PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF JAPANESE QUAILS AS INFLUENCED BY INDUCED MOULTING

This study evaluated the effect of moulting on the productive and reproductive performance of Japanese quails. A total of 324 females from three groups, comprising 108 females each from moulted, non moulted (30 weeks) and fresh flock (20 weeks old) were subjected to experimentation according to completely randomized design. Eight weeks post-moult data on production performance were compared with non moulted and fresh flocks. The analysis of data through one-way ANOVA technique and the comparison of means through Least Significant Difference (LSD) test with the help of SAS 9.2 revealed that the moulted group had improved hen housed egg production (%), egg weight,  feed conversion ratio / dozen and  feed conversion ratio / kg egg mass. While studying hatching traits (reproductive performance), it was further observed that fertility and hatchability improved in response to moulting. The results of the present study suggested that in response to moulting, Japanese quails responded positively in terms of overall productive and reproductive performance, hence, can be applied in Japanese quails as and when required.