Effects of Substitution of Soybean Meal With Sesame Meal on the Performance of Japanese Quails (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica) and its Impact on Economics of these Quails Raising

Sesame meal (SSM) is locally available and relatively cheaper source of protein having an amino acid composition similar to that of soybean meal (SBM) with the exception of lower lysine and higher methionine contents. Despite its merits it has been under-utilized in quail’s diets. This study was conducted to examine the effects of substitution of SBM with different levels of SSM on production and economic performance of Japanese quails. One hundred eighty day-old Japanese quail chicks were randomly distributed into six experimental groups of three replicates of ten birds each replicate group was placed in a battery. Six of the Groups were given rations with different levels of SSM included; SSM–0 g (control), SSM–50 g, SSM–100 g, SSM–150 g, SSM–200 g and SSM–250 g including SSM per kg of rations. All Rations were fed ad libitum, records of initial body weight; weekly body weight gain and weights of feed offered, consumed and refused were kept. Dressing percentage was determined at the end of experiment. Results indicated that feed efficiency were not affected (P<0.05) in quails fed ration containing 50g of SSM, 100, 150 and 200 with higher (P<0.01) daily weight gain was observed in ration with SSM of 150g per kg of ration. Total feed consumption and dressing percentage were not affected. No significant difference was observed in all groups in terms of cost benefit ratio. It is concluded that SSM can be used as an alternative protein source in Japanese quail diets at inclusion levels up to 150 g/kg without negative effects on performance and carcass traits.