Growth and Reproductive Performance of Crossbred Japanese Quails Raised in a Humid Tropics
This study was carried out to determine the growth and reproductive performance of crossbred Japanese quail in a humid tropical environment. A total of three hundred and sixty (360) day old chicks comprising of ninety (90) crossbreds for each genotype were used for the study. Each genotype was replicated three (3) times with 30 birds per replicate. The mating ratio was 1:3. Data on growth and reproductive performance were taken for each genotype. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance in a randomized complete block design and significant means were separated using Duncan new multiple range test. The results indicate that final body weight ranged from (111.70-118.15) across the genotypes at the growing phase. PWxCB progeny outperformed other strains in final body weight and feed efficiency (169.40g and 12.49) respectively in the laying phase. Age at first egg was statistically the same 42 days among PwxCB, CB x PW and CBxCB. The highest number of eggs laid was recorded on the PWx CB strain (211.65). It can be concluded that PW x CB progenies performed best is most of the parameters measured and therefore should be selected for better meat and egg production in the humid tropical environment.
Key words: Crossbred, Humid, Growth traits, Reproductive, Strains,
