Effects of feeding untreated or reconstituted sorghum grain (Sorghum bicolor L.) on growth performance of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

摘要

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing untreated or reconstituted sorghum grain (Sorghum bicolor L.) in place of corn grain, on feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and final live body weight of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). For this purpose, local sorghum grains were reconstituted to reach their moisture near the 30% and then preserved in aerobic condition for 21 days. After reconstitution, grains dried and ground for further use in the experiment. A total of 700 one-day old unsexed quail chicks were fed same diet for 20 day (starter period) in cage system. After 20 days the quails were sexed and 300 male chicks reared for 21 days of experimental (grower) period. The statistical arrange of the study was done as completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatment and 4 replicates contain 15 birds in each treatments. Experimental treatments were as: A) diet contains corn grain and without sorghum grain (control group); B) replacing 50% reconstituted sorghum grain in place of corn grain; C) replacing 50% untreated sorghum grain in place of corn grain; D) replacing 100% reconstituted sorghum grain in place of corn grain and E) replacing 100% untreated sorghum grain in place of corn grain. Results showed that feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and final live body weight were significantly different between treatments. However, reconstitution could not improve the feeding value of sorghum grain. Replacing 100% untreated or reconstituted sorghum grain in place of corn grain led to decrease growth performance of Japanese quails.