BIBLIOGRAPHY MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012. Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails
Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet.
Adviser: Madeline S. Kingan, MSc
ABSTRACT
The study aims to find out the commercial viability of establishing a quail farm in
Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet using the Japanese Seattle breed and its adaptability to
supplemental feeding in the form of duckweed. Specifically this aims to measure the egg
laying capacity of this breed using two different feed inputs – one treatment utilizing pure
quail feed and another with a combination of quail feed and duckweed. Housing
conditions, handling, and general conditions was similar. Egg quality will also be
compared between the two groups as to weight, and bird adaptability to the conditions of
Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet.
The different treatments were T0 – commercial feeds only T1 – commercial feeds
with duckweed.
Based on the result of the study, it is concluded that quails given purely commercial
feeds and those supplemented with duckweed have the same effect in total feed
consumption, feed conversion ratio, and total feed cost per dozen eggs. Furthermore,
adding duckweed to commercial feeds resulted in more final weight gain, more and heavier
eggs produced, and higher percent hen day average.
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
INTRODUCTION
In the Cordilleras and most places, the notion of poultry is always equated with
chicken. This is because it is common and is cooked into tasteful dishes that many love.
But poultry is not just chicken and to explore other fowls that fall into this category to
enhance our body of knowledge about them, studies must be conducted. As an alternative
to more popular poultry birds, this student-researcher thought of the quail. It is of smaller
size and can be raised in big numbers to suit a regularly-sized flatland in the mountains.
Quails are also noted to be hardy and resistant to diseases and can survive in both hot and
temperate weather. They can be raised for egg and meat production. Also, quails and their
eggs are alternative protein source at less cost compared to chicken
In Poblacion Itogon, Benguet there is no existing quail-raising enterprise either of
the backyard or the commercial type. It is the desire of this researcher to start a study on
the viability of raising quail for egg and meat production in that area. There is a ready
market for these produce in Baguio City, 13 kilometers away from Poblacion Itogon.
If you ask egg vendors around the City Market of Baguio for the source of quail
eggs that they sell, all would name a source based in the lowlands—either Pangasinan,
Pampanga, or Bulacan. If their source is nearer like Itogon, Benguet, their patrons would
be assured of fresher produce.
Recently there has been growing interest in adjuncts or additives to regular animal
feeds which increase food-to-mass conversion ratio and lessen the cost of feeding.
Duckweed is gaining popularity as adjunct to tilapia feeds in aquaculture. Because this
researcher has obtained duckweed from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of
the Department of Agriculture in Guisad, Baguio City, it is my desire to integrate in my
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
study the effect of adding duckweed to quail feed in my study. Duckweed is easy to grow
in nutrient-rich water added with manure or rock salt. It becomes a rich source of
potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen needed by animals for optimum growth.
There is virtually no study yet to show the effect of adding duckweed to regular
quail feed. It is desired that this research will pave the way for more inquiries into the full
utilization of duckweed in the poultry industry particularly in quail farming.
This study will establish the viability of putting up a quail raising industry in Itogon,
Benguet and will benefit the researcher, the population of the locality, other localities with
similar climatic conditions as Itogon, Benguet, the research community, and consumers
and entrepreneurs in general. This was also determining whether the addition of duckweed
to quail feed will enhance growth and egg production.
The study aims to find out the commercial viability of establishing a quail farm in
Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet using the Japanese Seattle breed and its adaptability to
supplemental feeding in the form of duckweed. Specifically this aims to measure the egg
laying capacity of this breed using two different feed inputs – one treatment utilizing pure
quail feed and another with a combination of quail feed and duckweed. Housing
conditions, handling, and general conditions will be similar. Egg quality will also be
compared between the two groups as to weight. Bird adaptability to the conditions of
Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet will be monitored using bird mortality rate.
The study was conducted from January to March 2012 in Poblacion, Itogon,
Benguet.
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
On quails in general. Casiwan (2001) said that quails are classified as game birds
along with pheasants and partridges. It has become a popular source of eggs and meat in
countries like Philippines, Japan, France, Britain, Italy, China and other Asian countries.
In developed countries, quail is raised for gourmet cooking using its eggs and meat. In our
country, the interest is mainly on quail eggs such as those sold in plastic packets in bus
terminals and peddled by balut vendors at night to assuage hunger.
On quail feeds. Varghese (2000) said that all poultry and game bird feeds are
called complete feeds. They contain protein, energy, vitamins, minerals, and other
nutrients needed for bird growth, egg production, and general health. Using additional
grains or supplement is discouraged as this upsets the balance of nutrients in the complete
feed. Mature laying/breeder birds are fed with laying diets only.
Farrel et al (1982) said that the nutrients that comprise a quail’s diet are water,
protein, carbohydrates, fat, mineral, and vitamins. Although all are essential, adequate
water may be considered the single most important nutrient. Fresh clean water should be
provided continuously to all birds especially under the tropical environment. Quails
require more water if there is excessive salt in the feeds or during hot dry season.
Shanaway (1994) said that the feed consumed by the quail hen is used mainly for
maintenance and egg production. The quantitative and qualitative requirements of laying
quail eggs depend on the same factors. If there is a marked deficiency of any required
nutrient, egg production will decrease and may even stop completely. The feed intake
depends on the energy content of the diet, the age of the birds, their reproductive status,
and the ambient temperature. When the birds are fed with diet low in energy content, egg
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
production decreases. Even though feed consumption is increased, reduced efficiency of
feed utilization is evident. Birds on low-energy diets require approximately twice as much
feed as those on high-energy diets to produce the same egg yield.
Shanaway also said that the diet of Japanese quail should contain 18% to 20% crude
protein for maximum egg production
Woorard et al (1973) said that protein provides the amino acid for tissue growth
and egg production. The dietary requirement of quail is influenced by metabolizable
energy content and the ingredients used to formulate the diets. The earlier investigators
raised their flocks successfully on turkey starter diets containing about 25 – 28% crude
protein.
Shim et al (1983) said that a high quality ingredient is essential when making bird
feeds. If poor quality feedstuff is used in quail diets, there will be production problems.
Never use feed ingredient unless it is of highest quality. You can however substitute
comparable turkey feeds for quail feeds without hurting performance. Also, chicken diets
can be fed to growing quail that are raised for slaughter.
De Guzman (2003) said that laying quails should be fed ad libitum to have better
performance in egg production.
On quail egg-laying. Delmo (2001) said that quails lay eggs twice a day—in the
morning and in the afternoon. Their egg-bearing period can last from 126 days to 17
months once they reach adulthood.
Capitan (1981) said that the average egg production of Japanese quails ranged from
49.5% to 52.6%.
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
On egg quality: According to Mauldin (2001) the quality of the eggshell greatly
influences contamination levels, cracks, and hatchability. Thin shells provide an easier
passage for microorganisms into the egg and allow the evaporation of moisture from the
egg. Thin shell will also cause increases in the number of cracked eggs during handling.
On duckweed. The cyclic nature of a synchronized duckweed mat (i.e. all the same
age) could be over at least 1 month as the life span of fronds from early to late daughters
can be 33 or 19 respectively with a 3 fold difference in frond rate production (See
Wangermann and Ashby, 1950).
The use of duckweed as envisaged by Skillicorn et al (1993) appears to have only
limited application in the rural areas of developing countries because it largely exports the
nutrients to a central site where sewage works are installed and the cost of transporting
nutrients back to the farm where they can be an asset would be extremely high.
When conditions are ideal, in terms of water temperature, pH, incident light and
nutrient concentrations they compete in terms of biomass production with the most
vigorous photosynthetic terrestrial plants doubling their biomass in between 16 hours and
2 days, depending on conditions. An idea of their rapid growth is illustrated by the
calculation that shows that if duckweed growth is unrestricted and therefore exponential
that a biomass of duckweed covering 10 cm2 may increase to cover 1 hectare (100 million
cm2) in under 50 days or a 10 million fold increase in biomass in that time.
If duckweed can be harvested at frequent intervals and fed fresh or partially dried
this would be a major advantage at the village level However, the small farmer who is
more and more advised to use supplements often feed brans or pollards. These have
considerable fiber and therefore the duckweed used should not increase the fiber load.
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
There would be great benefit therefore in growing duckweed as a crop, managed so as to
minimize fiber and ensure it blends with primitive diets and equally with the more nutrient
rich compounded feeds.
Duckweed is found to have high concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium which it absorbs from its growth medium and these minerals are important to
the optimum growth of poultry, including quail, which makes duckweed a viable addition
to quail feed either in its natural or semi-dried form.
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The material that was used in this study are as follows: 120 heads of pullet quail,
brooding and rearing cages, incandescent electric bulb, feeds, feeders, weighing scale, egg
trays, vernier caliper, duckweed-growing ponds, duckweed, and record book.
Prior to the start of study, all the brooders feeders, and waterers were cleaned and
disinfected. The lighting system was installed and lighted a few hours before the arrival of
the pullets. The duckweed ponds were seeded and growth was maximized to prepare them
for harvesting immediately at the start of the study. (Figure 1)
Treatment
T0 –Commercial feeds (Figure 2)
T1–Commercial feeds with 50% of duckweed (Figure 3)
Just after the pullet was placed into their respective cages, water and feeds was
given to them. Feeding was done from 6:00 to 6:30 in the morning and from 4:00 to 4:30
in the afternoon. The amount of feeds offered was weighed and recorded. Clean and fresh
water was made available at all times.
Data Gathered
1. Initial weight (g). This was taken at the start of study at 30 days of age.
2. Final weight (g).This was taken at the start of the study 60 days of age
(Figure 4).
3. Number of layer quails. A daily inventory was done.
4. Total daily egg production. The total number of eggs laid everyday was
counted.
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
5. Weight of egg (g).The weight of each egg laid.
6. Feed offered (g).Feed offered to the birds.
7. Feed leftover (g). Feed not consumed by birds.
8. Yolk color. A comparison of yolk color was done use the Roche color
(Figure 5).
9. Feed conversion ratio/ dozen eggs. This was obtained by dividing the total
feed intake by total gain in weight.
10. Feed cost/ dozen eggs. This refers to the cost of commercial feeds, and
duckweed.
a b
Figure 1. a) The improvised duckweed ponds and b) close – up view of duckweed
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
Figure 2. Quails in treatment 0 fed commercial feeds (CF)
Figure 3. Quails in treatment, fed with CF plus duckweed
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
Figure 4. Final weight being taken
a b
Figure 5. a) egg yolk from quails fed Commercial feeds only; b) egg yolk from quails fed
feeds supplemented with duckweed
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
Data Computed
1. Hen-day egg production. The number of egg collected in one day expressed as
a percentage of the number of layer in the house on that day.
2. Feed consumption (kg).This was obtained by adding the feed consumed by the
quail from the start of the study to the end of study.
2. Return of investment (ROI).This was taken using this formula.
Total Cost- Total Cost of Production
ROI= x 100
Total Cost of Production
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Initial Weight
The initial weight of the quails in the different treatments is shown in table 1. The
average initial weights were taken when the quails were 30 days old. Statistical analysis
revealed that there were no significant differences among the treatment. While there are
slight differences in the body weight of the experimental quails as presented in the table,
such differences were very minimal to cause a significant difference among the treatments.
The result also implies that the experimental quails had more or less the same weight at the
start of the study. The average initial weights are 106.25g and 104.84 g respectively.
Final Weight
Table 2 shows the quail’s average final weight in grams per treatment in the study.
Statistical analysis showed that there is a highly significant difference in the final weights
averaging 111.66 g for the commercially fed and 114.15 g for the duckweed-supplemented.
The result indicates that quails fed with duckweed as supplement on top of commercial
feeds were heavier compared to quails fed with purely restricted
Table 1. Initial Weight of the quail at 30 days of age
TREATMENT MEAN
(g)
________________________________________________________________________
Commercial feeds only
106.25
Commercial feeds supplemented with Duckweed 104.84
===============================================================
Means with no superscript are not significant different at 0.05 by DMRT
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
Further study on the mechanism of the duckweed’s effect on the weight of fowl
such quail is recommended as it is beyond the scope of the current study.
Commercial quail growers who raise quail for the purpose of meat production
would benefit to take notice of this result as duckweed production is relatively inexpensive
to undertake but makes quail heavier and therefore would make them earn more.
Average Daily Egg Production
Table 3 shows the average daily egg production per treatment with a mean of 1.706
for those given pure commercial feeds and 1.864 for those fed with a supplement of
duckweed. Statistical analysis showed that there is a slightly significant difference in the
average daily egg production for the two treatments.
This means that aside from increasing significantly the weight of quails, duckweed
also increases daily egg production.
It is recommended that further studies on the mechanism of duckweed to stimulate
and produce more eggs be made by other researchers as the concept is beyond the scope of
this present study.
Table 2. Final weight of the quail at 30 days
TREATMENT MEAN
(g)
________________________________________________________________________
Commercial Feeds only 111.66
Commercial Feeds Supplemented with Duckweed 114.15
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
Commercial quail growers who raise quail for the purpose of egg production would
benefit to take notice of this result as duckweed is easy to propagate and process as feed
supplement for quails.
Average Weight of Daily Egg Production
Table 5 shows the average weight of an egg laid per bird in the two treatments.
Statistical analysis showed there is a significant difference among the treatments. Quails
given pure quail layer mash had a mean of 15.70 g while those fed quail layer mash
supplemented with duckweed had a mean egg weight of 17.37 g.
This means that quails fed with a supplement of duckweed laid heavier eggs
compared with those fed purely with commercial quail layer mash. To combine the two
other factors which showed statistically significant effect in the study, this means that
feeding quails with a supplement of duckweed increases body weight, egg production, and
egg weight.
Table 3. Average daily egg production
TREATMENT MEAN
(g)
________________________________________________________________________
Commercial Feeds Only 1.71
Commercial Feeds Supplemented with Duckweed 1.86
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
Total Feed Consumption
Table 6 shows the total feed consumption per quails in the two treatments for 60
days. Results showed that quails fed restricted using quail layer mash and quail layer mash
with duckweed had mean total fed consumption averages of 101.67 g and 142.33 g
respectively.
Statistical analysis showed that there are no significant differences among the
treatments. This means that the total feed consumption of the birds in the different
treatments are statistically similar
Table 4. Average weight of the quail eggs
TREATMENT AVERAGE WEIGHT
(g)
________________________________________________________________________
Commercial Feeds only 15.70
Commercial Feeds Supplemented with Duckweed 17.37
Table 5. Total feed consumption a quail for 60 days
TREATMENT MEAN
(g)
________________________________________________________________________
Commercial Feeds Only 101.67
Commercial Feeds Supplemented with Duckweed 142.33
Means with no superscript are not significant different at 0.05 by DMRT
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
Feed Conversion Ratio
Table 6 shows the amount of feeds needed per bird to produce on a per treatment
basis their average gain in weight. The table reveals that quails fed quail layer mash, had a
mean of 1.62 and quail layer mash with duckweed had a mean of 1.32.
Statistical analysis revealed that these real differences were not significant. This
means that the feed conversion ratios in the different treatments are more or less the same.
Total Feed Cost/Dozen Eggs
Table 7 shows the total feed cost per treatment to produce a dozen eggs which are
P17.50 and P19.55 respectively. Statistically these two costs have no significant
difference. The slight difference in real value is due to production cost (actually
transportation cost) of the creating air-dried duckweed which are freely obtained from a
water-cress swamp in Camp 7.
Table 6. Feed Conversion Ratio
TREATMENT FCR
(g)
________________________________________________________________________
Commercial Feeds Only 1.62
Commercial Feeds Supplemented with Duckweed 1.32
Means with no superscript are not significant different at 0.05 by DMRT
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
Percent Hen Day Average
Table 8 and Figure 7 shows the percent hen day average in the different treatments
ranging from 13.97 and 15.41. These are the number of eggs collected per day expressed
as a percentage of the number of layers per treatment. Statistical analysis showed that
there is a significant difference in the number of eggs collected per day per treatment.
There is a higher percent hen day average in the population supplemented with duckweed
(15.41%) compared with the group fed with pure commercial feeds (13.97%).
This is just a natural offshoot of the statistically significant higher daily egg
production of the duckweed fed group.
However when compared to other studies, these percentages are significantly lower
compared to what was cited by Capitan (1981). He said the average production of Japanese
quails ranges from 49.5% to 52.6%. Further studies must be made regarding the effect of
temperature extremes (very cold evenings and very hot daytime) which are the prevailing
conditions at the time of the study in Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet to the egg-laying
performance of the quails.
Table 7. Total feed cost/dozen eggs
TREATMENT MEAN
(Php)
________________________________________________________________________
Commercial Feeds Only 17.50
Commercial Feeds Supplemented with Duckweed 19.55
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
20
15
10
5
0
January February March
Figure 7. Egg productivity in percent hen day January to March 2012
Table 8. Percent Hen Day Average
TREATMENT MEAN
%
________________________________________________________________________
Commercial Feeds Only 13.97
Commercial Feeds Supplemented with Duckweed 15.41
Return on Investment
Table 9 shows the return on investment obtain from the different treatments ranging
from -20.24% to -20.09%. The negative returns reveal that the number of 120 quails is
considered too small to be profitable. This because generally in animal production, the
more the number of the animals produced, the higher is the returns (Casiwan, 2002).
Another reason is that the quails had just laid for barely 60 days. This attributed to the
length of the data collection. This covered only the first two months of lay. Results will
differ if a whole year production period is considered. According to Delmo (2001), the egg
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
bearing period of quails can last from 16-17 months once they reach adulthood.
Furthermore, the lower ROI obtained from commercial feeds and commercial feeds with
duckweed.
Table 9. Return on investment
Cost and return analysis Commercial Feeds Commercial Feeds
With Duckweed
________________________________________________________________________
PARTICULAR
________________________________________________________________________
A. Gross Sales (Php) 3,424 .00 3,518.00
B. Cost of Production
Cage 1,500.00 1,500.00
Quail Pullets 1,800.00 1,800.00
Feeds 915.00 1,035.00
Medicine 70.00 70.00
________________________________________________________________________
Total (Php) 4285.00 4405.00
________________________________________________________________________
C. Return on Investment -20.09 -20.24
*Gross sales include the sales of egg and quails after two months of lay.
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
This was conducted to determine the egg productivity of Japanese quails fed with
commercial feeds supplemented with duckweed. Specially, the study aimed to evaluate the
as egg productivity of quails in terms of number, weight, yolk color, daily egg consumption
and feed consumption; and to compare commercial feeding with that of with duckweed
supplementation; which will give better egg productivity.
Following the Complete Randomized Design (CRD), 120 ready-to-lay quail pullets
were distributed into two treatments. Each treatment was replicated five times with the 12
g birds per replicate making a total of 60 birds per treatment. The two treatments used were
the pure commercial feeds T0 and commercial feeds with duckweed T1 as feeding regimen.
Statistical analysis showed no significant between the treatment in terms of initial
weight, total feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, and the total feed cost/dozen egg.
This means that the bird in all treatments gave more or less the same performance in this
parameter.
For a period of 60 days the total feed consumption was monitored at an average of
101.67 g to 142.33 g. the total feed conversion ratio was from 1.318 to 1.624 which is not
far from the ideal feed conversion ratio among fowls of 2. the total feed cost per dozen
eggs was P19.546 to P21.496.
However, significant differences were observed in terms of final weight, average
daily egg production, average weight of daily egg production, and percent hen day average.
Quails supplemented with duckweed had significant gain at 114.148 g, higher average
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
daily egg production at 1.864, higher average weight of daily egg production at 17.366 g
and higher percent hen day average at 15.408.
Conclusion
Based on the result of the study, it is concluded that quails given purely commercial
feeds and those supplemented with duckweed have the same effect in total feed
consumption, feed conversion ratio, and total feed cost per dozen eggs. Furthermore,
adding duckweed to commercial feeds resulted in more final weight gain, more and heavier
eggs produced, and higher percent hen day average.
Recommendation
According to the result of the study, it is advised that the quails be feed with a
supplemented of duckweed to produce a significant gain in weight especially for meat
production, and to increase egg production and weight.
It is further recommended that studies on the mechanism that allows duckweed to
create the enumerated effects on the growth and egg production be made. A longer of quails
in a hot environment (like the lowlands) and a cold environment (like the Cordillera
upsland).
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
LITERATURE CITED
CASIWAN, D. Q. 2001. Quail Production Manual. Benguet State University, La
Trinidad, Benguet.
CAPITAN, S. S. 1981. Inbreeding in closed population of three breeds of quails
(Coturnix coturnix japonica). MS Thesis (Unpub.), UPLB, College, Laguna.
P.111.
DE GUZMAN, D. 2003. A personal interview.
DELMO, G. C. 2001. The domestic and export potential of quails. MARID Agribusiness
Digest. 12(7): 8-11.
FARRELL, D.J., ATMAMIHARDIA, S.L. and R.A.E. PYM. 1982. Colorimetric of the
energy and nitrogen metabolism of Japanese quail Bro. Br. Poultry Sci.,38:1260.
MAULDIN J.M. 2001. A Hatchery and Breeder Flock. Sanitation guide digest. 12:32-33
SHANAWAY, M.M. 1994. Quail production system. Food and Agricultural
Organization of United Nation. Rome
SHIM, K. F., PHANG, V. and TEOH, K. W. 1983. Reproductive performance of Japanese
quails. Sing. J. Pri. Ind., 52-60. Retrieved 19 April from the World Wide Web:
http://www.msstate.edu/dept/poultry/pubs/pub2383.htm
VARGHESE, S. K. 2000. Uses of quail. Feather fancier newspaper. Canada pub.
Retrieved
3 May 2002 from the World Wide Web:http://www.cyborganic.com
//poultry//featherfinc/pub.htm
WOOWARD,A.E.H, ABPLANA, L.P., WILSON, W.O.and P.Vohra. 1973. Japanese
quail husbandry in the laboratory (Cotrnix cotrnix japonica). Department of Avian
Science, Univ. of California.
WANGERMANN, E., and E. ASHBY, 1950. Morphogenesis in Lemna minor. Proceeding
Linn. Soc. London 162:10-13
SKILLICORN, P., W. SPIRA. And W.JOURNEY, 1993. Duckweed Aquaculture – A New
Aquatic Farming System for Developing Countries. The World Bank.
76pp.Washington DC.
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012. Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails
Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet.
Adviser: Madeline S. Kingan, MSc
ABSTRACT
The study aims to find out the commercial viability of establishing a quail farm in
Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet using the Japanese Seattle breed and its adaptability to
supplemental feeding in the form of duckweed. Specifically this aims to measure the egg
laying capacity of this breed using two different feed inputs – one treatment utilizing pure
quail feed and another with a combination of quail feed and duckweed. Housing
conditions, handling, and general conditions was similar. Egg quality will also be
compared between the two groups as to weight, and bird adaptability to the conditions of
Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet.
The different treatments were T0 – commercial feeds only T1 – commercial feeds
with duckweed.
Based on the result of the study, it is concluded that quails given purely commercial
feeds and those supplemented with duckweed have the same effect in total feed
consumption, feed conversion ratio, and total feed cost per dozen eggs. Furthermore,
adding duckweed to commercial feeds resulted in more final weight gain, more and heavier
eggs produced, and higher percent hen day average.
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
INTRODUCTION
In the Cordilleras and most places, the notion of poultry is always equated with
chicken. This is because it is common and is cooked into tasteful dishes that many love.
But poultry is not just chicken and to explore other fowls that fall into this category to
enhance our body of knowledge about them, studies must be conducted. As an alternative
to more popular poultry birds, this student-researcher thought of the quail. It is of smaller
size and can be raised in big numbers to suit a regularly-sized flatland in the mountains.
Quails are also noted to be hardy and resistant to diseases and can survive in both hot and
temperate weather. They can be raised for egg and meat production. Also, quails and their
eggs are alternative protein source at less cost compared to chicken
In Poblacion Itogon, Benguet there is no existing quail-raising enterprise either of
the backyard or the commercial type. It is the desire of this researcher to start a study on
the viability of raising quail for egg and meat production in that area. There is a ready
market for these produce in Baguio City, 13 kilometers away from Poblacion Itogon.
If you ask egg vendors around the City Market of Baguio for the source of quail
eggs that they sell, all would name a source based in the lowlands—either Pangasinan,
Pampanga, or Bulacan. If their source is nearer like Itogon, Benguet, their patrons would
be assured of fresher produce.
Recently there has been growing interest in adjuncts or additives to regular animal
feeds which increase food-to-mass conversion ratio and lessen the cost of feeding.
Duckweed is gaining popularity as adjunct to tilapia feeds in aquaculture. Because this
researcher has obtained duckweed from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of
the Department of Agriculture in Guisad, Baguio City, it is my desire to integrate in my
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
study the effect of adding duckweed to quail feed in my study. Duckweed is easy to grow
in nutrient-rich water added with manure or rock salt. It becomes a rich source of
potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen needed by animals for optimum growth.
There is virtually no study yet to show the effect of adding duckweed to regular
quail feed. It is desired that this research will pave the way for more inquiries into the full
utilization of duckweed in the poultry industry particularly in quail farming.
This study will establish the viability of putting up a quail raising industry in Itogon,
Benguet and will benefit the researcher, the population of the locality, other localities with
similar climatic conditions as Itogon, Benguet, the research community, and consumers
and entrepreneurs in general. This was also determining whether the addition of duckweed
to quail feed will enhance growth and egg production.
The study aims to find out the commercial viability of establishing a quail farm in
Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet using the Japanese Seattle breed and its adaptability to
supplemental feeding in the form of duckweed. Specifically this aims to measure the egg
laying capacity of this breed using two different feed inputs – one treatment utilizing pure
quail feed and another with a combination of quail feed and duckweed. Housing
conditions, handling, and general conditions will be similar. Egg quality will also be
compared between the two groups as to weight. Bird adaptability to the conditions of
Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet will be monitored using bird mortality rate.
The study was conducted from January to March 2012 in Poblacion, Itogon,
Benguet.
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
On quails in general. Casiwan (2001) said that quails are classified as game birds
along with pheasants and partridges. It has become a popular source of eggs and meat in
countries like Philippines, Japan, France, Britain, Italy, China and other Asian countries.
In developed countries, quail is raised for gourmet cooking using its eggs and meat. In our
country, the interest is mainly on quail eggs such as those sold in plastic packets in bus
terminals and peddled by balut vendors at night to assuage hunger.
On quail feeds. Varghese (2000) said that all poultry and game bird feeds are
called complete feeds. They contain protein, energy, vitamins, minerals, and other
nutrients needed for bird growth, egg production, and general health. Using additional
grains or supplement is discouraged as this upsets the balance of nutrients in the complete
feed. Mature laying/breeder birds are fed with laying diets only.
Farrel et al (1982) said that the nutrients that comprise a quail’s diet are water,
protein, carbohydrates, fat, mineral, and vitamins. Although all are essential, adequate
water may be considered the single most important nutrient. Fresh clean water should be
provided continuously to all birds especially under the tropical environment. Quails
require more water if there is excessive salt in the feeds or during hot dry season.
Shanaway (1994) said that the feed consumed by the quail hen is used mainly for
maintenance and egg production. The quantitative and qualitative requirements of laying
quail eggs depend on the same factors. If there is a marked deficiency of any required
nutrient, egg production will decrease and may even stop completely. The feed intake
depends on the energy content of the diet, the age of the birds, their reproductive status,
and the ambient temperature. When the birds are fed with diet low in energy content, egg
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
production decreases. Even though feed consumption is increased, reduced efficiency of
feed utilization is evident. Birds on low-energy diets require approximately twice as much
feed as those on high-energy diets to produce the same egg yield.
Shanaway also said that the diet of Japanese quail should contain 18% to 20% crude
protein for maximum egg production
Woorard et al (1973) said that protein provides the amino acid for tissue growth
and egg production. The dietary requirement of quail is influenced by metabolizable
energy content and the ingredients used to formulate the diets. The earlier investigators
raised their flocks successfully on turkey starter diets containing about 25 – 28% crude
protein.
Shim et al (1983) said that a high quality ingredient is essential when making bird
feeds. If poor quality feedstuff is used in quail diets, there will be production problems.
Never use feed ingredient unless it is of highest quality. You can however substitute
comparable turkey feeds for quail feeds without hurting performance. Also, chicken diets
can be fed to growing quail that are raised for slaughter.
De Guzman (2003) said that laying quails should be fed ad libitum to have better
performance in egg production.
On quail egg-laying. Delmo (2001) said that quails lay eggs twice a day—in the
morning and in the afternoon. Their egg-bearing period can last from 126 days to 17
months once they reach adulthood.
Capitan (1981) said that the average egg production of Japanese quails ranged from
49.5% to 52.6%.
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
On egg quality: According to Mauldin (2001) the quality of the eggshell greatly
influences contamination levels, cracks, and hatchability. Thin shells provide an easier
passage for microorganisms into the egg and allow the evaporation of moisture from the
egg. Thin shell will also cause increases in the number of cracked eggs during handling.
On duckweed. The cyclic nature of a synchronized duckweed mat (i.e. all the same
age) could be over at least 1 month as the life span of fronds from early to late daughters
can be 33 or 19 respectively with a 3 fold difference in frond rate production (See
Wangermann and Ashby, 1950).
The use of duckweed as envisaged by Skillicorn et al (1993) appears to have only
limited application in the rural areas of developing countries because it largely exports the
nutrients to a central site where sewage works are installed and the cost of transporting
nutrients back to the farm where they can be an asset would be extremely high.
When conditions are ideal, in terms of water temperature, pH, incident light and
nutrient concentrations they compete in terms of biomass production with the most
vigorous photosynthetic terrestrial plants doubling their biomass in between 16 hours and
2 days, depending on conditions. An idea of their rapid growth is illustrated by the
calculation that shows that if duckweed growth is unrestricted and therefore exponential
that a biomass of duckweed covering 10 cm2 may increase to cover 1 hectare (100 million
cm2) in under 50 days or a 10 million fold increase in biomass in that time.
If duckweed can be harvested at frequent intervals and fed fresh or partially dried
this would be a major advantage at the village level However, the small farmer who is
more and more advised to use supplements often feed brans or pollards. These have
considerable fiber and therefore the duckweed used should not increase the fiber load.
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
There would be great benefit therefore in growing duckweed as a crop, managed so as to
minimize fiber and ensure it blends with primitive diets and equally with the more nutrient
rich compounded feeds.
Duckweed is found to have high concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium which it absorbs from its growth medium and these minerals are important to
the optimum growth of poultry, including quail, which makes duckweed a viable addition
to quail feed either in its natural or semi-dried form.
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The material that was used in this study are as follows: 120 heads of pullet quail,
brooding and rearing cages, incandescent electric bulb, feeds, feeders, weighing scale, egg
trays, vernier caliper, duckweed-growing ponds, duckweed, and record book.
Prior to the start of study, all the brooders feeders, and waterers were cleaned and
disinfected. The lighting system was installed and lighted a few hours before the arrival of
the pullets. The duckweed ponds were seeded and growth was maximized to prepare them
for harvesting immediately at the start of the study. (Figure 1)
Treatment
T0 –Commercial feeds (Figure 2)
T1–Commercial feeds with 50% of duckweed (Figure 3)
Just after the pullet was placed into their respective cages, water and feeds was
given to them. Feeding was done from 6:00 to 6:30 in the morning and from 4:00 to 4:30
in the afternoon. The amount of feeds offered was weighed and recorded. Clean and fresh
water was made available at all times.
Data Gathered
1. Initial weight (g). This was taken at the start of study at 30 days of age.
2. Final weight (g).This was taken at the start of the study 60 days of age
(Figure 4).
3. Number of layer quails. A daily inventory was done.
4. Total daily egg production. The total number of eggs laid everyday was
counted.
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
5. Weight of egg (g).The weight of each egg laid.
6. Feed offered (g).Feed offered to the birds.
7. Feed leftover (g). Feed not consumed by birds.
8. Yolk color. A comparison of yolk color was done use the Roche color
(Figure 5).
9. Feed conversion ratio/ dozen eggs. This was obtained by dividing the total
feed intake by total gain in weight.
10. Feed cost/ dozen eggs. This refers to the cost of commercial feeds, and
duckweed.
a b
Figure 1. a) The improvised duckweed ponds and b) close – up view of duckweed
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
Figure 2. Quails in treatment 0 fed commercial feeds (CF)
Figure 3. Quails in treatment, fed with CF plus duckweed
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
Figure 4. Final weight being taken
a b
Figure 5. a) egg yolk from quails fed Commercial feeds only; b) egg yolk from quails fed
feeds supplemented with duckweed
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
Data Computed
1. Hen-day egg production. The number of egg collected in one day expressed as
a percentage of the number of layer in the house on that day.
2. Feed consumption (kg).This was obtained by adding the feed consumed by the
quail from the start of the study to the end of study.
2. Return of investment (ROI).This was taken using this formula.
Total Cost- Total Cost of Production
ROI= x 100
Total Cost of Production
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Initial Weight
The initial weight of the quails in the different treatments is shown in table 1. The
average initial weights were taken when the quails were 30 days old. Statistical analysis
revealed that there were no significant differences among the treatment. While there are
slight differences in the body weight of the experimental quails as presented in the table,
such differences were very minimal to cause a significant difference among the treatments.
The result also implies that the experimental quails had more or less the same weight at the
start of the study. The average initial weights are 106.25g and 104.84 g respectively.
Final Weight
Table 2 shows the quail’s average final weight in grams per treatment in the study.
Statistical analysis showed that there is a highly significant difference in the final weights
averaging 111.66 g for the commercially fed and 114.15 g for the duckweed-supplemented.
The result indicates that quails fed with duckweed as supplement on top of commercial
feeds were heavier compared to quails fed with purely restricted
Table 1. Initial Weight of the quail at 30 days of age
TREATMENT MEAN
(g)
________________________________________________________________________
Commercial feeds only
106.25
Commercial feeds supplemented with Duckweed 104.84
===============================================================
Means with no superscript are not significant different at 0.05 by DMRT
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
Further study on the mechanism of the duckweed’s effect on the weight of fowl
such quail is recommended as it is beyond the scope of the current study.
Commercial quail growers who raise quail for the purpose of meat production
would benefit to take notice of this result as duckweed production is relatively inexpensive
to undertake but makes quail heavier and therefore would make them earn more.
Average Daily Egg Production
Table 3 shows the average daily egg production per treatment with a mean of 1.706
for those given pure commercial feeds and 1.864 for those fed with a supplement of
duckweed. Statistical analysis showed that there is a slightly significant difference in the
average daily egg production for the two treatments.
This means that aside from increasing significantly the weight of quails, duckweed
also increases daily egg production.
It is recommended that further studies on the mechanism of duckweed to stimulate
and produce more eggs be made by other researchers as the concept is beyond the scope of
this present study.
Table 2. Final weight of the quail at 30 days
TREATMENT MEAN
(g)
________________________________________________________________________
Commercial Feeds only 111.66
Commercial Feeds Supplemented with Duckweed 114.15
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
Commercial quail growers who raise quail for the purpose of egg production would
benefit to take notice of this result as duckweed is easy to propagate and process as feed
supplement for quails.
Average Weight of Daily Egg Production
Table 5 shows the average weight of an egg laid per bird in the two treatments.
Statistical analysis showed there is a significant difference among the treatments. Quails
given pure quail layer mash had a mean of 15.70 g while those fed quail layer mash
supplemented with duckweed had a mean egg weight of 17.37 g.
This means that quails fed with a supplement of duckweed laid heavier eggs
compared with those fed purely with commercial quail layer mash. To combine the two
other factors which showed statistically significant effect in the study, this means that
feeding quails with a supplement of duckweed increases body weight, egg production, and
egg weight.
Table 3. Average daily egg production
TREATMENT MEAN
(g)
________________________________________________________________________
Commercial Feeds Only 1.71
Commercial Feeds Supplemented with Duckweed 1.86
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
Total Feed Consumption
Table 6 shows the total feed consumption per quails in the two treatments for 60
days. Results showed that quails fed restricted using quail layer mash and quail layer mash
with duckweed had mean total fed consumption averages of 101.67 g and 142.33 g
respectively.
Statistical analysis showed that there are no significant differences among the
treatments. This means that the total feed consumption of the birds in the different
treatments are statistically similar
Table 4. Average weight of the quail eggs
TREATMENT AVERAGE WEIGHT
(g)
________________________________________________________________________
Commercial Feeds only 15.70
Commercial Feeds Supplemented with Duckweed 17.37
Table 5. Total feed consumption a quail for 60 days
TREATMENT MEAN
(g)
________________________________________________________________________
Commercial Feeds Only 101.67
Commercial Feeds Supplemented with Duckweed 142.33
Means with no superscript are not significant different at 0.05 by DMRT
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
Feed Conversion Ratio
Table 6 shows the amount of feeds needed per bird to produce on a per treatment
basis their average gain in weight. The table reveals that quails fed quail layer mash, had a
mean of 1.62 and quail layer mash with duckweed had a mean of 1.32.
Statistical analysis revealed that these real differences were not significant. This
means that the feed conversion ratios in the different treatments are more or less the same.
Total Feed Cost/Dozen Eggs
Table 7 shows the total feed cost per treatment to produce a dozen eggs which are
P17.50 and P19.55 respectively. Statistically these two costs have no significant
difference. The slight difference in real value is due to production cost (actually
transportation cost) of the creating air-dried duckweed which are freely obtained from a
water-cress swamp in Camp 7.
Table 6. Feed Conversion Ratio
TREATMENT FCR
(g)
________________________________________________________________________
Commercial Feeds Only 1.62
Commercial Feeds Supplemented with Duckweed 1.32
Means with no superscript are not significant different at 0.05 by DMRT
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
Percent Hen Day Average
Table 8 and Figure 7 shows the percent hen day average in the different treatments
ranging from 13.97 and 15.41. These are the number of eggs collected per day expressed
as a percentage of the number of layers per treatment. Statistical analysis showed that
there is a significant difference in the number of eggs collected per day per treatment.
There is a higher percent hen day average in the population supplemented with duckweed
(15.41%) compared with the group fed with pure commercial feeds (13.97%).
This is just a natural offshoot of the statistically significant higher daily egg
production of the duckweed fed group.
However when compared to other studies, these percentages are significantly lower
compared to what was cited by Capitan (1981). He said the average production of Japanese
quails ranges from 49.5% to 52.6%. Further studies must be made regarding the effect of
temperature extremes (very cold evenings and very hot daytime) which are the prevailing
conditions at the time of the study in Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet to the egg-laying
performance of the quails.
Table 7. Total feed cost/dozen eggs
TREATMENT MEAN
(Php)
________________________________________________________________________
Commercial Feeds Only 17.50
Commercial Feeds Supplemented with Duckweed 19.55
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
20
15
10
5
0
January February March
Figure 7. Egg productivity in percent hen day January to March 2012
Table 8. Percent Hen Day Average
TREATMENT MEAN
%
________________________________________________________________________
Commercial Feeds Only 13.97
Commercial Feeds Supplemented with Duckweed 15.41
Return on Investment
Table 9 shows the return on investment obtain from the different treatments ranging
from -20.24% to -20.09%. The negative returns reveal that the number of 120 quails is
considered too small to be profitable. This because generally in animal production, the
more the number of the animals produced, the higher is the returns (Casiwan, 2002).
Another reason is that the quails had just laid for barely 60 days. This attributed to the
length of the data collection. This covered only the first two months of lay. Results will
differ if a whole year production period is considered. According to Delmo (2001), the egg
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
bearing period of quails can last from 16-17 months once they reach adulthood.
Furthermore, the lower ROI obtained from commercial feeds and commercial feeds with
duckweed.
Table 9. Return on investment
Cost and return analysis Commercial Feeds Commercial Feeds
With Duckweed
________________________________________________________________________
PARTICULAR
________________________________________________________________________
A. Gross Sales (Php) 3,424 .00 3,518.00
B. Cost of Production
Cage 1,500.00 1,500.00
Quail Pullets 1,800.00 1,800.00
Feeds 915.00 1,035.00
Medicine 70.00 70.00
________________________________________________________________________
Total (Php) 4285.00 4405.00
________________________________________________________________________
C. Return on Investment -20.09 -20.24
*Gross sales include the sales of egg and quails after two months of lay.
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
This was conducted to determine the egg productivity of Japanese quails fed with
commercial feeds supplemented with duckweed. Specially, the study aimed to evaluate the
as egg productivity of quails in terms of number, weight, yolk color, daily egg consumption
and feed consumption; and to compare commercial feeding with that of with duckweed
supplementation; which will give better egg productivity.
Following the Complete Randomized Design (CRD), 120 ready-to-lay quail pullets
were distributed into two treatments. Each treatment was replicated five times with the 12
g birds per replicate making a total of 60 birds per treatment. The two treatments used were
the pure commercial feeds T0 and commercial feeds with duckweed T1 as feeding regimen.
Statistical analysis showed no significant between the treatment in terms of initial
weight, total feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, and the total feed cost/dozen egg.
This means that the bird in all treatments gave more or less the same performance in this
parameter.
For a period of 60 days the total feed consumption was monitored at an average of
101.67 g to 142.33 g. the total feed conversion ratio was from 1.318 to 1.624 which is not
far from the ideal feed conversion ratio among fowls of 2. the total feed cost per dozen
eggs was P19.546 to P21.496.
However, significant differences were observed in terms of final weight, average
daily egg production, average weight of daily egg production, and percent hen day average.
Quails supplemented with duckweed had significant gain at 114.148 g, higher average
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
daily egg production at 1.864, higher average weight of daily egg production at 17.366 g
and higher percent hen day average at 15.408.
Conclusion
Based on the result of the study, it is concluded that quails given purely commercial
feeds and those supplemented with duckweed have the same effect in total feed
consumption, feed conversion ratio, and total feed cost per dozen eggs. Furthermore,
adding duckweed to commercial feeds resulted in more final weight gain, more and heavier
eggs produced, and higher percent hen day average.
Recommendation
According to the result of the study, it is advised that the quails be feed with a
supplemented of duckweed to produce a significant gain in weight especially for meat
production, and to increase egg production and weight.
It is further recommended that studies on the mechanism that allows duckweed to
create the enumerated effects on the growth and egg production be made. A longer of quails
in a hot environment (like the lowlands) and a cold environment (like the Cordillera
upsland).
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012
LITERATURE CITED
CASIWAN, D. Q. 2001. Quail Production Manual. Benguet State University, La
Trinidad, Benguet.
CAPITAN, S. S. 1981. Inbreeding in closed population of three breeds of quails
(Coturnix coturnix japonica). MS Thesis (Unpub.), UPLB, College, Laguna.
P.111.
DE GUZMAN, D. 2003. A personal interview.
DELMO, G. C. 2001. The domestic and export potential of quails. MARID Agribusiness
Digest. 12(7): 8-11.
FARRELL, D.J., ATMAMIHARDIA, S.L. and R.A.E. PYM. 1982. Colorimetric of the
energy and nitrogen metabolism of Japanese quail Bro. Br. Poultry Sci.,38:1260.
MAULDIN J.M. 2001. A Hatchery and Breeder Flock. Sanitation guide digest. 12:32-33
SHANAWAY, M.M. 1994. Quail production system. Food and Agricultural
Organization of United Nation. Rome
SHIM, K. F., PHANG, V. and TEOH, K. W. 1983. Reproductive performance of Japanese
quails. Sing. J. Pri. Ind., 52-60. Retrieved 19 April from the World Wide Web:
http://www.msstate.edu/dept/poultry/pubs/pub2383.htm
VARGHESE, S. K. 2000. Uses of quail. Feather fancier newspaper. Canada pub.
Retrieved
3 May 2002 from the World Wide Web:http://www.cyborganic.com
//poultry//featherfinc/pub.htm
WOOWARD,A.E.H, ABPLANA, L.P., WILSON, W.O.and P.Vohra. 1973. Japanese
quail husbandry in the laboratory (Cotrnix cotrnix japonica). Department of Avian
Science, Univ. of California.
WANGERMANN, E., and E. ASHBY, 1950. Morphogenesis in Lemna minor. Proceeding
Linn. Soc. London 162:10-13
SKILLICORN, P., W. SPIRA. And W.JOURNEY, 1993. Duckweed Aquaculture – A New
Aquatic Farming System for Developing Countries. The World Bank.
76pp.Washington DC.
Egg Productivity of Japanese Quails Fed With Commercial Feeds Supplemented With
Duckweed in Poblacion Itogon, Benguet | MENDOZA, ARTURO JR. C. APRIL 2012