DIETARY-PROTEIN AND ENERGY-REQUIREMENTS OF LAYING QUAILS REARED UNDERDIFFERENT NUTRIENT SCHEDULE DURING STARTING AND GROWING PERIOD

Quail layer diets with 3 protein levels (19, 22 and 25%) and 2 energy levels (2,500 and 2,750 Kcal ME/kg) were evaluated, in a factorial des ign. to determine the protein and energy requirement of quail layers r eared on 2 different feeding schedules during starting and growing per iods up to 5 weeks employing protein levels of either 27% starter and 24% grower or 24% starter and 20% grower. Per cent egg production was low with the feeding schedule consisting of low protein levels and was unaffected by protein and energy levels of layer ration. Egg weight d ecreased at the highest level of 25% protein, while egg mass was not a ffected. Feed intake decreased at higher ME level. Protein and energy intake showed direct and invert relationship, respectively, with their respective dietary levels. Nutrient utilization decreased with increa sed dietary concentrations.