Effect of feed restriction in Japanese quail

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of feed restriction on growth performance and meat cholesterol level in Japanese quail. The treatment groups consisted of ad libitum fed control (T₁) and 10 per cent (T₂), 20 per cent (T₃) and 30 per cent (T₄) feed restriction from 3 to 5 weeks of age. All birds were fed ad libitum until two weeks of age. The fifth week body weight of male Japanese quail was significantly lower in both 20 and 30 per cent feed restricted groups than 10 per cent feed restricted and ad libitum fed control group.

In females, all the feed restricted treatment groups showed significantly lower fifth week body weights than that of control group. Feed efficiency at fifth week was significantly better (P<0.01) in feed restricted groups of male Japanese quail but not in females. No significant change in meat cholesterol level was noticed either in males or in females. The net profit per bird due to feed restriction was highest in T₂.