ABSTRACT

Animal breeding and genetic study works to provide new scientific discoveries to age-old production problem to help producers and consumers. The field of animal breeding and genetics research is more exciting than ever before, with projects such as performance of growth trait and DNA sequencing using state of the art tools and facilities. The researchers have been able to contribute to the field of animal biotechnology on a worldwide level. Diversification into production of livestock with short generation interval will be a viable tool in ameliorating shortage of protein among the population in developing countries as reported by NVRI (1994). Japanese quail is the smallest avian species farmed for meat and egg production (Panda and Singh, 1990) and it has assumed worldwide importance not only as a laboratory animal (Baumgartner, 1993) but also as supplier of meat and eggs, especially for the rural poor and the landless. Distinct characteristics of the Japanese quail which, include rapid growth, thus, enabling the quail to be marketed for consumption at 5-6 weeks of age, early sexual maturity, which results in short generation interval, disease resistance, less capital requirement, high rate of lay and much lower feed and space requirement than domestic fowl (Adeogun and Adeoye, 2004) have further given the birds advantage and attention from researchers in recent times. Moreover, the meat which is highly nutritive and delicious, with low caloric value and high dry matter ((Muthukumai and Dev Roy, 2005)) is preferred by all. It is rich in protein, vitamins, essential amino acids, saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids and phospholipids (Muthukumar and Dev Roy, 2005).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Page

Title Page ii

Certification iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgement V

Table of contents vi

List of Tables viii

Abstract ix

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Background of the study 1

1.2 Statement of problem 2

1 .3 Objective of the stud) 3

1.4 Justification 3

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW 4

2.1 Poultry 4

2.2 Quail Production 4

2.2.1 Facts about Quail Production 5

2.2.2 Japanese Quail Species 6

2.2.3 The Breeding Stock of Quail 6

2.2.4 The Species of Quail 7

2.3 Hatchability of Japanese Quail 8'

2.3.1 The Characteristics 8

2.3.2 The Incubation of Eggs 9

2.4 Reproduction in Quails 11

2.5 Genetic Parameters associated with Japanese Quail 12

2.5.1 Feed Utilization in Japanese Quail 12

2.5.2 Body Weight and Linear Measurements in Japanese Quail 13

2.5.3 Genetic and Environmental Influence on Weight of Japanese Quail 14

2.6 Factors that influence Growth Rate in Japanese Quail 15

2.7 Factors that Affect Quail Production 16

2.8 Nutrient Requirements of Quails 16

2.9 Health Benefits of Quail Eggs 21

CHAPTER THREE

MATERIALS AND METHODS 22

3.1 Experimental Site 22

3.2 Experimental Birds 22

3.3 Incubation and Hatching Procedure of Experimental Birds 23

3.4 Management of Experimental Birds 23

3.5 Feeding Management 23

3.6 Data Collection 24

3.7 Experimental Design 26

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 27

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 47

REFERENCES