Title: Assessment of the Developmental Anatomy of the Japanese Quail (Coturnix Japonica) Using the Gizzard as a Growth Indicator
Abstract:The study evaluated the relationship between body weight and gizzard development of quail birds from day-old to 12weeks. Biometrical dimensions and weight of the gizzard which are key determinants in ...The study evaluated the relationship between body weight and gizzard development of quail birds from day-old to 12weeks. Biometrical dimensions and weight of the gizzard which are key determinants in measuring feed conversion and digestibility efficiency of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of avian species were considered. The experiment was started with sixty-five day-old quail birds that were subjected to the same condition with respect to housing, feed and water. Five of these birds were sacrificed on delivery at day-old and at regular interval weekly until the end of the twelfth week. The weight, length, width and thickness of the gizzards were measured. Data were presented as mean and standard deviation, inferentially analyzed using correlation coefficient, one-way analysis of variance and Duncan test. The average body and gizzard weight ranges from 5.82±0.27g to 161.0±5.97g and 0.25±0.05g to 4.77±0.22g respectively while the gizzard length, width and thickness ranges were 1.00±0.03cm to 2.54±0.02cm; 0.90±0.05cm to 1.87±0.12cm and 0.50±0.02cm to 1.42±0.08cm respectively. The pairwise correlation coefficient for the parameters were statistically significant (p<0.01). There was significant difference (p<0.01) in the body weight, gizzard weight, gizzard length, gizzard width and gizzard thickness across the age groups. Farmers should ensure proper feeding especially during the critical periods of the birds’ development as these periods are very important in their overall performance.Read More
Publication Year: 2014
Publication Date: 2014-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 3
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