Abstract

CORREA, A.B. et al. Effect of female breeder age x egg weight interaction on the performance of meat type quails. Arq. Bras. Med. Vet. Zootec. [online]. 2011, vol.63, n.2, pp. 433-440. ISSN 0102-0935.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-09352011000200022.

The effect of female breeder age x egg weight interaction was evaluated on the performance of meat type quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) at 21^st and 42^nd days of age. For every female breeder age class (70, 205, and 280 days of age), 600 eggs were classified according to egg weight class (class 1: 11.0-12.9; class 2: 13.0-14.9, and class 3: 15.0-16.9g). A total of 225 quails of both genders, totaling 75 quails for every egg weight class were used in this study. A completely randomized experimental design with five replicates of 15 quails was used. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 28% crude protein and 2,900 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME). Weight gain, body weight, feed consumption, and weight gain: feed consumption ratio from hatch to 21^st day and from hatch to 42^nd day of age were recorded. Both egg weight and female breeder age classes affected body weight, weight gain, and feed consumption at 21^st and 42^nd days of age. Quails from heavier egg weight class and female breeder age classes 205 and 280 days of age showed higher performance (P<0.05). Quail viability was affected by egg weight class, i.e. quails from lighter eggs showed lower viability at 21^st and 42^nd days of life. Heavier eggs originated heavier quails at hatch (P<0.05)

Keywords : meat type quail; female breeder age; body weight; egg weight.