Effect of Cage Densities and Betaine Supplementation on Nitrogen Retention in Quails

Abstract

Application of a high cage density would save the space but has many negative impacts such as causing stress, leads to digestion, absorption, acid-base balance and osmotic disturbances. Betaine is a compatible osmolyte which exerts beneficial functions in assisting the birds encountering the osmotic stress and has been shown to improve nutrient digestion and absorption. The objective of the experiment was to investigate the effect of cage density and betaine supplementation on N (N) retention in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). A total of 408 laying quails aged 23 weeks (average body weight of 154.6±5.0 g) was used in this experiment and subsequently 48 quails were used in the measurement of N retention. The experiment was designed to completely randomized design of factorial 3×2 with 4 replicates. The quails were allocated to 24 cages with three cage densities consisted of 40, 45, and 50 birds/m2 equivalent to 250, 222 and 200 cm²/birds, respectively, which were represented by 15, 17, and 19 birds per cage (cage area of 0.375 m²). The birds were fed a diet without or with supplementation of 0.12% betaine. The N retention was measured by a total collection method using 2 quails from each replicate. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, and when the treatment indicated significant effect, it was continued to Duncan's test. There was no interaction between cage density and betaine supplementation on N retention. Furthermore, increasing cage density from 40 to 50 birds/m² did not decrease N consumption, excretion and retention, indicating that N was absorbed according to the birds’ requirement. Betaine supplementation did not affect N consumption, excretion and retention. It can be concluded that cage density 50 birds/m² can be applied to quails, while betaine supplementation did not affect N retention in quails.