A Study on Some Production Traits and Egg Quality Characteristics of Japanese Quail

Authors: AHMET NAZLIGÜL, KENAN TÜRKYILMAZ, HÜSNÜ ERBAY BARDAKÇIOĞLU

Abstract: This investigation was carried out to demonstrate some production traits and egg quality characteristics of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). One hundred female quails were used in the study. The experiment was carried out for six months. Egg production, egg weight, feed consumption and some egg quality characteristics were taken into consideration. Egg quality characteristics were measured at 8-24 weeks of age. Average egg production (% HD) at 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks of age was 20.5, 33.8, 63.7, 73.8 and 72.5 respectively. Average egg weight (g) and daily feed consumption (bird/feed/day) at 8, 16 and 24 weeks of ages were 9.39, 10.76 and 11.19; 19.68, 27.21 and 32.16 g respectively. Average shape index (%), yolk weight (g), albumen weight (g), shell weight (g), shell thickness (mm), and haugh unit values were 79.9, 3.28, 6.38, 0.82, 0.206 and 88.93 respectively. The results show that egg production, egg weight, feed consumption and egg quality characteristics were affected by the age of the quail. As the quail age increased, egg weight, yolk and albumen weight and shell weight increased, while haugh unit and shell thickness decreased.

Keywords: Japanese quail, production traits, egg quality characteristics

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