UTILIZATION OF SWEET POTATO PEEL MEAL IN THE DIETS OF JAPANESE QUAILS (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate utilization of sweet potato peel meal (SPPM) as a dietary component in Japanese quails. Two hundred and twenty-five (225) mixed sex of twoweek-old Japanese quails were used. The treatments consisted of five (5) diets to replace maize with SPPM at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%, designated as T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively, these were laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) replicated three times with 15 quails per replicate. The result revealed a significant (P<0.05) difference in final body weights, with T1, T2, and T3 exhibiting higher final weights compared to T4 and T5. Similarly, weight gain and feed conversion ratios (FCR) were more favorable at lower SPPM Level (up to 50%). Feed and water intake increased with higher SPPM Level. Dressed weight varied significantly (P<0.05), with T1 (0%) showing the highest dressed weight of 132.60 g, which was statistically similar to T2 (25%) and T3 (50%). The total feed consumption increased with higher SPPM level, while feed costs decreased, indicating potential economic benefits. Economic efficiency was highest (17.54%) in 0% and lowest (10.41%) in 100%. The study concluded that incorporating SPPM up to 100% in quail’s diets promotes optimal growth performance, efficient feed utilization, and acceptable egg production without compromising economic returns. It is recommended that up to 50% SPPM can be included in the diets of growing quails to achieve optimal growth and feed efficiency.