Evaluation of various molting methods with ...

B-595 [1-7] Indian J. Anim. Res.,

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATION CENTRE

Print ISSN:0367-6722 / Online ISSN:0976-0555

www.arccjournals.com/www.ijaronline.in

Evaluation of various molting methods with perspective of post-molting performance in Japanese quails Shaukat Ali1, Raheela Akhtar2*, Muhammad Younus3, Iahtasham Khan3, Heinrich Neubauer4, Hafez Mohamed Hafez5, Hosny El-Adawy4,6, Shehla Gul Bokhari7 and Muhammad Ijaz7 Veterinary Research Institute, Lahore, Pakistan. Received: 12-08-2016

Accepted: 19-11-2016

DOI:10.18805/ijar.v0iOF.8468

ABSTRACT The post-molting performance of 360 female Japanese quails was assessed using five molting methods including feed restriction along with supplementation of dietary levels of aluminum sulfate (AlSO4) and zinc oxide (ZnO) with two concentrations of 0.15% and 0.3%. None of the parameters studied were positively influenced by a single molting method. Body weight gain and feed efficiency were positively affected by higher concentration of ZnO while feed consumption was positively influenced by higher concentration of AlSO4. Similarly high feed efficiency was attributed to higher concentrations of both ZnO and AlSO4. On other hand body weight gain and feed efficiency were negatively influenced by 0.15% ZnO while egg production was worst by 0.15% AlSO4. As each of the molting method had different influence on the tested parameters and none of them could apply individually with perspective of better performance therefore the combinational use of molting methods is recommended according to the focused parameter. Key words: Body weight gain, Egg production, Japanese quails, Molting, Post molting performance. INTRODUCTION Japanese quail are characterized by many favorable traits such as a fast growth rate, quick sexual maturity, short generation interval, small body size, and significant egg production ratio compared to other farm birds (Narinc et al., 2014; Molino et al., 2015). The ultimate goal of a poultry breeder is to improve the overall economic value of the bird (Narinc et al., 2014). Quail is a good source of meat and occupies a relevant place in poultry breeding and contributes to the global poultry industry (Maiorano et al., 2011). The valuable taste and dietary properties of quail meat are pivotal in determining the growing interest of consumers to this product (Narinc et al., 2013).

(Bland et al., 2014). Animal welfare and rights concerns have been raised for an end to molt induction by feed withdrawal, because it is thought to be harmful to the hens leading to strong physiological evidence such as an increase in plasma corticosterone (Davis et al., 2000) and weakness of the immune response (Webster, 2003).

Forced molting allows the bird’s reproductive system to rest for a certain period in order to restore its reproductive capacity, in order to improve egg shell quality and to reduce egg losses (Alodan and Mashaly, 1999). Moreover it has favors effect on feed conversion ratios and post-molting performance (Faitarone et al., 2008). Several molting methods are used such as conventional fasting for a particular length of time, feed restriction (Rolon et al., 1993) and exposure of flocks to a short photo-period during molt

The present study is attempted to evaluate the postmolting productive performance of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) using various forced molting methods in order to find optimal molting method producing better postmolt performance and to provide technical guidance to stake holders, small farmers and house-hold involved in quail production. As molting can be an economical practice for extending the productive life of Japanese quails and reducing the cost of rearing hence there is a need to find the molting

Alternate molting techniques have used chemicals such as dietary zinc oxide to induce molting which considered as an effective agent for halting egg production and inducing molting (Rafeeq et al., 2013; Domingues et al., 2014). Also aluminum sulfate was used to induce forced molting (Khan et al., 2011).

*Corresponding author’s e-mail: ––––– 1 Veterinary Research Institute, Lahore, Pakistan. 2 Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. 3 College of Veterinary Sciences, Jhang, Pakistan. 4 Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses,Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany. 5 Institute of Poultry Diseases, Free University Berlin, Königsweg 63, 14163 Berlin Germany. 6 Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, 35516, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt. 7 Department of CMS, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.

2

INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL RESEARCH

methods with maximum production and profitability (Narinc et al., 2014; Molino et al., 2015). MATERIALS AND METHODS Experimental design: The experiment was carried out in Veterinary Research Institute, Lahore, Pakistan. A total 360 female of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) of 18 weeks of age with average body weight of 189.33±36 to 196.66±32 g were used in this study. The birds were housed in cages; each cage compartment was equipped with drinker and feeder trough. Birds were randomly distributed and divided into six equal groups A, B, C, D, E and F. Each group comprising four replicates of 15 birds. All groups were fed a basal quail layer diet. All groups were kept under the same light 16h light per day and a water regime was Ad libitim (Table 1). Group A considered as control in which birds received 25g basal diet per day along the period of experiment. From weeks 18thto 19th (Pre-molting phase) all groups were fed Ad libtium (25g/bird). From week 20th to 21st (molting phase) and week 22nd to 23rd (resting phase) birds of groups B, C, D, E, and F were fed restricted (18/g/bird/day). From week 24 -37 (postmolting phase) birds of group B were followed feed restriction regime as each bird received 8 g/day basal diet (32% of Ad libitum), in group C used feed restriction (32% of ad libitum) supplemented with Aluminum sulfate (AlSO4) at level of 0.15%, in group D used feed restriction (32% of ad libitum) with Aluminum sulfate (AlSO4) at levels of 0.30%, in group E used feed restriction (32% of Ad libitum) with zinc oxide (ZnO) at a level of 0.15%, in group F- used feed restriction feed restriction (32% of Ad libitum) with zinc oxide (ZnO) at a level of 0.30% zinc oxide. From the weeks 24th to 37th (Post-molting phase), birds of all groups were received the basal diet. Parameters studied: Body weight gain, feed consumption, and egg production (weight and numbers) were recorded from 24th to 34th week. For accurate calculations, body weight of the quails in all molting treatments was weighed prior to feeding. The egg production was recorded on daily basis throughout the experimental period and the obtained data was analyzed on weekly basis. Mean egg weight of each experimental unit was taken at weekly intervals along the

experimental period to calculate egg weight. The feed consumption and the feed efficiency were calculated weekly in each treatment group. Statistical analysis: One-way ANOVA was applied using SPSS 17 version to analyze the differences among treatment groups (CON, FR, 0.15% AlSO4, 0.3%, AlSO4, 0.15% ZnO and 0.3% ZnO). Least Significant Difference (LSD) comparative test was used to compare the means. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Weight gain: The highest post-molt body weight gain was recorded from 24th to 34th week in group B followed by group C, group D, group F and group E. The body weight gain in Japanese quails was non-significantly higher using diet supplemented with 0.30% zinc oxide when compared with 0.15% Zn oxide (Table 2). The results of this study indicated that feed restriction supplemented with 0.3% ZnO oxide in the diet considered as better molting method in terms of postmolt body weight gain as compare to other molting treatments. This finding was in agreement with previous studies conducted in chickens (Cunningham and McCormick, 1985; Yousaf and Ahmad, 2006; Sundaresan et al., 2008; Sahin et al., 2009). The link of post-molt body weight gain (BWG) with body weight reduction (BWR) during molting was evaluated. The highest weight loss during molting phase was recorded in group F (30.46%) followed by group E (27.49%), group C (26.30%), group D (24.84%) and group B (22.89%) (Table 3). To the best of our knowledge, it is first study focus on the difference between post-molting body weight gain (BWG) of Japanese quails and body weight reduction (BWR). The subsequent post-molting body weight gain (BWG) of Japanese quails was not influenced by body weight reduction (BWR) during molting phases but was more dependent upon molting methods. It may be possible that factors other than body weight loss may play important in determining post-molting BWG. Feed consumption: At 24 th week of age least feed consumption was by 0.30% ZnO followed by 0.15% AlSO4, 0.15% ZnO, and 0.30% AlSO4 and feed restriction when compared with control group. While at 32nd week of age 0.30% AlSO4 gave least feed consumption when compared

Table 1: Phases of experiment with reference to light conditions, water and composition of layer basal diet Age in weeks

Phases

Feed (g/bird/day)*

18-19 20-21 22-23 24-37

Pre-molting phase Molting phase Resting phase Post-molting phase

25 8 (except control group) 18 (except control group) 25 (all groups)

Water ad ad ad ad

libitum libitum libitum libitum

Light (hr.) 16 08 16 16

*Feed Ingredients: Maize (9%), Wheat (25%), Rice broken (22% ), Rice polishing (8% ), Cotton seed meal (decorticated) (8%), Sesame meal(8%), Fish meal(10%), Molasses (cane)(4%), Bone meal (0.50%), Lime stone(5%), Premix (0.50% ), Total (100) *Chemical composition: Moisture 7.71±0.13, crude protein 17.10±0.05, crude fat 2.15±0.02, crude fiber 3.00±0.03, ash 16.00±0.17, metabolic energy (MJ/kg) 11.70 *Mineral composition: Calcium 3.0194, phosphorus total 0.9949 *Amino acids composition: Lysine 0.9102, methionine 0.4573

31 st 195.6 199.6 197.3 197.6 200 199 30 th 195 201 198.6 199 196 196.3 29 191.3 192.6 194 192.6 192.3 194.3

Post- molting

28 186 190.3 191.3 192.6 189.6 189

th

27 188.6 188.3 187 190 184.6 186

th

26 190.6 184.3 183 185 177 185.3

th

25 191 179.6 178 181.6 171.3 178

th

24 187.3 174.3 170.6 174 161.6 168.3

th

23 186 166.6 163 163.6 154 157.3

th

22 189.6 153.3 148.6 150.6 141.3 140.3

rd

21 194 169.3 168 169 165.3 163.6

nd

Resting

20 193.6 195.6 200.3 199.6 190 195.3

st

19 193 192 195.3 196.6 189.3 191.6 18 194 193.3 196.3 191.3 193.3 193.6 Age in Weeks A- Control B- Feed restriction C- 0.15% Al D- 0.30% Al E- 0.15% Zn F- 0.30 % Zn

Molting

th th th

Pre-molting Groups

Table 2. Average body weights (g/hen) measured weekly during pre-molt, molt, pre-lay and post molt in Japanese quail laying hens

32 nd 198 203.6 199.3 199.3 201.6 200.3

33 rd 196.6 200.6 203.3 198 200 200

34 th 201.3 202 203 194.6 201 204

35 th 199.3 202 205 191.6 200.6 198.6

36 th 202 202 197.3 199.3 204.6 198.3

37 th 203.6 199 200.6 187 202.6 193

Vol. Issue , ()

with other feed restriction treatments followed by 0.30% ZnO, 0.15% ZnO, and 0.15% AlSO4. Higher concentrations of AlSO4 and ZnO (0.30%) consumed minimum feed with best post-molt production as compared to other molting treatments (Table 4). The maximum feed consumption was observed in birds fed on low concentration 0.15% of Aluminum sulfate (AlSO4). The minimum post-molt feed consumption by 0.3% of AlSO 4 and 0.3% ZnO is in accordance with previous report (Cunningham and McCormick, 1985) who also explained the inhibitory effect of zinc on feed consumption. This may be due to suppression of feed center in hypothalamus leading to decrease in feed consumption and anaroxy syndrome as described previously (Hassan, 2003). Furthermore, the less feed consumption by aluminum sulfate treatment could be justified by its neurotoxic effect suppressing the appetite as explained before (Oguz et al., 2012). The present study also explored the effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) and aluminum sulfate (AlSO4) on feed consumption that altered with the passage of time. At 24th week of age minimum feed consumption was by 0.3% ZnO while at 32nd weeks of age, 0.3% AlSO4 gave lowest feed consumption. Although the maximum concentration of Zn used in this study was lower ten times than the concentration used by (El-Deek and Al-Harthi, 2004), still our results are similar to their findings which explained significantly higher weight loss and reduced feed consumption by using higher concentrations of zinc oxide. Feed efficiency: The feed efficacy and feed conversion rate is shown in Table 5 which indicated that the feed efficiency was increased by high levels of ZnO (30%). This may be linked with its stress reducing properties in order to increase production as previously described (Sahin and Kucuk, 2003). Egg production: There was a significant increase in egg production of all molting groups compared to control group in 7th, 8th, 11th, 13th, and 14th weeks of post-molt (Table 6). Increased egg production by all the molting methods used in this study in comparison with control group was in accordance with the studies of (Hassan, 2003) who find that hens subjected to forced molting had higher average egg production in the post-molting period. The maximum Postmolt egg production was detected in group E (72.74%) followed by F (72.04%), B (71.59%), D (71.31%), C (71.24%) and A (64.90%). In present study feeding of aluminum sulfate (AlSO4) produced fewer eggs as compared to feed restriction group in this experiment. This is in contrast to study conducted by (Amer et al., 2013) who found that aluminum containing diet is a better method for force molting than conventional feed restriction in terms of egg production. Egg weight: A non-significant increase in egg weight was obtained among all molting groups from 1st week to 14th week of post-molt. However, as quails aged, increased egg production did not influence egg weight of all treatments. The average egg weight in post-molt was 11.33g in group A

193.50 193.88 187.33 194.75 186.00 -

Control Group-A 192.66 182.49 159.99 194.94 22.89% 166.66 9.44

Feed restrictions Group –B

19th 20th 21st 22nd 23rd 24th 32nd

Pre-molt Molt

4220.66±120.53a 4293.33±29.72a 4853.66±49.88a 4206.66±52.05a 4289.66±118.05a 4314.33±34.16a 4489.00± 15.04a

Control 4451.00±57.47ab 1664.00±16.00b 1621.33±2.66b 3576.00±39.34b 3558.14±49.01b 4456.66±38.69b 4511.33±55.72a

Feed restriction

Values with different superscripts in a row are significantly different statistically Values are mean±SE Significance at P