D.S. Goswami*, J.P. Meena, J.L. Choudhary and D.K. Bagri
Department of Animal Production, Rajasthan College of Agriculture
(MPUAT), Udaipur Raj. 313001
Email: goswamiahds@gmail.com
Received-01.02.2022, Revised-20.02.2022, Accepted-24.02.2022
Abstract: The study investigated the body conformation, performance index, production and reproduction traits of Japanese quail chicks administered with different levels of Asparagus racemosus root powder mixed in their feed. A 150-day old quail chicks were randomly distributed in 5 treatments 30 chicks in each treatment with 3 replicate having 10 chicks in each and reared on standard managemental conditions. The root powder of Shatavari was added over the basal ration at 1.0% level (Ts1), 1.5% (Ts2), 2.0% level (Ts3), 2.5% level (Ts4), whereas the Ts0 was the control group. A maize, soybean and rice bran-based quail starter (0-3rd week), grower (3-7th week) and layer (7th week to 23rd week) ration having all the nutrients in the required quantity was prepared. Each of such diets was offered as mash ad libitum to Japanese quails chicks. After the trial, marked (P<0.05) overall improvements were evidenced in the form of an increase in average egg production, per cent fertility and hatchability. The mortality rate was decreased in Shatavari-treated groups and improvement was observed in body conformation of Japanese quail. The age at sexual maturity was lower in the Shatavari-treated group.
Keywords: Shatavari, conformation, production, reproduction, Japanese quail
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