Effect of different levels of phytase supplementation on the performance of Japanese quails

Day old Japanese quail chicks (n=150) were randomly allocated to 5 treatment groups with 3 replicates of 10 chicks in each. Five iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets (T₁-T₅) were formulated, T₁ as control, T₂-T₅ contained graded levels of enzyme phytase i.e. 125, 250, 375 and 500g/ton of feed. The available P content was 0.50% in T₁ and 0.40% in T₂-T₅. Supplementation of phytase significantly (P<0.05) increased the mean body weight in all the treatment groups and highest weight was recorded in group T₄ where diet was supplemented with 375 g phytase/ton of feed. Significant (P<0.05) reduction in the feed intake was reported in groups fed diet supplemented with phytase during 22–42 d period. There was significant (P<0.05) improvement in FCR during 5^th and 6^th weeks period in all the treatment groups as compared to control. The percent N and Ca retention was more in group T₄ but difference amongst the groups were not significant. The P retention was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group T₄ and T₅ as compared to other groups. The length of duodenum was maximum in group T₄ and differed significantly (P<0.05) with all other groups. The overall cost involved in raising a bird from 0–42 days was Rs. 9.70, 9.16, 9.14, 9.10 and 9.13 in T₁ to T₅ respectively. The study revealed that supplementation of phytase at 375g/ton feed result into maximum gain with better feed conversion ratio and the diet was also most economical.