R. Bras. Zootec.01/Aug/2006;35(4 Sup..):1705-10.
Dietary crude protein and metabolizable energy levels for meat quails
DOI: 10.1590/S1516-35982006000600018
The effect of different CP (20, 22, 24, and 26% of CP) and ME (2,565, 2,715, 2,865, and 3,015 kcal of ME/kg. ) levels on the performance of meat quails was evaluated. Seven hundred and sixty-eight European quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) of both sexes from 1 to 42 days of age were assigned to a completely randomized design with 4 x 4 factorial arrangement (protein x energy) and grouped into three clusters with 16 birds each. No significant interaction among protein-energy and protein levels on feed intake, weight gain, feed:gain ratio and viability was observed. However, increasing the dietary energy level resulted in linear reduction of feed intake and greater weight gain and feed:gain ratio. Feed intake of meat quails depends on the dietary energy level. Diet containing 20% CP and 2,865 kcal ME/kg account for better meat quail performance.