Pearl millet in the diet of Japanese quails

Abstract

Two experiments were carried out to determine the energy value of the pearl millet, and the effects of its use, as energetic source, in the diets of Japanese quails on the performance and eggs quality, as well as to accomplish an economic evaluation in order to verify the viability of using the pearl millet. Experiment 1 was conducted by using 72 japanese quails distributed in metabolism cages. A completely randomized experimental design was conducted, with two treatments, six replicates and nine birds per experimental unit. The crude energy of pearl millet were 4142,15kcal/kg (as dry matter) and the apparent metabolizable energy 3770,12kcal/kg (as dry matter ) and 12.58% crude protein. Experiment 2 utilized 336 japaneses quails distributed in a completely randomized experimental design, with six treatments, seven replicates and eight birds per unit. The treatments consisted in diets with different levels of pearl millet (0 to 100%). There was a significant effect on feed intake witch increased with the levels and for feed conversion in the levels 80 and 100%. The yolk pigmentation index a decreased by increasing of pearl millet. Corn can be replaced by pearl millet for 100% without compromising the egg production (%) and egg quality, except the yolk pigmentation. The greater economic viability was calculated at 40% of inclusion of pearl millet. However, it must be considered the necessity of pigments inclusion.