Nutritional and Economical Evaluation of Sandbox (Hura crepitans) Seed Meal-Based Diets for Growing Japanese Quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

Abstract

Three hundred, two weeks old quails (100 males and 200 females) were randomly allocated to five grower diets designated T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 containing 0. 25, 50, 75 and 100% of sandbox seed meal (SBSM) as a replacement for soy bean meal respectively in a completely randomized design experiment. Each treatment was replicated 4 times with 15 birds per replicate (5males and 10 females). The proximate composition result showed that sandbox meal contained 30.56% protein, 15.99% ether extract, 12% crude fiber and 3.59% Ash (3.59%). All the mineral elements apart from calcium and iron were significantly (p<0.05) higher in soybean meal than in sandbox seed meal. Final weight, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio depreciated (P<0.05) as the level of sandbox increased to 75%. Feed cost/kg and total feed cost consumed (N) significantly (p<0.05) decreased as replacement level of soya bean meal with sandbox increased in the diets. Nutrient digestibility showed non-significant (p>0.05) differences. Serum biochemical parameters except total protein and uric acid indicated non-significant (p>0.05) differences. In conclusion, sandbox seed meal could replace up to 75% of soya bean meal in growing Japanese quail diet without deleterious effect on the growth and health of quails.