Effect of stocking density on growth performance of Japanese quail

Two experiments, during summer and winter seasons were conducted on Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) to study the effects of varying stocking densities on their growth performance from 0–35 days of age. The birds were kept in cages and provided 40 cm² floor space/bird for the first 14 days and then shifted to 50, 60, 70 and 80 cmVbird space providing stocking densities of 200, 167, 143 and 125 birds/m² during 15–35 days of age. Each stocking density was tested in two replications. Stocking density had no significant effect on growth rate, feed consumption, FCR and PER but mortality increased with the increase in stocking density above 125 birds/m² in summer and above 143 birds/m² in winter. The dressing percentage, and yield of prime cuts (breast and leg) increased with decrease in stocking density. It was concluded that fast growing Japanese quail should not be housed with stocking density above 125 and 143 birds/m² in summer and winter seasons, respectively.