Effect of stocking density during the early growth phase on fattening performance of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Camci Ö., Erensayin C.

Archiv fur Geflugelkunde, vol.68, no.2, pp.94-96, 2004 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 68 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2004
  • Journal Name: Archiv fur Geflugelkunde
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.94-96
  • Keywords: Fattening performance, Japanese quail, Mortality, Stocking density
  • Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study was carried out in order to investigate the effect of three stocking density rates during the growth stage of Japanese quails on fattening performance. The experiment consisted of 2 phases, early growth stage (0-3 week) and fattening stage (4-6 week). After hatching, 540 chicks were subjected to three stocking densities (45, 60 and 90 cm2 per chick) with there replications for 3 weeks. The experimental birds were fed with broiler starter crumbs during growth phase and broiler grower mash during fattening phase. Body weights and food intakes were recorded weekly. Mortality was recorded daily. At the end of experiment the following results were achieved: 1) mortality was not affected by stocking densities, 2) the increased stocking density per bird decreased body weight in either early growth or fattening phase, 3) the stocking density did not affect feed conversion ratio.