Effect of cage stocking density and season on laying performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Two experiments, one each during summer and winter season, were conducted on Japanese quail to study the effect of varying stocking densities on their laying performance and egg quality. The birds were kept in cages and provided floor areas of 120, 130, 140 and 150 cm²/bird thus providing stocking densities of 83.33, 76.92, 71.42 and 66.66 birds/m². Each stocking density was tested on two replicates. The same stocking density schedule was followed in both the seasons. Other feeding and management conditions were similar for all the birds. Both stocking density as well as season had significant (p<0.05) effects on egg production, feed intake, fertility and egg quality. Stocking density above 71.42 birds/m² significantly lowered egg production and widened FCR and mortality in birds. Higher stocking density adversely affected egg quality. The season x stocking density interaction was significant for hen day egg production and daily feed intake. The birds produced the highest number of eggs and consumed lowest amount of feed when housed at a stocking density of 66.66 birds/m² in both seasons. The interaction for egg weight, shell thickness and fertility rate was not significant. It was concluded that, considering all the economic parameters, quail layers should not be housed at a stocking density over 67 birds/m² in summer and 71 birds/m² in winter when kept in cages.