Body measurements and slaughter parameters in four close bred stocks of Japanese quail reared under different levels of dietary lysine

The aim of study was to evaluate body measurements and slaughter parameters in four close bred stock (CBS) of Japanese quail (named as Major (M), Kaleem (K), Saadat (S) and Zahid (Z)) reared under different levels of dietary lysine at Avian Research and Training (ART) Centre, UVAS Lahore, Pakistan. For this purpose 1440 broiler quail chick were procured form ART Centre hatchery, birds were reared at different levels of dietary lysine i.e. 1.3% lysine for 28 days (Phase-I), 1.4% lysine for 1st 14 days and 1.2% lysine for last 14 o (Phase-II), 1.5% lysine for 9 days, 1.3% lysine for next 10 days and 1.1% lysine for last 9 days (Phase-III). A total of 108 birds {4(CBS)×3(Phases)×9 birds}, were slaughtered at the age of 27 weeks and their body measurements and slaughter parameters were recorded. The data thus obtained were statistically analyzed through Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The means were separated out through Duncan’s Multiple Range test using SAS 9.1 for windows. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) among different CBS and Phases. In body measurements body, shank and drumstick length and drumstick circumference showed significant difference (P<0.05) while wing spread, keel length and shank circumferences showed non-significant difference. In slaughter parameters carcass, heart and gizzard weight, and intestinal length showed significant differences (P<0.05) whereas body, liver and intestinal weight showed non-significant differences.

Keywords:

Japanese quail , Close bred stocks , Dietary lysine , Body measurements , Slaughter parameters