Effect of nocturnal feeding on egg production and egg quality in Japanese quails.

摘要

The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of nocturnal feeding on the laying performance and egg quality of Japanese quails reared under hot climate conditions. 225 quails were randomly assigned to three groups. Quails in the control group were fed ad libitum while quails in the experimental groups were fed daytime (07.00 and 17.00 h) and night (17.00 and 07.00 h). The feed consumption of the diurnal group was lower (P<0.05) than the other groups. Egg production of the nocturnal and ad libitum feeding groups were better (P<0.05) than the diurnal group. Feed conversion ratio of the nocturnal group was better (P<0.05) than the other groups. Egg weight and egg quality were not significantly affected by the feeding regime. In summary, nocturnal feeding improved egg production and feed efficiency of Japanese quails reared under hot conditions. Nocturnal feeding has the potential to overcome the disadvantages of heat stress.