Metabolisable energy partition for Japanese quails

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition
• Poultry Science
• Energy Metabolism

Background:

• Accurate energy partitioning models are crucial for optimizing feed recommendations in commercial poultry production.
• Previous models for Japanese quails may not fully account for variations in growth and egg production phases.
• Understanding energy allocation is key to improving efficiency in quail farming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-evaluate and refine the energy partitioning model for Japanese quails during the egg production phase.
• To establish precise energy requirements for weight gain and egg production in quails.
• To develop a practical and adaptable model for commercial quail operations.

Main Methods:

• A dose-response study utilizing a dilution technique to modify retained energy (RE) in quails.
• Experiment involved 300 Japanese quails over 10 weeks, with varying dietary metabolisable energy levels.
• Energy utilization efficiencies (kt and ko) were estimated to derive the energy partitioning model.

Main Results:

• Developed a new energy partitioning model for Japanese quails: MEI = 569.8 × BW0.67 + 22 × WG + 13 × EM.
• Quantified metabolisable energy intake (MEI), egg mass (EM), and retained energy (RE) in relation to body weight (BW) and weight gain (WG).
• Estimated utilization efficiencies for maintenance, growth, and egg production.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a validated, flexible energy partitioning model for Japanese quails.
• The model facilitates accurate recommendations for energy intake based on BW, WG, and EP.
• This research offers practical tools for technicians and poultry companies to enhance quail farm management.