- Email: [email protected]
Protein Requirements of Coturnix Quail to Five Weeks of Age
Protein Requirements of Coturnix Quail to Five Weeks of Age C. W. WEBER AND B. L. REID Department
of Poultry
Science,
University
of Arizona,
Tucson,
Arizona
85721
(Received for publication March 2, 1967)
F
The following experiments were designed to determine the dietary protein and energy requirements of immature Coturnix quail to five weeks of age. EXPERIMENTAL
Day old Coturnix quail were selected at random and housed in electrically heated batteries with raised wire floors. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Tables 1 and 2 list the composition of the experimental diets employed in these studies. Feed and fecal samples from birds in each experiment were analyzed for protein (Kjeldahl), fat (ether extract), gross energy (Bomb Calorimeter) and chromium oxide, Czarnocki et al. (1961). The dietary Arizona Ag. Exper. Station Technical Article No. 1211
TABLE 1.—Protein diets used for growth studies % protein of diet Ingredients Soybean meal (44% protein) Glucose monohydrate Animal fat 3 Bentonite DL-Methionine Manganese sulfate 1 Mineral mix—trace Vitamin mix 2 Zn-Bacitracin Sodium chloride Calcium carbonate Dicalcium phosphate Potassium chloride Alfalfa meal (17% protein) CreOa
15
20
25
30
35
30.40 S3.86
41.50 48.16
— 6.40
—0.94
0.18 0.02 0.20 2.42 0.21 0.39 1.00 1.50 0.51
0.24
55.60 33.93 4.00 0 0.31
63.80 18.67 8.00 0 0.37
74.80 3.31 12.00 0 0.43
Same
2.01 0.30
1 Trace mineral mix supplied as mg./kg. (p.p.m.) of diet: iron 20, FeS04-7HsO; zinc 60, ZnO; molybdenum 1, NaiMoOi-2H 2 0; manganese 60, Mn0 2 (85%); calcium 168, CaOa; copper 4, CuS04-5H20; iodine 1.5, KI; and cobalt 1.5, CoCl2-6H20 in a cerelose carrier. 2 Vitamin premix supplied the following per pound of diet: 4,500 I.U. vitamin A, 700 I.C.U. vitamin Da, 2 mg. riboflavin, 12.5 mg. niacin, 5 mg. d-calcium pantothenate, 400 mg. choline chloride, 6 meg. vitamin Bu, 2.5 I.U. d-alpha-toco-pheryl acetate, 1 mg. menadione sodium bisulfite and 56.75 mg. ethoxyquin in a soybean meal carrier. s HEF, Procter and Gamble Co., Cinn., Ohio,
treatments were run in either triplicate or quadruplicate, as indicated by footnotes in the following tables. At the beginning of the experiments, each experimental lot contained 15 Coturnix quail of mixed sex. The protein requirement of young Coturnix quail was studied in a series of three experiments. The sole protein source was soybean meal (44% protein) supplemented with methionine (Table 1). The first and second experiments used protein levels from 15.1 to 28.8% and 13.5 to 36.3% respectively, in increments of approximately 5% (Table 3). The third experiment involved protein levels of 12.5 to 31.3% in varying increments. All diets were maintained isocaloric by alteration of the dietary glucose monohydrate and fat levels. 190
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at FU BerlinFB Humanmedizin on May 4, 2015
EW studies of the protein requirement of Coturnix quail have been reported; however, the protein requirements of other experimental birds have been determined. Results of studies on the protein requirement of Bobwhite quail by Norris (1935), Nestler et al. (1942), Nestler (1949), Baldini et al. (1950) and Scott et al. (1963) suggested that a protein level of approximately 28 percent in a practical-type diet gave maximum growth. Lower protein levels of 20 to 24% were adequate for the Bobwhite quail provided supplemental lysine and methionine were fed, Baldini et al. (1953). Studies with young Ringnecked pheasants by Callenbach and Hiller (1953), Norris et al. (1936), Scott and Reynolds (1949) and Scott et al. (1954, 1963) indicated a dietary protein requirement of approximately 27% for maximum growth.
1191
PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS OF COTURNIX
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
A significant increase in body weight was obtained with each added increment of protein up to a level of 24.5% (Table 3). Feed conversion appeared to be inversely related to dietary protein level. Birds fed the 15.1% protein diet had a feed conversion of 5.0 gms feed/gram gain compared TABLE 2.—Energy diets used for growth studies Energy levels in Kcal. /kgIngredients Animal fat3 Bentonite Glucose monohydrate Soybean meal (44% protein) Alfalfa meal (17% protein) Manganese sulfate1 Trace mineral mix Vitamin premix2 Zn-Bacitracin Sodium chloride Calcium carbonate Dicalcium phosphate Potassium chloride DL-Methionine Cr20>
1,540
1,760
1,980
2,200 2,420
2.00 15.77 19.80
5.45 12.32
8.90 8.87
12.35 15.80 5.42 1.97
52.60 2.91 0.02 0.20 2.42 0.21 0.39 1.00 1.50 0.51 0.37 0.30
Same
1 Trace mineral mix supplied as mg./kg- (p.p.m.) of diet: iron 20, FeSO4-7H20; zinc 60, ZnO; molybdenum 1, Na2MoO* • 2H2O; manganese 60, Mn02 (85%); calcium 168, CaOa; copper 4, CuS04-5H20; iodine 1.5, KI; and cobalt 1.5, CoCU-eHzO in a2 cerelose carrier. Vitamin premix supplied the following per pound of diet: 4,500 I.U. vitamin A, 700 I.C.U. vitamin D3, 2 mg. riboflavin, 12.5 mg. niacin 5 mg. d-calcium pantothenate, 400 mg. choline chloride, 6 meg. vitamin Bis, 2.51.U. d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, 1 mg. menadione sodium bisulfite and 56.75 mg. ethoxyquinin a soybean meal carrier. a HEF, Procter and Gamble Co., Cinn., Ohio.
TABLE 3.—Effect of dietary protein level on Coturnix quail to five weeks of age Protein 1 in diet, %
Average 2 weight 5 weeks, gms.
Feed sion
Gm. prot. cons./ gm. gain
P.E. Kcal.
%.
protein
First experiment 15.1 87» 3 19.4 100 b 24.5 106° 28.8 112°
5.00 4.68 4.19 3.88
0.76 0.91 1.03 1.12
62 49 38 33
Second 13.5 18.7 24.6 29.8 36.3
experiment 91" 97" 105 b 104 b 106 b
5.55 5.06 4.41 4.73 4.20
0.75 0.95 1.08 1.41 1.52
70 50 38 32 26
Third experiment 12.5 86" 18.0 95b 23.3 102° 29.1 106° 31.3 105°
6.58 5.45 4.94 4.32 4.53
0.82 0.98 1.15 1.26 1.42
75 52 40 32 30
1
Protein levels determined by Kjeldahl analysis. Averages of triplicate lots per treatment, 15 quail per lot at start of experiment. 3 Means having different superscripts were significantlv different at the 0.05 level of probability. 2
with a feed conversion of 3.88 at the 28.8% protein level. In the second experiment with dietary protein levels, ranging from 13.5-36.3%, the 24.6% protein diet produced a significant increase in growth compared with either of the lower protein diets fed (13.5 and 18.7;%). Increasing the dietary protein content beyond 24.6% did not produce an additional increase in growth rate (Table 3). In a third experiment, growth rate leveled off at 23.3% protein (Table 3). The results of these experiments would indicate that with the types of diets and amino acid levels employed, the dietary protein requirement of Coturnix quail to five weeks of age was not in excess of 23-24%. Protein consumption per gram of gain varied from 0.75 to 1.52 in the three experiments (Table 3). These data suggest the possibility of changes in body composition
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at FU BerlinFB Humanmedizin on May 4, 2015
The dietary level of productive energy was 2068 kcal. per kilogram. Dietary amino acid levels were calculated to be adequate by N.R.C. standards (1966) for chicks for all diets, except at the 15.1% protein level or lower, on the basis of amino acid levels per therm of productive energy. These lower protein diets were deficient in methionine and cystine, tryptophan, phenylalanine and tyrosine and isoleucine by chick N.R.C. standards. The effect of dietary calorie levels on growth was determined in the fourth experiment. This study utilized productive energy levels of 1540 to 2400 kcal. per kg. and were fed in isonitrogenous diets of 25% protein (Table 2).
1192
C. W. WEBER AND B. L. REID
120.0..
y=O.II30x + 102.397
—.—j
12
14
n
16
,
18
,
,
,
(
20
22
24
26
j
j
j
j
,
28
30
32
34
36
f
33
% Dietary Protein FIG. 1. Regression of body weight on dietary protein level based on results of Experiments 1, 2 and 3.
of the Coturnix quail fed the respective experimental diets. The growth-data from all three experiments were used to calculate regression lines as plotted in Fig. 1. These data indicate that the dietary protein requirement of Coturnix quail was 24% in a diet of 2068 kcal. productive energy/kg. This protein requirement lies between the values for chicks and poults as listed in the NRC (1966). In addition, the Coturnix quail protein requirement was less than the 28% protein level for Bobwhite quail, Scott et al.
(1963) and the 27% protein level for Ringneck pheasants, Scott et al. (1963). The feed conversion data indicated a poor efficiency utilization and this can possibly be explained in several ways (Table 3): (1) the amino acids levels were in an imbalance; (2) Coturnix quail are much less efficient in feed utilization than chicks or poults or (3) we experienced a greater feed wastage than normally occurs in chickens. This situation was further demonstrated in Table 4, which shows a direct relationship of nitrogen retention to protein
TABLE 4.—Utilization of dietary ingredients by growing Coturnix quail at various protein levels in the three experiments
% dietary prot, range
Body weight
12.5-15.1 18.0-19.4 23.3-24.6 28.8-29.8 31.3-36.3
73.54 82.68 89.08 92.60 92.09
.%
Gm. prot. ret.
nitrogen retained
gm. of B.W. gained
12.43 18.88 39.35 37.42 42.17
0.107 0.191 0.443 0.484 0.450
% fat digestion
91.49 91.00 90.71
%
%
%
Ca retained
phos ret.
gross energy ret.
36.55 38.38 44.12 48.23
29.75 22.58 41.04 46.96
70.15 69.73 76.08 70.54 67.16
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at FU BerlinFB Humanmedizin on May 4, 2015
80.0
1193
PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS OF COTURNIX TABLE 5.—Utilization of dietary ingredients by growing Coturnix quail at various energy levels Energy in Average2 the diet 5th week P.E. KcaL/kg. 1 body wt., gm. 1,540 1,760 1,980 2,200 2,420
97^ 103b 104b 104b 102*b
% gross energy ret.
%
fat digestion
Ca ret.
% phos. ret.
82.59 93.39 89.06 89.37 90.96
49.14 83.39 71.85 71.00 74.33
13.80 24.31 32.59 35.15 45.67
22.40 31.53 48.10 47.23 59.80
%
Feed
5.48* 5.17" 4.34 b 4.08 1 ' 3.69°
1
Dietary protein content cf 25%. Average values of quadruplicate lots. Means having different superscripts are statistically different at the 0.05 level of probability (Duncan's multiple range test, 1955). 2
3
dietary treatments was not significantly altered by dietary energy level (Table 5). A calorie (productive)-protein ratio of 36-38 was found to produce optimum growth, although feed conversion was increased up to a ratio of 44.8 (Tables 5 and 6). In addition, grams of protein consumed per gram of body weight gained were found equivalent to the optimum values obtained for the first three protein studies. The grams of protein retained per gram of body weight indicated no significant differences for any of the energy levels. The data on percent nitrogen retained, percent fat digested and percent gross energy retained reached a plateau at the 1760 kcal./kg. treatment level and demonstrated that the quail utilized these items most efficiently at this point (Tables 5 and 6). The calories of energy consumed per gram of body weight gained showed no differences among any of the treatments. Again, the data for calcium
TABLE 6.—Influence of various energy levels on protein utilization by growing Coturnix quail Energy in the diet P.E. KcaL/kg. 1 1,540 1,760 1,980 2,200 2,400 1
% nitrogen ret.
Gm. prot. ret./gm. B.W. gain
Cal. of energy cons/gm. gain
Gm. prot. cons/gm. gain
C/P ratio
30.61 40.90 42.43 37.86 48.21
0.419 0.529 0.460 0.386 0.445
8.45 9.11 8.61 8.99 8.94
1.37 1.29 1.09 1.02 0.92
28.0 32.0 36.0 40.0 44.8
Dietary protein content of 25%.
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at FU BerlinFB Humanmedizin on May 4, 2015
level for quail. The grams of protein retained per gram of body weight gained showed a leveling off at the 24% protein level and indicated that the protein requirement was met at this point. Data for calcium and phosphorus retention were in direct relationship to feed conversion and body weight gained. Percent fat and gross energy retention were constant and appeared to be unaffected by dietary levels of protein. The effects of dietary energy on Coturnix were studied in Experiment 4. Productive energy levels of 1540 to 2400 kcal. per kg. were fed in isonitrogenous diets of 25% protein (Table 2). The productive energy was increased by 220 kcal. increments by altering the animal fat and bentonite levels used. Body weights were significantly depressed at the fifth week of age with the 1540 kcal./ kg. diet (Table 5). Growth on the other
1194
C. W. WEBER AND B. L. REID
and phosphorus retention showed a direct relationship to feed conversion and body weight gained.
REFERENCES Baldini, J. T., R. E. Roberts and C. M. Kirkpatrick, 1950. A study of the protein requirements of bobwhite quail reared in confinement in battery brooders to eight weeks of age. Poultry Sci. 29: 161-166. Baldini, J. T., R. E. Roberts and C. M. Kirkpatrick, 1953. Low protein rations for bobwhite quail. Poultry Sci. 32: 945-949.
NEWS AND NOTES (continued jrom page 1171) Dr. Lepkovsky's "many outstanding studies on basic physiological mechanisms as they relate to food intake and stress. Specifically, he has opened new scientific vistas as a result of his work on the effects of the hypothalamus (working through the central nervous system) and of various endocrine systems on appetite, satiety, and nutritional processes. Using the chicken and rat as experimental models, he has developed and published, in a recent series of papers, new and important techniques that already are very useful in understand-
ing the complex biological mechanisms dealing with the acceptance and utilization of new food products by animals and by humans." He was lauded for "his unfailing ability to stimulate both colleagues and students as a result of his personal enthusiasm. Over and above all of these accomplishments lies the high degree of affection and esteem held for him by his colleagues and fellow scientists." Dr. Lepkovsky has received a number of honors and has been called upon for important con-
(continued on page 1203)
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at FU BerlinFB Humanmedizin on May 4, 2015
SUMMARY In young Coturnix quail fed a soybean meal diet supplemented with methionine, the protein requirement was found to be 24%. Results of these studies demonstrated a calorie (productive)-protein ratio of approximately 36-38 as adequate for Coturnix. This c/p ratio resulted in the most efficient protein retention, feed conversion and body weight gain. The fat digestion and gross energy retention appeared to be unaffected by the dietary treatments while the percent calcium and phosphorus retained were directly related to feed conversion and body weights. These results showed the protein level and c/p ratio requirement of Coturnix quail somewhere between the level required by chicks and those levels required by the Bobwhite quail, Ringneck pheasant or turkey poults.
Callenbach, E. W., and C. A. Hiller, 1933. The artificial propagation of Ringnecked pheasants. Pennsylvania Agr. Exp. Sta. Bui. 299. Czarnocki, J., I. R. Sibbald and E. V. Evans, 1961. The determination of chromic oxide in samples of feed and excuta by acid digestion and spectrophotometry. Canadian J. Animal Sci. 4 1 : 167-179. Duncan, D. B., 1955. Multiple range and multiple F tests. Biometrics, 11: 1-42. National Research Council, 1966. Nutrient requirements for domestic animals. No. 1 Publication 1345. Nutrient requirements for poultry. Nestler, R. B., W. W. Bailey and H. E. McClure, 1942. Protein requirements of bobwhite quail chicks for survival, growth and efficiency of feed utilization. J. Wildlife Manag. 6: 185-193. Nestler, R. B., 1949. Nutrition of bobwhite quail. J. Wildlife Manag. 13 : 342-358. Norris, L. C , 1935. Nutrition of game birds. New York State Conservation Dept. Ann. Report., pp. 331-338. Norris, L. C , L. J. Elmore, R. C. Ringrose and G. Bump, 1936. The protein requirement of Ringnecked pheasant chicks. Poultry Sci. I S : 454459. Scott, M. L., and R. E. Reynolds, 1949. Studies on the nutrition of pheasant chicks. Poultry Sci. 28: 392-397. Scott, M. L., E. R. Holm and R. E. Reynolds, 1954. Studies on pheasant nutrition. 2. Protein and fiber levels in diets for young pheasants. Poultry Sci. 33 : 1237-1244. Scott, M. L., E. R. Holm and R. E. Reynolds, 1963. Studies on the protein and methionine requirements of young bobwhite quail and young Ringnecked pheasants. Poultry Sci. 42: 676680.
of Poultry
Science,
University
of Arizona,
Tucson,
Arizona
85721
(Received for publication March 2, 1967)
F
The following experiments were designed to determine the dietary protein and energy requirements of immature Coturnix quail to five weeks of age. EXPERIMENTAL
Day old Coturnix quail were selected at random and housed in electrically heated batteries with raised wire floors. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Tables 1 and 2 list the composition of the experimental diets employed in these studies. Feed and fecal samples from birds in each experiment were analyzed for protein (Kjeldahl), fat (ether extract), gross energy (Bomb Calorimeter) and chromium oxide, Czarnocki et al. (1961). The dietary Arizona Ag. Exper. Station Technical Article No. 1211
TABLE 1.—Protein diets used for growth studies % protein of diet Ingredients Soybean meal (44% protein) Glucose monohydrate Animal fat 3 Bentonite DL-Methionine Manganese sulfate 1 Mineral mix—trace Vitamin mix 2 Zn-Bacitracin Sodium chloride Calcium carbonate Dicalcium phosphate Potassium chloride Alfalfa meal (17% protein) CreOa
15
20
25
30
35
30.40 S3.86
41.50 48.16
— 6.40
—0.94
0.18 0.02 0.20 2.42 0.21 0.39 1.00 1.50 0.51
0.24
55.60 33.93 4.00 0 0.31
63.80 18.67 8.00 0 0.37
74.80 3.31 12.00 0 0.43
Same
2.01 0.30
1 Trace mineral mix supplied as mg./kg. (p.p.m.) of diet: iron 20, FeS04-7HsO; zinc 60, ZnO; molybdenum 1, NaiMoOi-2H 2 0; manganese 60, Mn0 2 (85%); calcium 168, CaOa; copper 4, CuS04-5H20; iodine 1.5, KI; and cobalt 1.5, CoCl2-6H20 in a cerelose carrier. 2 Vitamin premix supplied the following per pound of diet: 4,500 I.U. vitamin A, 700 I.C.U. vitamin Da, 2 mg. riboflavin, 12.5 mg. niacin, 5 mg. d-calcium pantothenate, 400 mg. choline chloride, 6 meg. vitamin Bu, 2.5 I.U. d-alpha-toco-pheryl acetate, 1 mg. menadione sodium bisulfite and 56.75 mg. ethoxyquin in a soybean meal carrier. s HEF, Procter and Gamble Co., Cinn., Ohio,
treatments were run in either triplicate or quadruplicate, as indicated by footnotes in the following tables. At the beginning of the experiments, each experimental lot contained 15 Coturnix quail of mixed sex. The protein requirement of young Coturnix quail was studied in a series of three experiments. The sole protein source was soybean meal (44% protein) supplemented with methionine (Table 1). The first and second experiments used protein levels from 15.1 to 28.8% and 13.5 to 36.3% respectively, in increments of approximately 5% (Table 3). The third experiment involved protein levels of 12.5 to 31.3% in varying increments. All diets were maintained isocaloric by alteration of the dietary glucose monohydrate and fat levels. 190
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at FU BerlinFB Humanmedizin on May 4, 2015
EW studies of the protein requirement of Coturnix quail have been reported; however, the protein requirements of other experimental birds have been determined. Results of studies on the protein requirement of Bobwhite quail by Norris (1935), Nestler et al. (1942), Nestler (1949), Baldini et al. (1950) and Scott et al. (1963) suggested that a protein level of approximately 28 percent in a practical-type diet gave maximum growth. Lower protein levels of 20 to 24% were adequate for the Bobwhite quail provided supplemental lysine and methionine were fed, Baldini et al. (1953). Studies with young Ringnecked pheasants by Callenbach and Hiller (1953), Norris et al. (1936), Scott and Reynolds (1949) and Scott et al. (1954, 1963) indicated a dietary protein requirement of approximately 27% for maximum growth.
1191
PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS OF COTURNIX
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
A significant increase in body weight was obtained with each added increment of protein up to a level of 24.5% (Table 3). Feed conversion appeared to be inversely related to dietary protein level. Birds fed the 15.1% protein diet had a feed conversion of 5.0 gms feed/gram gain compared TABLE 2.—Energy diets used for growth studies Energy levels in Kcal. /kgIngredients Animal fat3 Bentonite Glucose monohydrate Soybean meal (44% protein) Alfalfa meal (17% protein) Manganese sulfate1 Trace mineral mix Vitamin premix2 Zn-Bacitracin Sodium chloride Calcium carbonate Dicalcium phosphate Potassium chloride DL-Methionine Cr20>
1,540
1,760
1,980
2,200 2,420
2.00 15.77 19.80
5.45 12.32
8.90 8.87
12.35 15.80 5.42 1.97
52.60 2.91 0.02 0.20 2.42 0.21 0.39 1.00 1.50 0.51 0.37 0.30
Same
1 Trace mineral mix supplied as mg./kg- (p.p.m.) of diet: iron 20, FeSO4-7H20; zinc 60, ZnO; molybdenum 1, Na2MoO* • 2H2O; manganese 60, Mn02 (85%); calcium 168, CaOa; copper 4, CuS04-5H20; iodine 1.5, KI; and cobalt 1.5, CoCU-eHzO in a2 cerelose carrier. Vitamin premix supplied the following per pound of diet: 4,500 I.U. vitamin A, 700 I.C.U. vitamin D3, 2 mg. riboflavin, 12.5 mg. niacin 5 mg. d-calcium pantothenate, 400 mg. choline chloride, 6 meg. vitamin Bis, 2.51.U. d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, 1 mg. menadione sodium bisulfite and 56.75 mg. ethoxyquinin a soybean meal carrier. a HEF, Procter and Gamble Co., Cinn., Ohio.
TABLE 3.—Effect of dietary protein level on Coturnix quail to five weeks of age Protein 1 in diet, %
Average 2 weight 5 weeks, gms.
Feed sion
Gm. prot. cons./ gm. gain
P.E. Kcal.
%.
protein
First experiment 15.1 87» 3 19.4 100 b 24.5 106° 28.8 112°
5.00 4.68 4.19 3.88
0.76 0.91 1.03 1.12
62 49 38 33
Second 13.5 18.7 24.6 29.8 36.3
experiment 91" 97" 105 b 104 b 106 b
5.55 5.06 4.41 4.73 4.20
0.75 0.95 1.08 1.41 1.52
70 50 38 32 26
Third experiment 12.5 86" 18.0 95b 23.3 102° 29.1 106° 31.3 105°
6.58 5.45 4.94 4.32 4.53
0.82 0.98 1.15 1.26 1.42
75 52 40 32 30
1
Protein levels determined by Kjeldahl analysis. Averages of triplicate lots per treatment, 15 quail per lot at start of experiment. 3 Means having different superscripts were significantlv different at the 0.05 level of probability. 2
with a feed conversion of 3.88 at the 28.8% protein level. In the second experiment with dietary protein levels, ranging from 13.5-36.3%, the 24.6% protein diet produced a significant increase in growth compared with either of the lower protein diets fed (13.5 and 18.7;%). Increasing the dietary protein content beyond 24.6% did not produce an additional increase in growth rate (Table 3). In a third experiment, growth rate leveled off at 23.3% protein (Table 3). The results of these experiments would indicate that with the types of diets and amino acid levels employed, the dietary protein requirement of Coturnix quail to five weeks of age was not in excess of 23-24%. Protein consumption per gram of gain varied from 0.75 to 1.52 in the three experiments (Table 3). These data suggest the possibility of changes in body composition
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at FU BerlinFB Humanmedizin on May 4, 2015
The dietary level of productive energy was 2068 kcal. per kilogram. Dietary amino acid levels were calculated to be adequate by N.R.C. standards (1966) for chicks for all diets, except at the 15.1% protein level or lower, on the basis of amino acid levels per therm of productive energy. These lower protein diets were deficient in methionine and cystine, tryptophan, phenylalanine and tyrosine and isoleucine by chick N.R.C. standards. The effect of dietary calorie levels on growth was determined in the fourth experiment. This study utilized productive energy levels of 1540 to 2400 kcal. per kg. and were fed in isonitrogenous diets of 25% protein (Table 2).
1192
C. W. WEBER AND B. L. REID
120.0..
y=O.II30x + 102.397
—.—j
12
14
n
16
,
18
,
,
,
(
20
22
24
26
j
j
j
j
,
28
30
32
34
36
f
33
% Dietary Protein FIG. 1. Regression of body weight on dietary protein level based on results of Experiments 1, 2 and 3.
of the Coturnix quail fed the respective experimental diets. The growth-data from all three experiments were used to calculate regression lines as plotted in Fig. 1. These data indicate that the dietary protein requirement of Coturnix quail was 24% in a diet of 2068 kcal. productive energy/kg. This protein requirement lies between the values for chicks and poults as listed in the NRC (1966). In addition, the Coturnix quail protein requirement was less than the 28% protein level for Bobwhite quail, Scott et al.
(1963) and the 27% protein level for Ringneck pheasants, Scott et al. (1963). The feed conversion data indicated a poor efficiency utilization and this can possibly be explained in several ways (Table 3): (1) the amino acids levels were in an imbalance; (2) Coturnix quail are much less efficient in feed utilization than chicks or poults or (3) we experienced a greater feed wastage than normally occurs in chickens. This situation was further demonstrated in Table 4, which shows a direct relationship of nitrogen retention to protein
TABLE 4.—Utilization of dietary ingredients by growing Coturnix quail at various protein levels in the three experiments
% dietary prot, range
Body weight
12.5-15.1 18.0-19.4 23.3-24.6 28.8-29.8 31.3-36.3
73.54 82.68 89.08 92.60 92.09
.%
Gm. prot. ret.
nitrogen retained
gm. of B.W. gained
12.43 18.88 39.35 37.42 42.17
0.107 0.191 0.443 0.484 0.450
% fat digestion
91.49 91.00 90.71
%
%
%
Ca retained
phos ret.
gross energy ret.
36.55 38.38 44.12 48.23
29.75 22.58 41.04 46.96
70.15 69.73 76.08 70.54 67.16
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at FU BerlinFB Humanmedizin on May 4, 2015
80.0
1193
PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS OF COTURNIX TABLE 5.—Utilization of dietary ingredients by growing Coturnix quail at various energy levels Energy in Average2 the diet 5th week P.E. KcaL/kg. 1 body wt., gm. 1,540 1,760 1,980 2,200 2,420
97^ 103b 104b 104b 102*b
% gross energy ret.
%
fat digestion
Ca ret.
% phos. ret.
82.59 93.39 89.06 89.37 90.96
49.14 83.39 71.85 71.00 74.33
13.80 24.31 32.59 35.15 45.67
22.40 31.53 48.10 47.23 59.80
%
Feed
5.48* 5.17" 4.34 b 4.08 1 ' 3.69°
1
Dietary protein content cf 25%. Average values of quadruplicate lots. Means having different superscripts are statistically different at the 0.05 level of probability (Duncan's multiple range test, 1955). 2
3
dietary treatments was not significantly altered by dietary energy level (Table 5). A calorie (productive)-protein ratio of 36-38 was found to produce optimum growth, although feed conversion was increased up to a ratio of 44.8 (Tables 5 and 6). In addition, grams of protein consumed per gram of body weight gained were found equivalent to the optimum values obtained for the first three protein studies. The grams of protein retained per gram of body weight indicated no significant differences for any of the energy levels. The data on percent nitrogen retained, percent fat digested and percent gross energy retained reached a plateau at the 1760 kcal./kg. treatment level and demonstrated that the quail utilized these items most efficiently at this point (Tables 5 and 6). The calories of energy consumed per gram of body weight gained showed no differences among any of the treatments. Again, the data for calcium
TABLE 6.—Influence of various energy levels on protein utilization by growing Coturnix quail Energy in the diet P.E. KcaL/kg. 1 1,540 1,760 1,980 2,200 2,400 1
% nitrogen ret.
Gm. prot. ret./gm. B.W. gain
Cal. of energy cons/gm. gain
Gm. prot. cons/gm. gain
C/P ratio
30.61 40.90 42.43 37.86 48.21
0.419 0.529 0.460 0.386 0.445
8.45 9.11 8.61 8.99 8.94
1.37 1.29 1.09 1.02 0.92
28.0 32.0 36.0 40.0 44.8
Dietary protein content of 25%.
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at FU BerlinFB Humanmedizin on May 4, 2015
level for quail. The grams of protein retained per gram of body weight gained showed a leveling off at the 24% protein level and indicated that the protein requirement was met at this point. Data for calcium and phosphorus retention were in direct relationship to feed conversion and body weight gained. Percent fat and gross energy retention were constant and appeared to be unaffected by dietary levels of protein. The effects of dietary energy on Coturnix were studied in Experiment 4. Productive energy levels of 1540 to 2400 kcal. per kg. were fed in isonitrogenous diets of 25% protein (Table 2). The productive energy was increased by 220 kcal. increments by altering the animal fat and bentonite levels used. Body weights were significantly depressed at the fifth week of age with the 1540 kcal./ kg. diet (Table 5). Growth on the other
1194
C. W. WEBER AND B. L. REID
and phosphorus retention showed a direct relationship to feed conversion and body weight gained.
REFERENCES Baldini, J. T., R. E. Roberts and C. M. Kirkpatrick, 1950. A study of the protein requirements of bobwhite quail reared in confinement in battery brooders to eight weeks of age. Poultry Sci. 29: 161-166. Baldini, J. T., R. E. Roberts and C. M. Kirkpatrick, 1953. Low protein rations for bobwhite quail. Poultry Sci. 32: 945-949.
NEWS AND NOTES (continued jrom page 1171) Dr. Lepkovsky's "many outstanding studies on basic physiological mechanisms as they relate to food intake and stress. Specifically, he has opened new scientific vistas as a result of his work on the effects of the hypothalamus (working through the central nervous system) and of various endocrine systems on appetite, satiety, and nutritional processes. Using the chicken and rat as experimental models, he has developed and published, in a recent series of papers, new and important techniques that already are very useful in understand-
ing the complex biological mechanisms dealing with the acceptance and utilization of new food products by animals and by humans." He was lauded for "his unfailing ability to stimulate both colleagues and students as a result of his personal enthusiasm. Over and above all of these accomplishments lies the high degree of affection and esteem held for him by his colleagues and fellow scientists." Dr. Lepkovsky has received a number of honors and has been called upon for important con-
(continued on page 1203)
Downloaded from http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/ at FU BerlinFB Humanmedizin on May 4, 2015
SUMMARY In young Coturnix quail fed a soybean meal diet supplemented with methionine, the protein requirement was found to be 24%. Results of these studies demonstrated a calorie (productive)-protein ratio of approximately 36-38 as adequate for Coturnix. This c/p ratio resulted in the most efficient protein retention, feed conversion and body weight gain. The fat digestion and gross energy retention appeared to be unaffected by the dietary treatments while the percent calcium and phosphorus retained were directly related to feed conversion and body weights. These results showed the protein level and c/p ratio requirement of Coturnix quail somewhere between the level required by chicks and those levels required by the Bobwhite quail, Ringneck pheasant or turkey poults.
Callenbach, E. W., and C. A. Hiller, 1933. The artificial propagation of Ringnecked pheasants. Pennsylvania Agr. Exp. Sta. Bui. 299. Czarnocki, J., I. R. Sibbald and E. V. Evans, 1961. The determination of chromic oxide in samples of feed and excuta by acid digestion and spectrophotometry. Canadian J. Animal Sci. 4 1 : 167-179. Duncan, D. B., 1955. Multiple range and multiple F tests. Biometrics, 11: 1-42. National Research Council, 1966. Nutrient requirements for domestic animals. No. 1 Publication 1345. Nutrient requirements for poultry. Nestler, R. B., W. W. Bailey and H. E. McClure, 1942. Protein requirements of bobwhite quail chicks for survival, growth and efficiency of feed utilization. J. Wildlife Manag. 6: 185-193. Nestler, R. B., 1949. Nutrition of bobwhite quail. J. Wildlife Manag. 13 : 342-358. Norris, L. C , 1935. Nutrition of game birds. New York State Conservation Dept. Ann. Report., pp. 331-338. Norris, L. C , L. J. Elmore, R. C. Ringrose and G. Bump, 1936. The protein requirement of Ringnecked pheasant chicks. Poultry Sci. I S : 454459. Scott, M. L., and R. E. Reynolds, 1949. Studies on the nutrition of pheasant chicks. Poultry Sci. 28: 392-397. Scott, M. L., E. R. Holm and R. E. Reynolds, 1954. Studies on pheasant nutrition. 2. Protein and fiber levels in diets for young pheasants. Poultry Sci. 33 : 1237-1244. Scott, M. L., E. R. Holm and R. E. Reynolds, 1963. Studies on the protein and methionine requirements of young bobwhite quail and young Ringnecked pheasants. Poultry Sci. 42: 676680.