THE EFFECT OF PRODUCTION PERIOD ON THE INTERNAL EGG QUALITY TRAITS IN JAPANESE QUAILS (Coturnix coturnix japonica) FED TWO COMMERCIAL BROILER DEITS

Abstract

The study was conducted at the Research Farm of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi; Nigeria, to study the effect of production period on the Internal Egg Quality Traits in Japanese Quails (Coturnix coturnix japanica). The results showed that, there were no significant differences in internal egg quality parameters such as yolk height, yolk index, yolk weight, albumen thickness, albumen weight and haugh unit. However, the effect of diets on internal egg quality parameters showed significant difference (P<0.05) in yolk height, yolk index, haugh unit and albumen thickness with respect to two diets integrated. External egg quality traits were not affected by the diets, but more greatly influenced by the production period (P<0.01). Based on the result obtained, the production of quails in the study area, the improvement in the genetic make-up and the diets will go a long way towards improving their productivity.