Asian Science Citation Index is committed to provide an authoritative, trusted and significant information by the
coverage of the most important and influential journals
to meet the needs of the global scientific community.
The research was conducted
at Bangladesh Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Mymensingh to evaluate
the effect of different levels and sources of calcium on egg production
and egg shell quality of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
up to 23 weeks of age. For that purpose a total number of 108 Japanese
quails aged 20 week were fed on diets containing different levels (2.5%,
2.75% and 3.0%) of dietary calcium from different sources eg. Oyster
shell, limestone and Calcium premix. They were placed in the experimental
cages. Six birds were considered for a replication of each treatment.
The birds were reared in clean laying cages an open sided house. The
experimental quails were exposed to identical care and management throughout
the experimental period. Feed and water were offered ad libitum.
Eggs were collected twice daily at morning and evening. The number of
eggs laid by birds in each replication was recorded daily. The external
quality of collected eggs were measured weekly from each treatment and
level randomly. No significant difference (p>0.05) in egg weight, shell
weight, shell percentage, except egg production and shell thickness
was noted due to variation of different levels and calcium sources.
But as the birds were getting older calcium premix produced better shell
quality than oyster shell and limestone. It was concluded that any of
these calcium sources can be considered for laying Japanese quail but
calcium premix produces better shell quality at later age. This result
also suggested that a level of 2.5% calcium increases egg weight and
shell thickness, while 2.75% increases body weight and shell weight
and 3% increases egg production and shell percentage.
