Authors : M. Karaman , S. Canogullari , M. Baylan and A. Kamalak
Abstract: A 6 week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the nutritive value of raw Vicia peregrina seed as a possible protein source in the diet of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and identify the limitations to its use arising from palatability or apparent toxicity factors. At the end of experiment the body weight of Japanese quails ranged from 167.1 and 208.4 g and live weight of quails fed diets A and B were significantly (p<0.001) higher than those fed with diet C and D. Feed intake, Body Weight Gain (BWG), Feed Conversion Rate (FCR), Specific Growth Rate (SGR) and the carcass weight of Japanese quail chick fed with diets A and B was significantly (p<0.001) higher than those fed with diets C and D whereas there is no significant (p>0.05) differences among diets in terms of Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). There are no significant (p>0.05) differences among diets in terms of percentage of DP, heart and liver whereas the percentage of gizzard of Japanese quails fed diet with A and B was significantly lower than those fed diets C and D. As a conclusion Vicia peregrine seed has potential as an alternative feed ingredient and can be used up to 10% of diet as protein source in diets of Japanese quails without any adverse effects. Vicia peregrina seed should be processed if inclusion rate exceeded 10% of diet.
M. Karaman , S. Canogullari , M. Baylan and A. Kamalak , 2009. Nutritive Value of Culban (Vicia peregrina) Seeds as Dietary Protein Source for Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 8: 839-842.