Effect of cage floor space on the egg production performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) during winter

November hatched quail chicks were randomly distributed in battery brooders (160x80x24cm) at the floor space of 100, 150, 180 and 210 cm²/bird during 0–6 wk period and provided standard quail ration. From 7^th week only female quails were transferred to colony laying cages (60x60x24cm) and maintained at the same floor space as during 0–6 week period. Each treatment group had three replicates and fed with standard quail layer ration, ad libitum during entire experimental period. Body weights increased with the increase in the increase in the floor space at 6^th and 20^th week of age. Though there was no significant difference in the age at first egg, birds provided 210 cm² floor space reach 50% egg production at significantly (P<0.01) earlier age (54 d). The first phase egg production (7–13 wk) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in birds kept at higher floor space (>180 cm²), and such trend was also observed in the second phase (14–20 wk). The average egg weight during first and second phase was significantly higher (P<0.05), where the birds were kept >180 cm² floor space. The FCR per kg egg produced was better (P<0.01) at higher floor space. Better hatchability and lower dead in germ were recorded in 100–180 cm² floor space groups. It may be concluded that overall egg production (%) increased with the increase in the increase in the floor space per quail.