EFFECT OF MUSSEL (Perna viridis) MEAL ON THE PRODUCTION AND QUALITY OF QUAIL (Coturnix coturnix japonica) EGG

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the effect of Mussel or Tahong (Perna viridis) meal on the production and quality of quail egg. There were 48 Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) utilized in the study.  The experiment was laid out in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments replicated three times.  The levels of Tahong Meal (TM) concentration in the ration of the quails varied in each treatment; T1 0% (control), T2 (10% TM), T3 (20% TM) and T4 (30% TM). The following production performance and egg quality  were evaluated in terms of Average Hen-Housed Egg Production (AHHEP %), Average Hen-Day Egg Production (AHDEP %), Average Egg Strength (AES g), Average Eggshell Weight (AEW g), Average Daily Feed Intake (ADFI g), Average Body Weight (ABWG g) and Average Feed Conversion Efficiency (AFCE g/dozen).Results revealed that the inclusion of Tahong Meal to the feeds of the laying quails had a significant impact on the Hen-Housed Egg Production, Hen-Day Egg Production, Egg Strength, Eggshell Weight, Body Weight and Feed Conversion Efficiency. Tahong meal supplies the daily calcium needs of the laying quails. However, only a maximum of 20% Tahong meal substitution can give an utmost strength of an egg. The 10% level of Tahong meal gave the highest egg production and contributed positive effect on the eggshell quality. The Mussels as indigenous shells in Panguil Bay will only be used as human foods but as a good source of calcium for the poultry egg production.