Feeding programs for the grower phase of two strains of meat-type breeding quails

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to evaluate different feeding programs for the grower phase (14 to 42 days of age) of two strains of meat-type breeding quail. A total of 480 quails (360 females and 120 males) were distributed in a completely randomized design with a 3x2 factorial scheme (three feeding programs and two strains), totaling six treatments. The feeding programs were: P1 - ad libitum; P2 - controlled daily feeding; and P3 - daily feeding with a 10% restriction of the feed offered in P2. In the controlled daily feeding program, 20, 25, 30, and 30g of feed/bird/day were offered at the ages 14 to 21; 22 to 28; 29 to 35; and 36 to 42 days, respectively. The performance of the quails in the grower phase, sexual maturity, breeding performance, egg quality and incubation parameters were assessed. During the grower phase, it was observed that quails with a 10% feed restriction showed lower feed intake, weight gain and average weight at 42 days of age, in comparison to quails from the treatments. Among the strains, there was only difference in weight at 42 days of age. Regarding the sexual maturity indicators, it was found that quails with a 10% feed restriction were four days later in producing the first egg in comparison to the others. During the laying phase, quails subjected to 10% feed restriction consumed less feed and had lower body weight by the end of the experiment, while those fed ad libitum showed higher mortality. For egg quality parameters and incubation parameters, no interaction was observed between the factors strains and feeding programs. It is concluded that the feeding program with 10% feed restriction from 14 to 42 days of age reduces the weight of quails at 42 days of age, delays sexual maturity and reduces feed intake, mortality and body weight at the end of the laying cycle, without affecting the reproductive parameters of the quails, and is therefore, recommended.