The effect of different levels of dietary electrolyte balance and calcium on performance, bone composition and carcass characteristics of Japanese quails

In order to study the effect of different levels of dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) and calcium on performance, bone composition and carcass characteristics of Japanese quail, a total of 720 quail chicks were used in a 3×3 factorial arrangement with completely randomized design including three levels of DEB (150, 250 and 350 mEq/kg) and three levels of dietary calcium (0.4, 0.8, and 1.6%) in 9 treatments, 5 replications and 16 birds per each replicate from 14 to 35 days of age. The results showed that the birds fed diet containing 0.4% calcium and 250 mEq/kg DEB had the highest feed intake (P<0.05). Experimental treatments had no effect on feed conversion ratio. At both 0.4 and 0.8% of dietary calcium level, the highest bone calcium content was observed at 150 mEq/kg DEB (P<0.05). The minimum kidney weight was observed in treatment containing 1.6% calcium and 150 mEg/kg DEB and the maximum thigh and breast relative weights were observed in treatment containing 0.8% calcium and 150 mEq/kg DEB (P<0.05). In conclusion, the interaction of dietary calcium and DEB could be considered as an important limitation in the feed formulation of growing Japanese quail.