Use of the First Carbonification Studge of Sugar Industry as Calcium Source in Quail Diets

Authors: NİHAT ÖZEN, EMİN ARAT

Abstract: The use of first carbonification sludge (waste-clay), a waste product of sugar industry, was investigated as a calcium source in quail diets in two consequtive trials. In the first experiment 1260 of 10-day old Japanese quails were used in a period of 45 days, while 432 quails were utilized during the following 24-weeks laying experiment. Ground marble was replaced by the sludge in the experimental diets to supplement the Ca requirements at the rates of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 %, respectively. Variance analysis of data obtained from the growth experiment indicated that there were no significant differences among the treatments in terms of live weight and live weight gains (P>.05). However, significant differences were observed in average feed intakes among the groups receiving the different diets during the period covering the whole experiment (P<.05). Feed efficiency ratio (feed/gain), crude ash and Ca levels in fat-free dry matter of tibia bones did not raise any significant difference among the groups, attributable to the sludge levels tested (P>.05). The results indicated that the first carbonification sludge of sugar industry could wholly replace ground marble in quail grower diets. Variance analysis applied to the laying experiment data indicated significant differences among the diets in terms of egg production, feed consumption, feed efficiency ratio (kg feed / kg eggs) and egg weight (P<.05); while, there were no significant differences in terms of crude ash and calcium in tibia, as fat-free basis (P>.05). Results of the second trial indicated that the proper replacement levels of ground marble by the first carbonification sludge in quail layer diets should be 40 % or below; since the levels of 60 % or above decreased egg production and other production criteria.

Keywords: First carbonification sludge, Waste-clay, Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica), feed consumption, feed efficiency ratio, live weight gain, egg yield, egg weight, calcium , tibia-ash

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