GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND NATURE OF GROWTH OF JAPANESES QUAIL AS AFFCTED WITH DIETARY ENERGY SOURCES , LEVELS AND AGE UNDER THE EGYPTION ENVIROMENTAL CONDITION

The present study was carried out at the Poultry Experimental Unit, belonging to Department of Animal Production, AL-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt, during the period from 1/1/2008 to 12/2/2008 in order to investigate growth performance and nature of growth of japanese quail as affected by dietary energy source, levels and age. A total number of 1080 unsexed one day old japanese quail chicks were randomly distributed into 9 dietary treatment groups. The nine treatment groups represented three dietary energy sources (carbohydrates, plant oil and animal fats) within each three energy levels (2600, 2900 and 3200 Kcal ME/Kg) were tested. Each dietary treatment was represented in triplicates. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 24% crude protein each with one of the tested energy levels. Experimental diets and drinking water were offered ad libitum and the experiment lasted 6 weeks after start. The following treatment groups are tested for source carbohydrates (S1), plant oil (S2) and animal fats (S3) and for energy levels (L1), (L2) and (L3) represented the energy levels 2600, 2900 and 3200 Kcal ME /Kg. The resulting treatments groups are S1L1, S1L2, S1L3, S2L1, S2L2, S2L3, S3L1, S3L2 and S3L3 respectively. Results obtained are summarized in the following: 1-The highest (P<0.05) average final weights at 6 weeks of age was recorded by the S2L2 group, while the lowest (P<0.05) values were recorded by S1L1, S1L2, S2L1and S3L1 groups. Regardless of energy level tested plant oil groups recorded the highest (P<0.05) final weights followed in a significant decreasing order by animal fat and carbohydrates, respectively. Both energy levels 2900 and 3200 Kcal ME/Kg recorded significantly higher final weights compared to the lowest level, regardless of energy source. N. F. Abdel-Hakim, et al. 778 2-The best feed conversion ratio (P<0.05) was recorded by the both S2L3 and S3L3 groups, while the worst ones were recorded by the S1L1, S1L2 and S3L1 groups. Regardless of energy levels tested both plant oil and animal fat groups recorded the best FCR compared to carbohydrates. Also, the best (P<0.05) FCR was recorded by the highest energy levels tested followed in an increasing significant order by the 2900 and 2600 Kcal ME/Kg, respectively, regardless of energy source tested. 3-The best energy conversion ratio (P<0.05) were recorded by the S2L2, S2L3, S3L2 and S3L3 groups while the worst (P<0.05) were recorded by the other treatments group. Regardless of energy level plant oils and animal fats results in better (P<0.05) energy conversion compared to carbohydrates. Also, both ME levels 2900 and 3200 Kcal/Kg recorded the best (P<0.05) energy conversion ratio compared to the lowest dietary energy level (2600 Kcal ME/Kg). 4-The performed nutritional treatments released significant effects on total plasma lipids, total plasma triglycerides, total plasma cholesterol, total plasma HDL and total plasma LDL. 5-Both energy sources and energy levels tested as well as age had significant effects on flesh chemical composition. In conclusion it can recommended that the plant oil as energy source and level 2900 Kcal ME /Kg showed the best growth traits for Japanese quail.