Laying Performance of Quail (Coturnix Coturnix) Influenced By Different Levels of Oyster Shell

Abstract

The study was conducted to validate the potential of locally sourced oyster shells as a calcium supplement to quail egg production. The study was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 5 treatments, replicated 3 times. The study was conducted at the Animal Village of ISUFST-SEC, San Enrique, Iloilo. Data gathered on egg production and egg quality were analyzed using the ANOVA in RCBD, while significant results were subjected to DMRT. The results revealed that birds fed 25 g of oyster shell produced the highest number of eggs and laying percentage, while 15–20 g of oyster shell resulted in heavier eggs across most weeks. Eggshell thickness was generally greater in groups fed with oystershell than in controls, with significant differences observed in selected weeks. Statistical analysis revealed that most parameters were not consistently significant across treatments, although notable improvements were observed at 15 g and 25 g. Economic analysis revealed that birds given 25 g of oystershell achieved the highest return on investment. These findings suggest that incorporation of oystershell in the diet can enhance laying performance, improve shell quality, and increase profitability in quail production, providing a viable alternative to synthetic calcium supplements.