Nutrient digestibility, performance, and egg quality traits of quails raised in different stocking densities and ascorbic acid supplementation in a hot, tropical environment

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of stocking density SD and ascorbic acid AA supplementation on nutrient digestibility and laying performance of quails in a tropical environment. Four hundred and eight Japanese quails were designated in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with four replicates. The birds were distributed to three SDs, namely 40 SD-1 , 45 SD-2 , and 50 birds per m2 SD-3 by allotting 15, 17, and 19 birds per cage, respectively cage size: 3750 cm2 . Each SD was supplemented with AA 0 and 250 mg/kg . Interaction was identified between SD and AA on egg production P < 0.01 , while the highest value was yielded in SD-2 supplemented with AA 83.6% . SD-3 achieved lower ether extract EE and crude fiber CF digestibility P < 0.05 and eggshell thickness P = 0.01 than SD-1 or SD-2. AA supplementation enhanced dry matter DM , EE, CF, crude ash CA , and calcium Ca digestibility P < 0.05 . AA improved egg weight, feed conversion, and protein and energy efficiency ratios as well as eggshell weight and thickness P < 0.05 . The SD of 45 birds per m2 , combined with AA supplementation at 250 mg/kg, can be recommended for quails housed in hightemperature environments