Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass quality of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) fed diets containing graded levels of garlic (Allium sativum) meal

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics of Japanese quails fed graded levels of garlic meal The birds were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments of one hundred twenty four (124) birds each, and were replicated three times in a completely randomized design with thirty one (31) birds per replicate. They were fed four experimental diets containing 0, 250g, 500g and 750g garlic meal. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance using Statistical Analysis System and significant differences between treatment means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in final weight, weight gain, average daily weight gain, total feed intake, feed conversion ratio, feedcost/kg gain and mortality across the treatment groups. It was observed that quails fed dietary level of garlic meal at 750g had the best results in terms of all the parameters for performance and nutrient digestibility, except for crude protein that compared favourably at 500g and 750g inclusion. However, it was observed that Japanese quails fed garlic meal at 750g had the best live weight and no significant difference (p<0.05) was observed for dressed weight and dressing percentage. For optimal productivity 750g inclusion of garlic meal is therefore recommended.