION Feed intake increased with

Growth Traits: advancement in age and body weight. Mark
As expected, body weight in (1993) reported a similar pattern of
Japanese quails increased as the birds increment in feed intake with increasing
advanced in age. Body weight at hatch age and body weight. Values obtained for
obtained in this study is in agreement with feed intake in this study fairly agreed with
the findings of Aboul-Seoud (2008) and the findings of Vali (2009) who reported
Ojo et al. (2011) who reported values that 2.63, 6.55, 9.80, 11.60, 15.25, 18.19 and
ranged between 4.78 and 6.60g for both 19.14g as individual feed intake at 1, 2, 3,
sexes in random bred populations. Body 4, 5, 6 and 7 weeks of age respectively in
weight at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks of age Japanese quails.
were lower than those reported by (El-Full The values of feed conversion ratio
et al., 2001; Abdel-Fattah, 2006; Abdel- obtained in this study for 0-1, 1-2, 2-3, 3-4,
Tawab, 2006 and Daikwo, 2011). The and 5-6 weeks periods, respectively were
observed differences when compared with higher than 1.96, 2.02, 2.72, 2.70 and 4.67g
these earlier studies could be due to reported by Vali (2009) for the same
differences in the climate and managerial periods. However, the value of FCR
conditions under which different flocks (4.65±0.17) observed at week 4-5 is similar
were reared. Also, due to selection for to 4.07 reported by Vali (2009) for
increased body weight and possible Japanese quails. The high feed to gain ratio
differences in genetic make-up of the observed during the first week in this study
different flocks, body weight at different when compared to the 1-2 weeks period,
ages could differ for different population. could be due to wastage of feed as the
Growth rate of the birds was very chicks were learning to feed. Between 2-5
slow initially (during 0-1 week of age) but weeks, the rates of feed conversion were
became faster as the birds advanced in age. fairly uniform and efficient. The value of
The highest growth rate (3.02±0.11g/day) 7.08 obtained during 5-6 weeks showed
was shown during the period from 4-5 that the quails became less efficient in
weeks of age. This pattern of growth is converting feed at maturity. Possible
similar to the findings of (Aboul-Hassan, reasons for the differences in the feed
1997and 2001 and Aboul-Seoud, 2008). conversion ratio (FCR) might be due to
The growth rate achieved during 1-2 weeks climate, feed type and strains of the birds
period in this study agreed with Aboul- used for the experiment.
Hassan (1997) who reported a range of Mortality rate of 18.34% observed
1.66-2.64g/day for average daily gain from in this study between hatch and 1 week of
0-2 weeks. Average daily gain for 2-3, 3-4, age is fairly higher than 16.67% reported
4-5 and 5-6 weeks periods also agreed with by Roshdy et al. (2010). Value of 2.90%
a range of 1.36-3.30g/day for 2-6 weeks for week 1-2 falls within 2.20 and 10.00 %
periods as reported by (Aboul-Hassan, as the mortality rate of quails housed in
1997). However, the values of average pens and cages, respectively while 1.49 %
daily gain obtained in this study differed obtained for 4-5 week is less than 2.20 %
from what El-Full et al. (2001), Abdel- reported by Roshdy et al. (2010).
Fattah et al. (2006), Vali (2009) and Generally, mortality rate decreased with
Daikwo (2011) earlier reported. The increasing age as similarly reported by
observed differences could have been Seker et al. (2009). These authors equally
caused by genetic differences, management reported higher but non-significant
and other non-genetic factors. (p>0.05) mortality in larger group (8.33%)
of quails than smaller group (6.67%).

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Growth, production, japanese quails, humid environment.

Variation in mortality rate could be due to similar to 71.52% reported by Daikwo

differences in incubator used, management, (2011). Lower values of hatchability (50.8
environment, stocking density, system of and 67.6%) were reported by Mark (1979)
housing and diseases. and Kurshid et al. (2004), respectively. The
Reported values for linear body percent reproductive capacity (hatchability
measurements for quails are very scanty in based on total egg set) of 56.90±1.81%
literature as compared to other poultry observed in this study is above the value
types such as the chicken. This might be reported by Kurshid et al. (2004) who
due to some practical problems associated reported 55.14% as the percent hatchability
with measurement of the traits such as the base on total egg set but lower than 58%
small size of the bird and the need for and 61.31±1.93 reported by Farooq et al.
careful handling of birds to measure these (2001) and Daikwo (2011), respectively.
traits. Among the linear body Reproductive capacity is of more practical
measurements, shank length demonstrated important to the farmer than hatchability.
the greatest variability at all ages except Higher hatchability in the present study
week 1. This high variability inherent in could be due to better fertility than that
shank length could be used for breed reported by (Kurshid et al., 2004).
characterization as well as selection tool for The present value of 17.10±1.66 for
genetic improvement. The shank length early embryonic mortality is higher than
values obtained at different ages in the 5.0-9.5% reported by (El-Fiky et al., 1996).
present study fairly agreed with Adeogun However, late embryonic mortality
and Adeoye (2004) who reported 1.47, (12.42±1.24%) is lower than the finding of
1.76, 2.18, 2.67, 3.05, 3.35 and 3.36cm as El-Fiky et al. (1996) who reported between
average shank length at hatch, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 16.50 and 22.20% for late embryonic
6 and 7 weeks of age, respectively. mortality. Daikwo (2011) reported higher
(18.59±1.85%) early and lower (9.89±1.31)
Reproductive and Egg Production
late embryonic mortality. The variations
Performance:
observed could be due to the differences in
The percentage fertility pre-incubation storage, holding period,
(80.72±1.03) recorded in this study falls mating ratio and incubators used.
within the range of 66.7-85.8% and 72- The body weight at first egg of
92% reported by Sachdev et al. (1985) and 138.91±0.64g obtained in this study is
Wilson et al. (1961), respectively. higher than the value of 132.1g reported by
However, it is lower than 85.41% reported Wilson et al. (1961) but lower than 145.2g
by Daikwo (2011) but higher than the and 145.68±0.74g as reported by (El-Ibiary
values documented by (Mark, 1980; Aboul- et al., 1996 and Daikwo, 2011). Cerit
Hassan et al., 1999 and Kurshid et al., (1997) and El-Deen et al. (2008) reported
2004). Fertility of 80.72% would suggest very high values of 202.3g and 183.55g,
that Japanese quails are highly fertile and respectively for this trait. The variation
could, therefore, be utilized efficiently in between the observed value in this study
meat and egg production enterprise. and those values reported by these authors
Percentage hatchability for this trait could be due to the fact that the
(70.48±1.74) reported in this study agreed birds used for this study has not been
with the findings of Chahil et al. (1975) subjected to selection for body weight at
who obtained a wider range of 65.0 to first egg as some of those under reference.
88.9% for 10 weeks old Japanese quails The 7.83±0.08g reported for weight
and El-Fikyet al. (1996) who reported a of first egg in this study is similar to
range of 68.2-78.5% during 3 consecutive 7.12±0.06g obtained by Daikwo (2011) but
generations. This hatchability value is also lower than the values of 8.99-9.72 and 9.33

391
G. Dauda et al

reported by (El-Full, 2001 and (1995) reported an estimate of 54.8 eggs

Screenivasaiah and Joshi, 1988). for 60 days. Abdel-Tawab (2006) recorded
Age at first egg (54.49±0.20) an average egg number per female
obtained in this study falls within the range Japanese quail among a base population
of 45.3-58.9 days reported by Mark (1979) during the first 10 weeks of lay as 56.12
and 50.94-61.22 days reported by El-Deen eggs. Egg production in Japanese quail is
et al. (2008) and El-Full (2001) variable. This could be due to strains
respectively. Sezer et al. (2006) differences, feeding, climate and
documented that, Japanese quails lay her management. Percentage hen-day and hen-
first egg at an early age of 45.82±0.22 days. house egg production are fairly high and
However, Thomas and Ahuja (1988) and could ensure adequate supply of eggs to
Daikwo (2011) reported that the age at consumers. High hen-day shows the
sexual maturity was 48.9-49.6 and effectiveness of production while hen-
47.01±0.22 days, respectively in Japanese house indicated good management.
quail. Age at first egg can be very variable The part period egg weight and egg
because it is affected by feeding and mass of 8.43±0.06g and 526.28±2.66g
management practices. Early age at first obtained in the present study were similar
egg can be very advantageous because to 8.19±0.04 and 590.88±0.24g reported by
selection for it could lead to reduced Daikwo (2011). Variation in part period
generation interval but for commercial egg egg weight could be due to genetic and
production it might lead to many small non-genetic factors while observed
eggs which may not find a ready market. differences in egg mass are due to varying
However, if early age at first egg is egg number and egg weight since egg mass
accompanied by a corresponding increase is a product of egg number and weight.
in body weight then the egg size could also Conclusion
increase. The findings on growth and
The part-period (3 months) egg reproductive performance of Japanese
production of 62.43±0.23 eggs per quail quails in this study suggest that the
hen observed in this study is lower than the environment is favorable for their
value of 72.19±0.22 eggs reported by multiplication and growth and therefore can
Daikwo (2011). Nestor et al. (1983) serve as an alternative source of protein to
reported that egg production during the first the populace, thus adequate publicity is
60 days of laying in Japanese quails ranged required to propagate the production of this
from 54.5 to 56.5 eggs in random bred bird to increase animal protein intake in
population. El-Fiky and Aboul-Hassan this environment.

392
Growth, production, japanese quails, humid environment.

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