|
|||||
|
|
Influence of stocking density and layer age on production traits and egg quality in Japanese quail |
|
| Authors: | S Nagarajan D Narahari I Alfred Jayaprasad D Thyagarajan |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Poultry Science, Madras Veterinary College , Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University , Madras, 600 007, India;2. Poultry Research Station , Nandanam, Madras, 600 035, India;3. Department of Poultry Science, Madras Veterinary College , Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University , Madras, 600 007, India;4. Department of Poultry Science , Veterinary College and Research Institute , Namakkal, 637 002, India |
| Abstract: | 1. Japanese quail hens were housed from 6 to 26 weeks of age in cages providing areas of 150, 180, 210 and 240 cm2/bird. 2. Body weight gain, age at 50% egg production, mortality, hen‐day egg production and food conversion values showed significant improvement with proportionate increase in cage space per layer. 3. Egg weight gradually increased with age but shell thickness was influenced neither by age of the hen nor by stocking density. 4. Yolk index and colour were superior in the lowest stocking density (more cage space) group; other egg quality traits and egg weight were not influenced by stocking density. 5. The albumen index, internal quality unit, yolk index and yolk colour values increased with age. |
| Keywords: | |