Fish Silage as an Alternative Dietary Protein Source: Effects on Growth and Laying Performance of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica Lin.)
Paper Details
Fish Silage as an Alternative Dietary Protein Source: Effects on Growth and Laying Performance of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica Lin.)
Abstract
Rising feed costs and reliance on commercial protein sources such as fish meals and soybean meals have prompted the search for alternative, locally available options. Hence, this study evaluated the potential of fish silage as a partial substitute in Japanese quail diets to reduce feed expenses without compromising growth and laying performance. A 93-day feeding trial was conducted using 160 ten-day-old quails assigned to a completely randomized design with four dietary treatments: T1 (0% fish silage), T2 (15%), T3 (20%), and T4 (25%), each with four replicates of 10 birds. Growth performance was assessed through weight gain, final weight, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and initial weight. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed among treatments, although birds fed 20% fish silage showed a slight increase in final weight (212.95g) compared to the control (206.25g). Laying performance, evaluated by egg number, size, weight, and production rate, also showed no significant variation. Results indicate that fish silage can be included at 15–25% in quail diets without adversely affecting productivity. A 15–25% inclusion level is recommended as a cost-effective alternative protein source. Further studies should explore its long-term effects on hatchability, egg quality, and overall bird health, supported by proximate analysis to ensure nutritional adequacy.
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