Productive and Reproductive Performance of Japanese Quail ...The hen day production (HDP), egg...
Transcript of Productive and Reproductive Performance of Japanese Quail ...The hen day production (HDP), egg...
3rd Mediterranean Poultry Summit and 6
th International Poultry Conference, 26 - 29 March 2012, Alexandria - Egypt
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Productive and Reproductive Performance of Japanese Quail Raised in
Batteries and on Litter Floor at Two Densities Under the Prevailing
Climatic Conditions in Assiut Upper Egypt
M. El-Sagheer, H.Y. El-Hammady, and M.F.A. Farghly
Dept. of Anim. and Poult. Prod., Fac. of Agric., Assiut Univ., 71526 Assiut, Egypt
Email: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Four hundred and fifty, 4 weeks old, sexed Japanese quail birds were wing-
banded, individually weighed and equally distributed into two groups (G1 to G2). G1
was reared on litter floor, while G2 was housed in batteries with a sex ratio of 1:2. Each
group was divided into two equal subgroups at two densities which were further
classified into 3 replicates (30 and 45 bird/replicate). All experimental birds were raised
till 20 weeks of age. The achieved results could be concluded as follow:
The BWG of females (F) raised in batteries at both densities I and II (BD1 and
BD2) exceeded (P≤0.05) those of F raised on litter floor at both densities I and II (LD1
and LD2). The mortality rate decreased in batteries than on litter flower. Also, it
decreased at the lower stocking density than that of the higher density. The feed
consumption from 4 to 8 weeks of age for M and F in LD1 and LD2 exceeded (P≤0.05)
those of BD1 and BD2. The feed conversion as g feed per g gain (FCRg) of F at both
densities (BD1 and BD2) improved (P≤0.05) than those of LD1 and LD2. The FCRg
values of M at BD2 improved (P≤0.05) than that of LD2. Feed conversion as g feed per
g egg mass (FCRe) for LD1 and LD2 were significantly (P≤0.05) better than those of
BD1 and BD2. The differences in egg weight, egg shell thickness and albumen
percentage among all groups were insignificant. Shell percentage of birds at LD1 and
LD2 exceeded (P≤0.05) those of BD1 and BD2.
The hen day production (HDP), egg number (EN) and egg mass (EM) surpassed
(P≤0.05) in LD1 those of LD1, BD1 and BD2. The birds in LD2 exceeded (P≤0.05)
those of BD1 and BD2 for HDP, EN and EM. The fertility percentage (FP) for LD2
exceeded (P≤0.05) that of LD1, BD1 and BD2. Economical efficiency (EE) of birds
raised on litter floor exceeded that of birds raised in batteries. It exceeded at LD1 those
of LD2, BD1 and BD2, while it at LD2 surpassed those of BD1 and BD2.
In general, quails raised on litter floor had higher EE than that of birds raised in
battery cages. The birds raised on litter floor were superior in FCRe, HDP, EN and EM;
in addition to improved FP. Quails raised at the densities I and II on litter floor had the
same EE. Applying the density II could be considered more economic and efficient than
density I due to saving in management costs as well as in raising housing space area.
(Keywords: battery, litter, density, performance, Japanese quail)
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INTRODUCTION
Battery cages were introduced in the poultry industry in the early 1920’s. Since
beginning of using batteries in raising poultry and rabbits, there is a pronounced
increase in the production on economical basis. Although the remarkable advantage of
using batteries, the light has been focused on the negative aspects. The major criticisms
include the barren environment in addition to the limited exercise, small space
allowance and the restrictive behavioral consequences (Appleby and Hughes, 1991;
Tauson, 1998; Hane et al., 2000). It is worth to mention that, since 2003, the battery
cages could be not more installed; in addition they will be banned in Europe by 2012. In
countries, where laws prohibit the use of battery cages, a number of alternative housing
systems have been used such as: floor rearing systems, furnished cages and aviaries
systems (Kuit et al., 1989; Mota-Rojas, et al., 2008).
Poultry researchers continue to look for more adequate methods to produce meat
economically. One solution has been suggested to increase the density of birds without
impairing the biological performance. The European Union is currently considering
legislation to limit the maximum stocking density of broiler chickens to 30 kg/m2
on
litter floor (Sørensen et al., 2000; Hall, 2001; Dawkins, et al., 2004).
Puron et al., (1995) and Ghrib, (2006) found that at a high stocking density
situation, the air flow at the level of the bird is often reduced, resulting in decreasing the
dissipation of body heat to the air. They added that, some factors associated with high
stocking densities which may contribute to reduce the production of poor air quality
through the inadequate air exchange, increased ammonia, and reduced access to feed
and water. The authors added that reducing the floor space adversely affected the
growth rate, feed efficiency, live ability, and carcass quality, in some cases, in broiler
production.
The current study aimed to assess and compare between raising Japanese quail
birds in batteries versus on litter floor at two densities on the productive and
reproductive performance as well as on the economical efficiency under the prevailing
environmental climatic conditions in Assiut.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present work was carried out at the Poultry Research Farm, Faculty of
Agriculture, Assiut University, Egypt. A total number of four hundred and fifty, 4
weeks old, sexed Japanese quail birds were wing banded, individually weighed and
randomly distributed into two equal groups, 225 chicks each. The birds in the first
group (G1) were reared on litter floor, while in the second (G2) they were housed in
batteries (two tiers) with a sex ratio of 1:2. Birds in each group were divided into 2
subgroups (90 and 135 birds) at two densities which were further classified into 3
replicates (30 and 45 bird/replicate). Birds of G1 were raised in pens (each of 1 square
meter/replicate), provided with a litter of chopped wheat straw of 3 cm height, while
those of G2 were housed in the same area in battery cages (100x25x30cm).
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Environmental conditions
The newly hatched chicks were exposed to a continuous lighting period (24
hrs/day) during the first 3 days, which was gradually decreased (one hr/week) to reach
16L hrs/day at 8 weeks of age and then lasted constant till the end of laying period (20
weeks of age). Light intensities were 10 and 20 Luxes during the growth and laying
periods, respectively. Nine estimates for interior temperature and relative humidity
(RH) were recorded by using a thermo hygrograph at 12, 2, 8, 10 AM; and 12, 4, 6, 8,
10 PM throughout twenty weeks experimental period (Table 1). The overall means of
temperature and relative humidity as well as temperature humidity indexes (THI) were
calculated according to the formula of Marai et al., (2002) as follow: THI=dbºC-((0.31-
0.31RH) (dbºC-14.4)), where : db°C= dry bulb temperature in Celsius and RH =
relative humidity/100. It is worth to mention that all experimental birds during
brooding, rearing and laying were raised under similar recommended environmental,
managerial and hygienic conditions. Feed and water were available all the time. The
composition and calculated analysis of the experimental diets are shown in Table 2.
Traits under study
Individual body weights (BW) were recorded at 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks
of age, while the body weight change was calculated by subtracting initial BW from
final BW during 4 to 20 weeks of age. The body weight gain was calculated from 4 to
5, 5 to 6 and 6 to 8 weeks of age. The weekly feed consumption was calculated from 4
to 5, 5 to 6 and 6 to 8 weeks of age and then periodically every four weeks from 8 to 20
weeks of age. The feed conversion values, as g feed/g gain were calculated from 4 to 5,
5 to 6 and 6 to 8 weeks of age and the feed conversion ratio values, as g feed/g egg
mass were calculated periodically every four weeks, from 8 to 20 weeks of age. Egg
weight, egg number and egg mass and egg production (Hen-day egg production, HDP)
were calculated periodically every four weeks, from 8 to 20 weeks of age. Dead birds
were recorded daily and expressed as percentage during the period from 4 to 20 weeks
of age.
Thirty sex newly-laid eggs were taken from each group every four weeks during
a laying period lasted twenty weeks to evaluate the egg quality traits (Egg weight, egg
shape index, egg yolk index, egg shell thickness, Haugh units) and egg components.
Egg shape and egg yolk indexes were determined according to Reddy et al., (1979) and
Brant and Shrader (1952), respectively. The individual Haugh unit score (Haugh, 1937)
was calculated using the egg weight and thick albumen height (Doyon et al., 1986),
using the formula: Haugh unit = 100 Log (H – 1.7X W0.37
+7.6), where, H = the
observed height of the thick albumen in millimeters and W = Weight of egg (g).
Eggs laid in both experimental groups were collected daily and stored at 15-
18°C and 70-75% relative humidity before incubation for 7 days from each group.
Three hatches were performed every four weeks at 12, 16 and 20 weeks of age. The
incubations were carried out using automatic Paterzime Setter and Hatcher under the
recommended temperature, humidity, ventilation and turning of eggs. At the fourth day
of setting, eggs were examined by candling to identify clear eggs. Clear eggs were
broken and checked to detect the embryonic development. Eggs with embryonic
development were considered fertile, while the remainder eggs were considered
infertile. The fertility percentage was calculated (Fertile eggs) x100/Total set eggs.
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The economical efficiency was based on the costs of the feed consumed and the
litter quantity used as well as the income/bird (body weight and egg production). The
net revenue per bird is estimated as the difference between the total income/bird (LE),
(growth and egg production) and the total costs of feed and litter. The costs of the
experimental rations and litter types were calculated according to the actual prices
prevailing in the Egyptian market during the experimental period.
Statistical analysis
Data were statistically analyzed using General Linear Models Procedure of SAS
1996 (version 6.12). Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was used to detect differences
among means (Duncan, 1955). The FP and HDP were transformed to Arcsine values.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Body weight and body weight change:
The results presented in Table 3 showed insignificant differences (P≤0.05) in body weight (BW) among birds raised on litter floor and in batteries with the two tested densities at ages studied except at 6 and 20 weeks of age for Males (M) and females (F),
respectively. The BW of F raised in battery cages at density І (30 birds/m2, BD1)
significantly (P≤0.05) increased than those of F raised on litter floor at density II (45
birds/m2, LD2) and in battery at density II (45 birds/m
2, BD2) at 20 weeks of age by
about 1.5 and 1.4 %, respectively, while the F raised on litter floor at density I (30
birds/m2, LD1) had intermediate value. The BW of M raised in BD1 significantly
(P≤0.05) exceeded those of M raised at LD1, LD2 and in BD2 by 4.7, 3.7 and 2.5% at 6 weeks of age, respectively.
The body weight change (BWC) from 4 to 20 weeks of age (Table, 3) for F
raised in BD1 significantly (P≤0.05) exceeded that of F raised on LD2 by 5.4%, while
the F raised on LD1 and in BD2 had intermediate values. However, there were no
significant differences in the BWC for M among all experimental groups.
The obtained results, which revealed the increase in BW of Japanese quail (JQ)
raised in batteries than that of birds raised on litter floor are in agreement with the
findings of Kolawole (1980), on commercial Hybrids pullets. Similar results were also
found by Harfoush (1997) and Zanaty et al., (2000). In contrast, the findings of Sharaf
(1996) revealed that Japanese quail (JQ) birds reared on the litter floor had significantly
heavier BW than that of birds raised in battery cages. Regarding the effect of stocking
density on BW, the results revealed that the BW of JQ birds raised in battery cages at
the lower stocking density exceeded remarkably that of birds housed at the higher
stocking density. This result is in agreement with the findings of Wilson et al., (1978)
who, reported that the lower stocking densities of JQ had larger BW than that of birds
raised at higher densities.
Mortality rate:
The results presented in Table 3, showed that, birds housed in batteries had
fewer deaths (7.6 %) than those of birds raised on litter floor. Also, the birds raised at
lower stocking density had fewer deaths by 9.0 % than those raised on the higher
density.
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These results are in agreement with the findings of Shupe and Quisenberry
(1961) and Oluyemi et al., (1977). Also, Nahashon et al., (2006) found that the
mortality rate (MR) of birds raised in cages at density of 394 cm2/bird decreased
remarkably than those in the other treatment groups with area space of 697 and 465
cm2/bird.
In contrast, Martin et al., (1976) reported lower mortalities of 2.5%, and 3.2%
for floor-housed layers versus caged birds, respectively. However, Ouart and Adams,
(1982) reported that the MR of single comb white Leghorn hens was not affected by
bird density, since the hens which were housed at density of 3 or 4 birds/cage, had the
same mortality rate, which averaged about 15.0%. The results of Grashorn and Kutritz
(1991) revealed that the stocking densities of 17, 21 and 25 broilers birds/m2
showed no
significant differences in the mortality percentage.
Body weight gain:
The obtained results (Table 4) showed insignificant differences (P≤0.05) in body
weight gain (BWG) of F and M among birds raised on litter floor and in batteries with
the two tested densities at studied ages (except from 5 to 6 weeks of age). The BWG of
BD1 and BD2 significantly (P≤0.05) exceeded those of LD1 and LD2 by 19.4 and 23.1;
and 17.6 and 20.9% for F as well as 16.2 and 23.8; and 9.0 and 17.2% for M,
respectively. The overall means of F BWG for BD1 and BD2 significantly (P≤0.05)
exceeded those of LD1 and LD2 by 9.4 and 10.2; as well as 8.2 and 9.1%, respectively
however; there were no significant differences in the overall means of M BWG among
all experimental groups.
These achieved results revealed remarkable increase in BWG of JQ housed in
cages than that of birds raised on litter floor. These results are in agreement with the
findings of Francis and Roberts (1963) which showed, higher BWG for caged layers as
compared with the floor-housed layers. The reduction in the growth of broilers reared
on litter floor may be attributed to the increased moving or to the high microbial and
mold content of the litter, which might be consumed by birds (Ekstrand and Alger,
1997). The authors added that foot pad lesions can cause severe pain, which together
with a deteriorated state of health constitutes a welfare issue and consequently results in
slower BW and decreased BWG.
The results of densities applied in the present investigation are in agreement
with those of Mizubuti et al., (1994) who found that raising broilers on litter floor at
stocking densities of 10, 12 and 14 birds/m2
showed insignificant adverse effect on
BWG. Also, Beremski (1987) reported that raising broilers on litter floor at stocking
densities of 16, 18, 20, and 22 birds/m² birds did not affect the productive indices up to
7 weeks of age.
Feed consumption:
The results presented in Table 5 showed insignificant differences in feed
consumption (FC) of birds raised on litter floor and in battery cages, at two stocking
densities during the experimental periods, expect from 5 to 6; 6 to 8 and 8 to 12 weeks
of age in F and M, the differences were significant (P≤0.05). The FC for LD1 and LD2
significantly (P≤0.05) exceeded those of BD1 and BD2, from 5 to 6 weeks of age by 3.9
and 6.3%; and 4.0 and 5.5% for F; and 4.9 and 6.5%; and 3.3 and 5.0% for M,
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respectively. The FC for LD1 significantly (P≤0.05) exceeded those of LD2, BD1 and
BD2, from 6 to 8 weeks of age by 2.8, 4.2, and 6.3% for F and 3.7, 3.8 and 6.6% for M,
respectively. Also, the FC for LD1 significantly (P≤0.05) exceeded those of LD2, BD1
and BD2, from 8 to 12 weeks of age by 2.5, 2.5 and 7.3% for F and 32.6, 2.6 and 4.6%
for M, respectively.
The overall means of FC (4 to 8 weeks of age) for LD1 and LD2 significantly
(P≤0.05) exceeded those of BD1 and BD2 by 4.1, 5.7; and 2.5, 4.1% for F and 4.2, 5.9;
and 1.8, 3.5% for M, respectively. The overall mean of FC (4 to 20 weeks of age) of
LD1 significantly (P≤0.05) surpassed those of LD2, BD1 and BD2 by 1.4, 2.0 and 3.8%
for F and 0.7, 1.4 and 2.9% for M, respectively. But, no significant differences existed
in the overall means of FC (8 to 20 weeks of age) for birds raised on litter floor and in
battery cages, at the two stocking densities. These results are in harmony with the
findings of Al-Homidan and Robertson (2007) who found that the higher stocking
density of Hybro broiler was associated with a significant decrease in the average FC by
8.5g/d. Leeson and Summers (1984) stated that the FC of Leghorn pullet decreased
remarkably by increasing the stoking density of raised birds on litter floor from 10 to 22
bird/ m². The authors added that a greater nutrient intake was related to a greater
maintenance requirement associated with increased bird activity. The results of
Shanawany (1988) confirmed the previous results, since they found a remarkable
decrease in the feed intake of Ross broiler as the stoking density increased from 20 to
50 bird/m2, because the physical access to feed and water is impeded. The achieved
results, revealed that the difference in FC between the tested densities were
insignificant. These findings are in agreement with those of Oluyemi et al., (1977) and
Kolawole (1980) which, revealed insignificant differences in FC between commercial
hybrid layers housed in battery cages and those raised on litter. Struwe, et al., (1992)
reported that Hybro broilers raised on litter floor consumed remarkably more than those
raised on wire floor or in cages.
Feed conversion ratio:
The results presented in Table 6, showed significant differences (P≤0.05) in the
average of feed conversion as g feed per g gain (FCRg) values for birds raised on litter
floor and in batteries with two densities during experimental periods in the F and M.
The overall means of FCRg values for F at BD1 and BD2 significantly (P≤0.05)
improved than those of LD1 and LD2 by 8.6 and 0.4; and 11.3 and 13.2%, respectively.
The corresponding overall means of FCRg values for M at BD2 significantly (P≤0.05)
improved than those of LD2 by 15.9%, while the LD1 and BD1 had intermediate
values. The achieved results indicated remarkable significant better FCRg of JQ birds
housed in cages than that of birds raised on litter floor. The impact of stocking density
on FCRg in the present investigation are in agreement with the findings of Beremski
(1987), which indicated that using four stocking densities of 16, 18, 20, and 22 bird/m²
had no effect on FCRg during the periods from 6 to 7 and 7 to 8 weeks of age. Also, Al-
Homidan and Robertson (2007) found that Hybro broilers FCR value was not
significantly affected, although it was lower for broilers raised at the higher stocking
density (15 bird/m2). However, Casteel et al., (1994) found that the FCR increased as
the stocking density increased. Also, Dozier et al., (2006) found that the FCR values
were adversely affected with increasing the stocking density of Ross broilers.
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The results presented in Table 7 showed birds raised on litter floor (LD1 and
LD2) had significantly (P≤0.05) better feed conversion values as g feed per g egg mass
(FCRe) than those of birds raised in battery (BD1 and BD2) during the experimental
periods of the study. Also, the overall means of FCRe at LD1 and LD2 were
significantly (P≤0.05) better than those of BD1 and BD2 by 11.9 and 15.7; and 7.4 and
11.0%, respectively.
Egg production:
The averages of hen day egg production (HDP), egg number (EN) and egg mass
(EM) for LD1 exceeded (P≤0.05) those of LD2, BD1 and BD2 during the experimental
periods in the study (Tables 7 and 8). Also, the averages of birds in the LD1 exceeded
(P≤0.05) those of other subgroups (LD2, BD1 and BD2) by 5.0, 9.6 and 13.2% for the
overall mean of HDP, 2.5, 3.8 and 6.5 egg/hen for cumulative of EN and 27.3, 61.8 and
82.7 g/hen for cumulative of EM, respectively. The birds in LD2 significantly (P≤0.05)
surpassed those of BD1 and BD2 by 4.9 and 8.7% for overall mean of HDP, 2.2 and 4.0
egg/hen for cumulative of EN and 34.5 and 82.7 g/hen for cumulative of EM,
respectively.
The obtained results are in agreement with the findings of Lowry et al., (1956)
who, found significant superior performance for floor housed Intra-flock genetic merit
pullets in comparison with pullets housed in individual cages in terms of egg production
of survivors, which amounted 174.2 vs 160 eggs. A controversial result was found by
Bhagwat and Craig (1975), who reported that White Leghorn hens raised in floor pens
gave 15% higher egg production than that of hens raised in cages. Logan (1965) and
Martin et al., (1976) recorded significant differences of 10 and 20 eggs respectively in
favour of floor housed birds as compared to caged birds. Other workers have also
reported higher egg production for birds raised on deep litter than in cages (Sugandi et
al., 1975). In contrast, Moore et al., (1977) found significantly higher egg production
for LSL laying hens housed in cages as compared to floor-housed birds. Also, Sharaf
(1996) found that cage JQ females laid significantly at higher rates than those of birds
raised on litter floor, as it amounted 66.4 vs. 54.9 %, respectively.
The effect of stocking density on egg production are in agreement with the
findings of Cunningham and Ostrander (1982) and Brake and Peebles, (1992), who
reported that increasing the bird density i.e. decreasing the allowed space/bird from 484
to 387 cm2/bird resulted in reduced egg production of the White Leghorn layers.
Similar, findings were obtained by Sohail et al., (2001) using Hyline hens; Anderson et
al., (2004) working on Commercial Layer Strains and Nahashon et al.,(2006) on Pearl
Gray Guinea Fowl hens. However, Anderson, et al., (1992) revealed that the stocking
densities of 221, 249, 277, and 304 cm2 per bird had no consistent effect on the egg
production in the White Leghorn hens. Similar results were found by Cary and Kuo,
(1995) which, indicated that cage population of layers at 6, 8, 12 and 24 bird/cage had
no influence on HDP, since it amounted 80.7, 81.2, 81.6 and 81.5, respectively.
Egg quality traits:
There were no significant differences (P≤0.05) in egg weight (EW), Haugh units
(HU) and egg shell thickness (EST) as well as in the overall mean among all subgroups
at all ages (Tables 9 and 10), while, there were significant differences (P≤0.05) in the
egg shape index (ESI) and egg yolk index (EYI) values at all experimental periods
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under study, except at 16 and 20 weeks of age for EYI and ESI, respectively, the
differences were significant (P≤0.05).
The overall means of ESI for LD2 and BD1 significantly (P≤0.05) exceeded
those of LD1 and BD2 by 2.0 and 3.0; and 2.6 and 2.8%, respectively. The overall
mean of EYI for the birds of LD1 and LD2 significantly (P≤0.05) exceeded those of
BD1 and BD2 by 3.7 and 3.7; and 1.9 and 1.9%, respectively.
Oluyemi et al., (1977) did not report any significant differences in EW of caged
and floor-housed Leghorn hens. Also, Mostert et al., (1995) found no significant
differences bin EW between raising laying hens in batteries and on litter floor. Van Den
Brand et al., (2004) reported that shell thickness was not affected by housing system.
Nagarajan et al., (1991) reported that EW, albumen index, internal quality unit and EST
values were not influenced by stocking density.
Egg components:
No significant differences (P≤0.05) were observed in albumen percentage (AP)
and yolk percentage (YP) among all groups at all ages studied (Table 11), except at 20
weeks of age, where the differences were significant (P≤0.05). There were no
significant differences (P≤0.05) in the overall means of AP. At 20 weeks of age, the AP
of LD1, LD2 and BD2 was significantly (P≤0.05) higher than that of BD1 by 3.6, 2.8
and 4.2%, respectively, while, the YP of the same subgroups (LD1, LD2 and BD2) was
significantly (P≤0.05) less than those of BD1 by 7.2, 6.9 and 6.6%. The overall mean of
YP for BD1 significantly (P≤0.01) exceeded those of LD1, LD2 and BD2 by 3.5, 4.0
and 2.4%, respectively. As reported in Table 11, the shell percentage (SP) of LD1 was
significantly (P≤0.05) higher than those of LD2, BD1 and BD2, at 12 and 16 weeks of
age, while the SP of LD2 significantly (P≤0.05) exceeded that of other subgroups at 20
weeks of age. The overall mean of SP for LD1 and LD2 significantly (P≤0.01)
surpassed those of BD1 and BD2 by 6.5.0 and 6.5%; and 5.5 and 5.5%, respectively.
Moore et al., (1977) and Mostert et al., (1995) found insignificant differences in
albumen height of birds housed in battery cages as compared to floor-housed laying
hens. Abdel-Rahman (2000) found insignificant differences in albumen, yolk, and shell
percentages due to housing system (raised in batteries vs. on litter floor), whereas the
shell thickness decreased significantly in EN produced by caged Sharkasi chickens
hens.
Fertility percentage:
Fertility percentages (FP) of LD1 and LD2 significantly (P≤0.05) improved than
those of BD1 and BD2, at 12 weeks of age by 11.1 and 5.6; and 12.8 and 7.3%,
respectively (Table 11). The FP of LD2 significantly (P≤0.05) exceeded those of the
other subgroups (LD1, BD1 and BD2) by 4.1, 5.6 and 9.1% at 16 weeks of age as well
as 5.4, 12.4 and 10.7% at 20 weeks of age, respectively. The overall mean of FP for
LD2 significantly (P≤0.05) exceeded those of LD1, BD1 and BD2 by 3.7, 10.4 and
9.1%, respectively. However, the overall mean of FP for LD1 was significantly
(P≤0.05) higher than those of BDI and BD2 by 6.9 and 5.6 %, respectively, while the
differences between BD1 and BD2 were insignificant.
Bhagwat and Craig (1975) and North (1978), reported that the FP of White
Leghorn hens raised in floor pens amounted 86.0 versus 47 % for birds housed in cages.
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In contrast, Sharaf (1996) found that the cage reared quails had significantly higher FP
than raised housed birds on floor. The author added that birds having the adequate floor
space had significantly higher FP.
Economical evaluation:
The results presented in Table 12, showed that, the economical efficiency (EE)
of birds raised on litter floor (LD1 and LD2) exceeded those of birds raised in battery
(BD1 and BD2). EE of LD1 exceeded those of LD2, BD1 and BD2 by 5, 24 and 23%,
respectively, while EE of LD2 exceeded those of BD1 and BD2 by 20 and 19%,
respectively. These results are in harmony with the findings of Proudfoot and Hulan
(1985), who found that the economical efficiency was increased as the stocking density,
decreased.
GENERAL CONCLUSION
Taking in consideration the achieved results in the present study, some
important conclusions could be summarized as follow: Quails raised on litter floor had
higher EE than that of birds raised in battery cages. This could be attributed to the
superiority of birds raised on litter floor in FCRe, HDP, EN and EM; in addition to
improved FP. Quails raised at the densities I and II on litter floor had the same EE.
Applying using the density II could be considered more efficient than density I. This
could be attributed to the appreciable saving in management costs of the birds, as well
as in housing space area, which increases the total number of saved birds.
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Table 1. Overall means of temperature (T), relative humidity values (H) and the temperature
humidity index (THI) in the building of Japanese quail during the experimental period.
Season
Month
Interval
/ weeks
T (C°)
H (%) THI
(units)
B L B L B L
Autumn Dec 4 -8 23.3 23.8 51.0 51.4 21.9 22.4
winter
Jun
Feb
Mar
8-12
12-16
16-20
21.0
18.9
18.9
21.4
19.1
19.0
51.9
52.3
52.8
51.8
52.6
52.5
20.0
18.2
18.2
20.3
18.4
18.3
Mean 20.5 20.8 52.0 52.1 19.6 19.9 B= Battery L=Litter floor
Table 2. Composition and calculated analysis of experimental diets for Japanese quail.
Ingredients Starter (%) Layer (%)
Yellow corn
Soybean meal (44%)
Concentrate
Salt
Dicalcium phosphate
Limestone
Total
53.0
34.6
12.0*
0.25
0.15
---
100
52.3
31.7
10.0**
0.50
1.50
4.00
100
Calculated Analysis***
Protein (%)
ME (KCal/ Kg diet)
Calcium (%)
Available phosphorus (%)
26.0
2850
0.90
0.45
23.6
2775
2.75
0.75
* Broiler concentrate contained: Crude protein, 52%; Crude fiber, 1.6%; Ether extract, 6.1%; Calcium, 7%; Available
phosphorus, 3.5%; Methionine, 1.5%; Methionine and Cystine, 2.1%; Lysine,3%; Metabolizable energy, and 2416 kcal/ kg diet.
Broiler concentrate supplied the following per kilogram of the diet: Vit. A, 130,000 IU; D3, 26,000 IU; Vit. E, 120 IU; Vit B12, 150
µg; Vit. K3, 16 mg; Vit B2, 50 mg; B3, 120 mg; Nicotinic acid, 250 mg; Thiamine B1, 25 mg; Folic acid, 15 mg; Pyridoxine
B6, 15 mg; Biotin -Chlorine- HCl, 5000 mg; Manganese, 700 mg; Zinc, 600 mg; Iron, 400 mg; Copper, 40 mg; Iodine, 7 mg; Co, 2
mg; Selenium, 1.5 mg; B.H.T., 1250 mg; Zinc baciteracin, 150 mg.
* * The layer concentrate contained: Crude protein, 51%; Lysine, 3.3%; Crude fiber, 2.0%; Calcium, 8.0%; Crude fat, 6.4 %;
Available phosphorus, 3.0%; Methionine,1.67 %; Salt, 3.19%; Methionine + Cystine, 2.25%; and Metabolizable energy, 2400 kcal/ diet. Layer concentrate supplied the following per kilogram of the diet: Vit. A,10000 IU; Folic acid,10 mg; Vit. E; 100 mg; Biotin,
500 mg; Vit. D3, 2500 IU; Chorine chloride, 5000 mg; Vit. K, 25 mg; Iron,400 mg; Vit. B1, 100 mg; Zinc, 560 mg; Vit. B2, 40 mg; Copper, 5 mg; Vit. B6, 15 mg; Iodine, 3 mg; Vit. B12, 200 mg; Selenium, 1mg; Pantothenic acid, 100 mg; Manganese, 620 mg; Niacin, 400 mg; and Antioxidant, 75 mg.
*** Calculated according to NRC (1994).
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Table 3. Means ±SE of body weight* (g), body weight change (BWC) and mortality rate (MR) for
females and males Japanese quail raised in batteries and on litter floor at two densities.
Age
(in wks)
Females*
Males8
LD 1 LD2 BD 1 BD2 LD 1 LD 2 BD 1 BD 2
4
5
6
8
12
16
20
132.6
±1.1
154.7
±1.0
170.1
±1.0
188.6
±1.3
208.9
±1.0
214.9
±1.0
ab
219.8 ±1.1
132.3
±0.9
155.2
±1.0
169.9
±0.8
187.5
±1.1
206.8
±0.8
212.7
±0.8
b
217.6 ±0.7
130.6
±1.2
154.3
±1.2
173.4
±1.1
191.1
±1.1
207.9
±0.9
214.7
±0.9
a
220.8 ±0.8
130.0
±1.0
153.3
±0.8
172.0
±0.8
190.0
±1.0
208.5
±0.9
212.9
±0.7
b
217.8 ±0.8
128.2
±1.4
146.3
±1.6
b
163.3 ±1.0
180.5
±1.4
193.9
±2.1
198.3
±1.6
205.2
±1.3
127.8
±1.1
149.5
±1.9
b
165.0 ±1.1
179.0
±1.8
193.0
±1.3
197.9
±1.1
205.7
±1.0
128.6
±1.7
151.0
±1.2
a
171.3 ±1.6
184.3
±2.0
198.3
±1.3
202.6
±1.0
208.3
±1.2
127.7
±1.3
148.3
±1.9
167.0 b
±1.2
182.8
±1.9
196.7
±1.1
199.7
±1.1
205.1
±1.1
BWC (g)
(4 – 20 wks) 87.2ab
±1.4 85.3b
±1.2 90.2a
±1.5 87.8ab
±1.3
77.0
±2.3
77.9
±1.5
79.7
±2.2
77.14
±2.0
MR (%)
(4 – 20 wks)
8.5
10.9
7.6
8.6
4.4
5.0
0.0
5.0
a and b Means within each row for each division (F and M) with no common superscripts are significantly different (P≤0.05).
LD1= Litter floor at Density I (30 birds/m2) LD2= Litter floor at Density II (45 birds/m2)
BD1= Battery at Density I (30 birds/m2) BD2= Battery at Density II (45 birds/m2)
Table 4. Means ±SE of body weight gain (g/bird/day) for females and males Japanese quail raised
in batteries and on litter floor at two densities during the growth period.
Age
(in wks)
Females
Males
LD 1
LD2
BD 1
BD2
LD 1
LD2
BD 1
BD2
4 - 5
5 - 6
6 - 8
3.16
±0.44
b 2.20 ±0.20
1.32
±0.58
3.27
±0.60
b 2.10 ±0.20
1.26
±0.3
3.39
±1.23
a 2.73 ±0.66
1.26
±0.50
3.33
±0.58
a 2.67 ±0.21
1.29
±0.42
2.59
±0.82
b 2.43 ±0.38
1.23
±0.61
3.10
±1.0
b 2.21 ±0.52
1.00
±0.33
3.20
±0.62
a 2.90 ±0.40
0.93
± 0.22
2.94
±0.38
2.67 a
±0.41
1.13
±0.32
Overall
mean 2.23
b
±0.44 2.21
b
±0.47 2.46
a
±0.61 2.43
a
±0.52 2.08
±0.61 2.10
±0.82 2.34
±0.81 2.25
±0.82
a and b Means within each row for each division (F and M) with no common superscripts are significantly different (P≤0.05).
LD1= Litter floor at Density I (30 birds/m2) LD2= Litter floor at Density II (45 birds/m2)
BD1= Battery at Density I (30 birds/m2) BD2= Battery at Density II (45 birds/m2)
3rd
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Table 5. Means ±SE of feed consumption (g/bird/day) for females and males Japanese quail raised
in batteries and on litter floor at two densities during the experimental period.
Age
(in wks)
Females
Males
LD 1
LD2
BD 1
BD2
LD 1
LD2
BD 1
BD2
4 - 5
5 - 6
6 - 8
9.6 ±0.2
12.8 a ± 0.1
14.4 a ±0.1
9.5 ±0.2
12.7 a ±0.1
14.0 b ±0.1
9.4 ±0.1
12.3 b ±0.2
13.8 b ±0.1
9.2 ±0.1
12.0 c ±0.1
13.5 c ±0.1
9.3 ±0.2
12.3 a ±0.2
13.7 a ±0.1
9.2 ±0.2
12.1a ±0.1
13.2 b±0.1
9.1 ±0.1
11.7 b ±0.3
13.1 b ±0.1
8.9 ±0.1
11.5 c ±0.1
12.8 c ±0.1
Overall
mean (4-8)
a
12.3 ± 0.2
a 12.1 ±0.1
b
11.8 ±0.2
c 11.6 ±0.1
a
11.8 ±0.1
a 11.5 ±0.1
b
11.3 ±0.1
11.1 c ±0.1
8 - 12
12 - 16
16 - 20
16.1 a ±0.1
17.1 ±0.1
18.7 ±0.3
15.7 b ±0.1
17.0 ±0.1
18.6 ±0.3
15.7 b ± 0.2
17.0 ±0.1
18.8 ±0.2
15.2 c ±0.2
17.0 ±0.1
18.7 ±0.2
15.3 a±0.1
15.8 ± 0.2
17.0 ±0.2
14.9 b ±0.1
15.9 ± 0.1
17.2 ±0.3
14.9 b ±0.1
15.9 ± 0.1
17.4 ±0.2
14.4 c ±0.1
15.9 ± 0.1
17.3 ±0.2
Overall
mean (8-20)
17.3 ±0.1
17.1 ±0.1
17.2 ±0.1
17.0 ±0.1
16.0± 0.2
16.0 ± 0.1
16.1 ± 0.1
15.9 ± 0.1
Overall
mean (4-20)
14.8 a ±0.1
14.6 b ±0.1
14.5 b ±0.1
14.3 c ±0.1
13.9 a ±0.1
13.8 b ±0.1
13.7 b ±0.1
13.5c ±0.1
a, b and c Means within each row for each division (F and M) with no common superscripts are significantly different (P≤0.05).
LD1= Litter floor at Density I (30 birds/m2) LD2= Litter floor at Density II (45 birds/m2) BD1= Battery at Density I (30 birds/m2) BD2= Battery at Density II (45 birds/m2)
Table 6. Means ±SE of feed conversion (g feed/g gain) for females and males Japanese quail raised
in batteries and on litter floor at two densities during growth period.
Age
(in wks)
Females Males
LD 1
LD2
BD 1
BD2
LD 1
LD2
BD 1
BD2
4 - 5
5 - 6
6 - 8
a 3.04 ±0.12
a 5.82 ±0.29
ab 10.90
±0.28
ab 2.90 ±0.04
a 6.05 ±0.28
a 11.14 ±0.21
ab 2.78 ±0.10
b 4.51 ±0.04
ab 10.92
±0.30
b 2.76 ±0.11
b 4.49 ±0.10
b 10.50 ±0.31
a 3.60 ±0.12
a 5.06 ±0.21
b 11.15 ±0.22
b 2.97 ±0.04
a 5.46 ±0.22
a 13.20
±0.23
b 2.84 ±0.07
b 4.03 ±0.10
a 14.11 ±0.15
3.02 b
±0.04
4.31 b
±0.07
11.34 b
±0.10
Overall
mean 6.59
a
±0.31 6.70
a
±0.25 6.07
b
±0.30 5.92
b
±0.41 6.60
ab
±0.80 7.21
a
±0.55 7.00
ab
±0.30 6.22
b
±0.60
a and b Means within each row for each division (F and M) with no common superscripts are significantly different (P≤0.05).
LD1= Litter floor at Density I (30 birds/m2) LD2= Litter floor at Density II (45 birds/m2) BD1= Battery at Density I (30 birds/m2) BD2= Battery at Density II (45 birds/m2)
3rd
Mediterranean Poultry Summit and 6th International Poultry Conference, 26 - 29 March 2012, Alexandria - Egypt
Page 708 of 710
Table 7. Means ±SE of hen day egg production (HDP), egg weight (EW) and feed conversion
(FCRe) for Japanese quail raised in batteries and on litter floor at two densities during
laying period.
Age
(in wks)
HDP (%) EW (g) FCRe (g feed/g egg mass)
LD 1 LD2 BD 1 BD2 LD 1 LD2 BD 1 BD2 LD 1 LD2 BD 1 BD2
8 - 12
12 - 16
16 - 20
a 41.4 ±4.0
a 63.6 ±1.4
a 69.6 ±0.2
b 38.7 ±3.9
b 60.7 ±0.6
b 66.4 ±0.8
bc 37.5 ±2.9
bc 57.1 ±1.1
c 63.2 ±0. 4
c 35.7 ±2.7
c 53.9 ±1.1
c 61.9 ±0.4
10.4
±0.1
10.9
±0.1
11.2
±0.1
10.5
±0.1
10.8
±0.1
11.2
±0.1
10.2
±0.1
10.7
±0.1
10.9
±0.4
10.1
±0.1
10.6
±0.1
10.9
± 0.1
b 3.74 ±0.02
b 2.47 ±0.04
b 2.40 ±0.03
b 3.86 ±0.03
b 2.59 ±0.04
b 2.50 ±0.06
a 4.10 ±0.02
a 2.78 ±0.06
a 2.73 ±0.10
4.22 a
±0.02
2.98 a
±0.04
2.77 a
±0.01
Overall
mean 58.2
a
±0.9 55.3
b
±1.3 52.6
c
±1.5 50.5
c
±1.4 10.8
±0.9 10.8
±0.7 10.6
±1.4 10.5
±1.1 2.87
b
±0.02 2.99
b
±0.11 3.21
a
±0.10 3.32
a
±0.01
a, b and c Means within each row for each division (HDP, EW and FCRe) with no common superscripts are significantly different
(P≤0.05).
LD1= Litter floor at Density I (30 birds/m2) LD2= Litter floor at Density II (45 birds/m2)
BD1= Battery at Density I (30 birds/m2) BD2= Battery at Density II (45 birds/m2)
Table 8. Means ±SE of egg number (EN) and egg mass (EM) for Japanese quail raised in batteries
and on litter floor as affected by stocking density during the laying period.
Periods/age
EN (egg/hen/28 days) EM (egg/hen/28 days)
LD 1 LD2 BD 1 BD2 LD 1 LD2 BD 1 BD2
P1 (8 -12 w)
P2 (12 -16 w)
P3 (16- 20 w)
a 11.6 ±0.2
a 17.8 ±0.1
a 19.5 ±0.1
b 10.8 ±0.4
b 17.0 ±0.1
b 18.6 ±0.2
bc 10.5 ±0.3
bc 16.0 ±0.6
c 17.7 ±0.5
c 10.0 ±0.3
c 15.1 ±0.3
c 17.3 ±0.4
a 120.6 ±2.6
a 194.1 ±2.7
a 218.3 ±3.8
b 113.8 ±4.2
b 183.6 ±4.8
b 208.2 ±3.3
bc 107.1
±3.1 c
171.1 ±3.7
c 192.9 ±2.4
101.0c
±3.8
160.1c
±5.6
189.2c
±4.0
Cumulative a
48.9 ±0.2
b 46.4 ± 1.8
c 44.2 ±2.5
d 42.4 ±1.4
a 532.9 ±3.8
b 505.6 ±5.5
c 471.1 ±5.3
450.2d
±5.4 a, b, c and d Means within each row for each division (EN and EM) with no common superscripts are significantly different (P≤0.05).
LD1= Litter floor at Density I (30 birds/m2) LD2= Litter floor at Density II (45 birds/m2)
BD1= Battery at Density I (30 birds/m2) BD2= Battery at Density II (45 birds/m2)
3rd
Mediterranean Poultry Summit and 6th International Poultry Conference, 26 - 29 March 2012, Alexandria - Egypt
Page 709 of 710
Table 9. Means ±SE of egg weight (EW), egg shape index (ESI) and egg yolk index (EYI) for
Japanese quail raised in batteries and on litter floor at two densities.
Age
(in wks)
EW (g) ESI (%) EYI (%)
LD 1
LD2
BD 1
BD2
LD 1
LD2
BD 1
BD2
LD 1
LD2
BD 1
BD2
12th
16th
20th
10.9
±0.1
11.1
±0.2
11.1
±0.1
10.9
±0.1
11.1
±0.2
11.1
±0.11
11.0
±0.1
10.9
±0.1
11.2
±0.1
11.0
±0.1
11.1
±0.1
11.1
±0.2
b 72.6 ±0.7
b
73.4 ±0.8
77.9
±0.8
a 74.6 ±0.8
a
76.4 ±0.7
77.6
±1.5
a 76.5 ±0.9
a
75.5 ±0.6
77.9
±1.1
b 73.2 ±0.9
b
72.5 ±0.8
75.7
±1.5
a 60.1 ±0.6
59.3
±0.64
a 61.6 ±0.8
a 59.4 ± 0.5
60.6
± 0.9
b 57.5 ± 0.9
b 57.2 ±0.6
59.6
±1.0
b 57.6 ±1.3
56.1 b
±0.8
60.2
± 0.7
58.3 ab
± 1.3
Overall
mean 11.0
±0.1 11.0
±0.1 11.0
±0.1 11.1
±0.1 74.7 b
±0.8 76.21 a
±0.74 76.7 a
±0.60 73.9b
±0.74 60.3a
±0.7 59.2 a
±0.6 58.1 b
±0.60 58.1 b
±0.7
a and b Means within each row for each division (EW, ESI and EYI) with no common superscripts are significantly different (P≤0.05).
LD1= Litter floor at Density I (30 birds/m2) LD2= Litter floor at Density II (45 birds/m2) BD1= Battery at Density I (30 birds/m2) BD2= Battery at Density II (45 birds/m2)
Table 10. Means ±SE of Haugh units (HU) and egg shell thickness (EST) for Japanese quail raised
in batteries and on litter floor at two densities.
Age
(in wks)
HU EST (x 0.01 mm)
LD 1 LD2 BD 1 BD2 LD 1 LD2 BD 1 BD2
12th
16th
20th
90.5
±1.6 b
91.9 ±0.2
91.2
±0.7
90.2
± 1.3
93.7
± 0.7
92.7
± 1.2
90.5
±1.6 b
91.9 ±0.2
91.2
±0.7
90.2
± 1.3
93.7
± 0.7
92.7
± 1.2
90.5
±1.6 b
91.9 ±0.2
91.2
±0.7
90.2
± 1.3
93.7
± 0.7
92.7
± 1.2
90.5
±1.6 b
91.9 ±0.2
91.2
±0.7
90.2
± 1.3
93.7
± 0.7
92.7
± 1.2
Overall
mean
91.2
±0.5
92.4
±0.5
91.2
±0.5
92.4
±0.5
91.2
±0.5
92.4
±0.5
91.2
±0.5
92.4
±0.5 a and b Means within each row for each division (HU and EST) with no common superscripts are significantly different (P≤0.05).
LD1= Litter floor at Density I (30 birds/m2) LD2= Litter floor at Density II (45 birds/m2)
BD1= Battery at Density I (30 birds/m2) BD2= Battery at Density II (45 birds/m2)
3rd Mediterranean Poultry Summit and 6
th International Poultry Conference, 26 - 29 March 2012, Alexandria - Egypt
Page 710 of 710
Age
(in wks)
Albumen (%)
Yolk (%)
Shell (%)
Fertility (%)
LD 1
LD2
BD 1
BD2
LD 1
LD2
BD 1
BD2
LD 1
LD2
BD 1
BD2
LD 1
LD2
BD 1
BD2
12th
16th
20th
56.1
±0.4
53.6
±0.6
a
±0.5
56.3
±0.9
54.9
±0.1
a
±0.6
55.4
±0.6
54.3
±0.4
b
±0.8
55.4
±0.5
54.8
±0.4
a
±0.6
35.0
±0.7
36.7
±0.5
b
±0.3
35.0
±0.98
36.1
± 0.9
b
± 1.0
35.9
±0.6
37.1
±0.5
a
±0.7
36.1
±0.5
36.5
±0.3
b
± 0.6
a
±0.1
a
±0.2
b
±0.1
b
±0.1
b
±0.1
a
±0.2
b
±0.1
b
±0.2
c
±0.2
b
±0.1
b
±0.1
c
±0.2
a
0.9
b
0.7
b
0.7
a
0.7
a
0.1
a
0.7
c
0.9
b
0.9
d
0.3
b
0.3
c
0.7
c
0.7
Overall
mean
54.9
±0.4
55.2
±0.5
54.2
±0.4
55.1
±0.3
35.9b
±0.4
35.7b
±0.5
37.2 a
±0.4
36.3b
±0.3
9.2a
±0.2
9.1a
±0.1
8.6b
±0.1
8.6b
±0.1
88.3b
1.2
91.7 a
0.8
82.2 c
1.8
83.4 c
1.2
Table 11. Means ±SE of egg components percentages and fertility (%) for Japanese quail raised in
batteries and on litter floor at two densities.
8.9 8.7 8.7 8.5 90.0 91.7 80.0 85.0
9.7 9.0 8.6 8.7 86.7 90.0 85.0 81.8
54.9 54.4 52.9 55.2 36.0 36.1 38.6 36.2 9.1 9.5 8.5 8.6 88.3 93.3 81.7 83.3
a, b , c and d Means within each row for each division (Albumen, yolk shell and fertility percentages) with no common superscripts are significantly different (P≤0.05).
LD1= Litter floor at Density I ( 30 birds/m2) LD2= Litter floor at Density II (45 birds/m2) BD1= Battery at Density I (30 birds/m2) BD2= Battery at Density II (45 birds/m2).
Table 12. Economical efficiency of Japanese quail raised in batteries and on litter floor at
30 or 45 bird/m2 densities during the experimental period.
Items
LD 1
LD2
BD 1
BD2
FC during growth period (Kg/hen)
FC during laying period (Kg/hen)
Feed costs during growth period (LE.)
Feed costs during laying period (LE.)
Total feed costs (LE.)
Litter or battery costs (LE.)
0.344
1.453
0.634
2.44
3.075
0.013
0.339
1.436
0.623
2.41
3.037
0.010
0.330
1.445
0.608
2.43
3.035
0.440
0.325
1.428
0.598
2.40
2.997
0.300
Total costs/hen (LE.) 3.088 3.047 3.475 3.297
BWC from 8 to 20 weeks of age (kg)
Body weight change price (LE.)
Egg number (egg)
Selling price for fertile eggs (L.E.)
Manure or litter selling price (L.E.)
0.087
1.395
48.9
12.225
0.028
0.085
1.365
46.4
11.6
0.028
0.090
1.443
44.2
11.05
0.024
0.088
1.405
42.4
10.6
0.024
Total revenue (L.E.) 13.648 12.993 12.517 12.029
Net revenue
Economical efficiency
10.560
3.420
9.946
3.265
9.042
2.602
8.732
2.649
Relative economical efficiency (%) 100 95 76 77
Cost of 1 kg of live body weight = 16.00 L.E. Price of 1 fertile egg = 0.25 L.E. Price of 1 kg litter = 0.04 L.E.
Price of 1 kg manure = 0.05 L.E. Price of 1 kg of growing ration = 1.84 L.E.
Price of 1 kg of laying ration = 1.68 L.E. EE/bird=Net revenue per unit of total costs
L.E = Egyptian pound.
LD1= Litter floor at Density I (30 birds/m2) LD2= Litter floor at Density II (45 birds/m2)
BD1= Battery at Density I (30 birds/m2) BD2= Battery at Density II (45 birds/m2).