Optimum Digestible Valine to Lysine Ratio for Meat-Type Quails from 15 to 35 Days of Age

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to estimate the dig. valine to lysine (ValLys) ideal ratio for meat-type quails from 15 to 35 d of age. A total of 385, 15-day-old not sexed quails, were randomly assigned to five treatments, each one seven times replicated with eleven quails per experimental unit. Experimental treatments consisted of five dig. ValLys ratios (0.65; 0.70; 0.75; 0.80 and 0.85). Ideal dig. ValLys ratio was estimated using polynomial regression and linear broken-line regression model. Significant effect was considered when p0.05. Feed conversion ratio was not affected by dig. ValLys ratios in any of the assessed phases. From 15 to 21 d of age ValLys ratios increased linearly feed intake, weight gain and body weight. From 15 to 28 d of age, weight gain and body weight were both optimized by the ValLys ratio of 0.77. A linear effect of dig. ValLys ratios was observed on weight gain and final body weight from 15 to 35 d of age. From 15 to 35 d of age, according to linear broken-line regression model, the dig. ValLys ideal ratios for optimum final body weight and weight gain were 0.77 and 0.76, respectively. Based on the results the estimated dig. ValLys ratio for optimum meat-type quail performance from 15 to 35 d of age is 0.77